Interesting facts about South Korea in brief. Interesting facts about South Korea and Koreans
South Korea is a mysterious Asian country - what is it like? Some people fly there to buy a new car, while others fly there to go skiing. Haven't been there yet? Then our list of interesting facts.
- Korea is a paradise for shopaholics: there are stock hypermarkets, shopping areas, and local markets. All Koreans, without exception, buy famous brands. And meeting a granny here wearing Ray Ban glasses and a Prada bag is the standard.
- High prices for alcohol do not stop locals from going to a bar after work and having a drink with friends. It is curious that Koreans do not consider themselves a nation prone to drinking, but in the evening you can meet many drunk people on the streets of Seoul.
- Koreans are active in sports, but especially love baseball and golf. This is due to the enormous influence of the United States in the early 20th century on Korea.
- It was in Korea that LG and Samsung appeared, which greatly affected the lifestyle of local residents. Children, youth, old people constantly hang out on their phones.
- In the land of gadgets, phones are sold under contracts: you can buy an iPhone for a hundred dollars and pay $25 every month for communication. But if you don't have a Korean ID, you won't be able to buy anything. These are the cyber security rules: residents are allowed up to 5 smartphones, those with a residence permit - 2, foreign students - 1.
- Korea loves nature very much and every piece of land in the concrete jungle of Seoul turns into a green park. In general, there are more than 20 national parks located in the country’s territory of only 100,000 square kilometers.
- South Korea has a large concentration of workaholics: every Korean is given 14 days a year to rest, and after 2 years of work, you can accumulate 25 vacation days. Only more than half of the population cancels vacation due to work. Here the most important thing in life is education and career.
- Koreans are great dance lovers: they dance in the subway, on the streets, in shopping centers.
- Koreans eat a lot and variety, almost not limiting themselves to one dish. At the same time, meeting an overweight Korean is very rare.
- There are no stray dogs in Korea. Local residents prefer small pocket dogs and, contrary to myths, do not eat dog meat.
And now is the time to find
South Korea is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage. Today, the centuries-old wisdom of Taoism coexists with innovation. And, despite their love for the Western way of life, its inhabitants have retained many customs that are incomprehensible to us.
10 facts about South Korea: interesting and downright strange
She was once named one of the most promising in the field of innovation by a Boston consulting group. Agree, not bad for a state that has been on the world stage since 1948. It is curious that with such results the country does not lose its “interesting” traditions.
- Alcohol. An interesting fact about South Korea is related to drinking alcohol - for them it is a fairly important part of the culture, helping to get to know each other better. Therefore, at least once a week, residents of the country always get together with friends to have a glass. Such gatherings even have their own name - hoesik. However, when it comes to alcoholic beverages, there are rules. For example, if the person pouring the drink is older, then you should hold the glass with both hands.
- Red ink. Each society has its own superstitions: if Europeans bypass black cats, then residents of the Land of Morning Freshness hate red ink. They believe that a name written in this color will bring misfortune and even death to its owner. This unusual fact about South Korea is associated with ancient tradition. Previously on tombstone The name of the deceased was written in red, believing that this would scare away demons.
- Proper handshake. When Bill Gates met with President Park Geun-hye, the country's residents were shocked by the American's behavior and gesture. The fact is that during the handshake, Bill's hand was in his pocket, which is unacceptable. Good manners and respect for the traditions of another country, despite their financial status, have always been held in high esteem. Therefore, if you encounter a Korean older than you, do it with both hands.
- Education. Students and schoolchildren in Korea are very smart. According to statistics, 93% of students graduate from university, which puts the quality of education in the country second in the world. What is this connected with? Thanks to private institutions (hagwons), children have the opportunity to study many subjects, ranging from mathematics to belly dancing or taekwondo. On average, the country's parents spend up to $17 billion a year on their children's education. But this technique also has its drawbacks. Firstly, only rich families can afford education, while the poor are content with little. Secondly, classes at hagwons are held in the afternoon, which means that children attend school twice and come home tired.
- Which is better: Japan or Korea? If there are many examples of friendly rivalry in the world (Australia - New Zealand) or bellicose (India - Pakistan), then these Asian countries are the “golden mean”. Even if they don't point at each other nuclear weapon, relations between them are always tense. This fact about South Korea and Japan is due to the fact that in the past the latter had bad habit- penetrate into the territory first. Decades later, the situation has, of course, changed, but Koreans believe that the Japanese have still not officially apologized.
- Discussions about skirts. It's strange to see so many bare legs in a conservative country. But miniskirts are the norm in South Korea. Even a business woman can wear an outfit that barely covers her butt to a business meeting, and no one will regard this as vulgarity.
- An amusement park with a toilet theme. There are many strange attractions in the world, but this place in South Korea literally outdoes them all. A park with an "interesting" theme located in the city of Suwanee has been opened in honor of the beloved ex-mayor, nicknamed Mr. Toilet. The official was obsessed with sanitation and his main goal was to provide the population with good toilets and teach them how to properly maintain them.
- Plastic surgery. Everyone wants to be beautiful, especially South Koreans. According to the results of a survey conducted back in 2009, every fifth woman in the country has gone under the knife. Basically the requests are the same: V-shaped chin, small nose and big eyes.
- Bullfights. No, we are not talking about a red rag or a bullfighter. In Korea cattle fights Ranchers are constantly on the lookout for good "fighters." More often they choose massive ones, with a thick neck and long horns. The fight ends when one bull leaves the arena. The winner receives a cash prize, and the loser goes to drown his sorrows in rice wine.
- Terminator jellyfish. Perhaps the most interesting fact about South Korea, more reminiscent of a science fiction film script. The oceans are teeming with jellyfish, so a group of scientists created a robot specifically to combat them. Due to the invasion of marine animals, the country lost 300 million dollars, and in Sweden it was necessary to close a nuclear power plant. In this regard, the Koreans have created and are actively using terminator jellyfish that destroy real ones. Now the robot is capable of exterminating up to 900 kg of marine animals, but soon, according to scientists, the figure will reach 2000 kg.
Traditions and customs
The house is a sacred place, so special attention is paid to cleanliness, where dirt and, especially, disorder are completely unacceptable. It is customary to be indoors without shoes (barefoot) or, in extreme cases, in socks. If in summer period rule does not cause discomfort, then in winter it is required additional heating. Therefore, when building houses they use modern technologies in the form of a heated floor.
Another interesting fact and custom of South Korea is associated with the ceremony of remembrance of ancestors - Chere. According to Korean belief, the soul does not leave immediately, but remains with the descendants for another 4 generations. Therefore, the deceased is also considered a family member, and New Year, Thanksgiving Day and Death Anniversary, the Chere ceremony is performed. Koreans also sincerely believe that if their ancestors bless them, then life will be happy.
The next interesting fact about South Korea is related to gestures. When you call someone over, raise your hand, palm down, and wave, moving your fingers. Never make this gesture with your palm up, much less index finger- only dogs are called that way in the country.
Facts that prove South Korea is beyond our understanding
Residents of the country are especially careful about oral hygiene, since dental services are very expensive. It is customary here to brush your teeth after every meal, and you can often find a brush in your handbag. Besides, in toilet rooms Some establishments always have a free disposable teeth cleaning device.
The next interesting fact about South Korea and Koreans is based on statistics. Many residents are myopic, so they wear glasses or contacts since childhood. This fact gives the impression that they are all born with poor eyesight. But that's not true. As stated earlier, Koreans are very smart and most They spend time studying, immersed in their favorite gadgets. It is worth noting that not everyone is concerned about the disease. For example, Lim Dong Hyun (two-time Olympic champion) sees only 20% of normal. But the irony is that a man is competing in an archery competition!
Korean cosmetics have long captivated Western and domestic fashionistas, but here everyone uses it, regardless of gender or age. Korean women carefully monitor appearance hair and skin, so they buy an incredible amount of products. They never go out without makeup. Young Koreans also care about their appearance. It is almost impossible to see a man with a sloppy or disheveled hairstyle on the street.
Contrary to popular belief, few people in South Korea have tried dog meat. Moreover, the movement to abandon traditional dish. There was widespread support from young people who had been brought up to treat animals as friends. By the way, government policy also does not encourage the consumption of dog meat.
Now about In any city in the world, there are cafes, bars and restaurants at every turn, but the speed of service in Korea is simply amazing. The order is delivered literally within 10 minutes, and some establishments even send delivery people again to pick it up dirty dishes. Here, instead of the usual “How are you?” They will ask you, “Did you eat well?”, and skipping any meal for a Korean is akin to a sin.
Let's talk about sexual touching. If in Europe two men holding hands are considered representatives of the LGBT movement, then in Korea everything is different. Society is extremely disapproving of a couple of opposite sexes demonstrating feelings in public. But playing with hair or sitting on a friend's lap is quite acceptable for men.
Korea is the cradle of eSports. Early 2000s computer game Star Craft has become a real cult. Esports players are real stars. Thousands of fans come to meet them, and stadiums with large screens are allocated for the games. And this, in turn, is another interesting fact about South Korea: a computer game is a real sport, for which players spend many sleepless nights while training.
And a few words about compulsory military service. According to the law, every Korean must undergo 21 months of military training. This iron rule is observed regardless of the social status of the resident. Only those who are incompetent and those who defend the honor of the country in the international arena can excuse themselves. For example, football players Ki Sun-young (Swansea) and Park Ji-sung (Manchester United) were exempted from military service.
Start of a relationship
If in Russia and many other countries first love is most often met at school, then in the Land of Morning Freshness this is more difficult. An interesting fact about life in South Korea is that for every child, school always comes first. And if hyperactive children manage to start relationships at school, then for the rest there is simply no time for amorous affairs - from 9 to 5 classes, then electives, tutors, classes... When to fall in love?
But when you enter university, everything changes. Studying is not so hard, so many students live for their own pleasure: on Fridays they get together with a group and drink soju, join hobby groups and clubs. Exactly this best time, because after graduation, almost all of them will work from morning to late evening for many years.
Therefore, romantic relationships among young Koreans begin during their university studies.
What then
Continuing the story, here are a few facts about South Korea related to further development:
- The first date is already the beginning of the relationship, and after the meeting ends, the guy and the girl “officially” become a couple. In addition, she always comes to the meeting with an older friend in order to look advantageous against her background.
- After a while, "witnesses" are not needed and lovers can walk around holding hands, but kissing and hugging in public is inappropriate in Korea.
- Another trend for couples is the same style. The phenomenon is called Couple Look - clothing stores make good money from it.
- An important date for lovers is the hundredth day from the date of their meeting. Girls expect from guys not flowers and sweets, but designer jewelry, clothes, cosmetics, shoes, and bags. According to one Korean blogger, a gift costs an average of $800.
- To move on to a closer relationship, the couple must date for at least a year.
Family matters
It's time to learn the facts about relationships in South Korea.
Home warms hearts, and every person should have a family. The opinion of the oldest family member is dominant. Not a single South Korean would dare to create a new family without the consent of the older generation and parental blessing. Of course, now freedom of action is much wider, but neither a boy nor a girl can do without the guidance of a mother and father. Excessive parental control, on the contrary, is welcome.
The main priorities are inextricably linked with the family hearth. Previously, several generations of relatives lived together in traditional small houses. But times are changing, and they have been replaced by spacious apartments. The only thing that has remained unchanged is the statutory rules.
When meeting parents, names are not mentioned - only “mom” and “dad”. This appeal is connected with another interesting fact about South Korea. According to legend, the meaning of the name, having great weight, influences fate, making a person more vulnerable. Therefore, the inhabitants have their names Asian country called extremely rarely.
Family relationships in South Korea have always been characterized by mutual respect and understanding. Despite the fact that a woman has the same rights as a man, the responsibilities between spouses are clearly delineated.
The wife is responsible for coziness and comfort, keeps the hearth, resolves disagreements, and the man, being the head, ensures the existence of the family. However, despite his authority, he never interferes in home improvement issues and conflict resolution. Even in the most difficult situation, the husband always remains on the sidelines.
About children
Another interesting fact about South Korea is related to the birth of a child. Since the country has a unique calendar, the baby is born at the age of one. This is due to the fact that the child spends 9 months (almost a year) in the mother’s womb. But that's not all. On the first New Year (January 1), another one is added to the baby. Thus, the children here are as much as 2 years older than their actual age.
To combat discrimination, the government passed a law according to which both son and daughter are considered equal heirs, therefore the attitude towards the gender of the child is neutral. But Confucian traditions were still preserved. According to this, special attention is paid to the eldest.
The world of show business
For many years the country was famous for its "slave contracts". This fact about South Korea is related to the popular mainstream K-pop. For example, a former member of the group Super Junior said in 2009 that the owners of SM Entertainment did not allow him to go on sick leave when he was diagnosed with gastritis and kidney problems.
And this is not the only such case. Major labels justify their actions by saying that if a young performer really wants to become popular, he must overcome all difficulties - sleep no more than 4 hours a day, not start a relationship while the contract is valid, not go on sick leave, and much more.
Bad number "4"
An interesting fact about South Korea, based on superstition. Residents have a “special” attitude towards the four. The problem is that the transcription of the number 4 is consonant with the word death.
Superstition has reached the point that in buildings after the third floor there is immediately a fifth. It's not even in hospitals. Agree, few Koreans would want to be treated on the floor called “death,” especially if the disease is dangerous.
In some elevators, the "4" button is replaced with the English letter F (four). However, in everyday speech the number four sounds without exception.
Let's go back to the past
And finally, I would like to give a few historical facts about South Korea:
- “Taehan Minguk” 대한 민국 - this is what the residents call the country, but most often the abbreviation Hanguk, and sometimes Namhan, is used in conversation.
- The word "Korea" comes from the name of the state "Koryo", which existed in 918-1392.
- The history of North and South Korea began in 1945, when the Soviet-American agreement was signed. According to the agreement, the first came under the jurisdiction of the USSR, and the second - the United States.
- Although it lasted until 1953, there was no official announcement of the end of hostilities.
- The older generation of Koreans does not like the Japanese, as the country's colonization policy rising sun has not yet been forgotten.
There are many interesting and extraordinary nations living on our planet, each of which is unique and inimitable in its own way. However, if relatively much is known about some in Russia, at least at the level of stereotypes, then almost nothing is said about others. For example, offensively little is known about Koreans...
Interesting Facts about Koreans, by the way, concern their entire lives. More precisely, that it is completely regulated. Tradition prescribes food in each season, clothing, and typical activities. In the summer, for example, they always eat hot soup... but to try it in January or February is unthinkable for a Korean.
However, the soup is just a small thing. In summer, if it rains, Koreans eat spicy noodles; if there is a bucket, then you can’t eat it at all. Moreover, during the summer months you are supposed to watch horror films (to shiver and cool down, apparently).
The Korean attitude towards tanning is radically different from the European one. Just imagine: it’s a hot sunny day, and it seems like it’s time to leave a minimum of clothes. But no, in general, that’s when everyone pushes it to the maximum. You walk down the street, all you see are long sleeves, hats with long visors or even masks; people do not walk along the streets, but quickly run from one place to another, in such a way that there is as much shade as possible along the way. There is not a single window where the blinds are not closed; the curtains are closed on all buses.
There is nothing surprising about this. Until recently, by historical standards, people all over the world tried to avoid tanning in every possible way. He was a symbol of tension physical labor on outdoors(and therefore low social status, weak intellectual development). Korea, in which traditional ideas of this kind are preserved to this day, has practically become a “reserve” of the anti-tanning tradition.
It must be said that traditionalism in many respects is not a minus, but a plus of Korean society (including for tourists). Criminal crime, including murder, robbery, theft, and drug trafficking, is almost exceptional here. Cases of car theft become newspaper sensations.
As in Japan, Koreans avoid the number four because it sounds the same as the word for death. What they almost never eat is dairy products, which are a delicacy on the Korean Peninsula.
Since, according to the same traditions, the left side is honorable, then road traffic is on the left. It is interesting that in Korea there are three hundred surnames, and many thousands of given names.
Many traditions are associated with shoes. For example, upon entering a house, it is immediately removed; and on New Year's Eve they hide it. If the “spirit” walking around the house at this time takes away the shoes you like in some mystical way, then the whole next year will be unsuccessful.
1. Korea is a very safe country. A girl may not be afraid to walk alone in a residential area at night.
2. Major crime cases such as murder are considered unprecedented and are covered on local news for weeks.
3. The best time to visit Korea is spring, when the cherry trees bloom, and autumn, when the leaves on the trees turn yellow. In winter it is very cold and windy, in summer it is incredibly hot, humid and rainy.
4. The territory of the country is very small, so civilization has penetrated into all its corners. It is impossible to get lost in Korea.
5. The most popular sport in Korea is baseball. Everyone plays it, from young to old; almost everyone has a baseball bat. Baseball games, especially big ones, are always sold out.
6. In second place in popularity is golf. It is played by middle-aged men. And when they reach old age, all Koreans go to the mountains.
7. Walking in the mountains is one of the favorite pastimes for Koreans.
8. 90% of Koreans are nearsighted and have to wear glasses or contact lenses. Glasses have been worn since childhood.
9. Absolutely all Koreans use Internet Explorer. They have no idea about other browsers, and what’s more, most don’t even know what a browser is. Korean sites, accordingly, are made only for Explorer; in any other browser, not a single Korean site will work correctly. 
10. To open Google, many Koreans first open naver.com (this is a Korean search engine and not only), type “Google” in Korean into the search and then click on the link.
11. Koreans love coffee very much, and coffee shops are found here at every turn. After lunch or dinner, be sure to have a cup of coffee.
12. Free Internet can always be found: in any institutions, cafes and even on buses.
13. The most hardworking people in the world are the people of South Korea - according to Forbes.
14. Domestic product is highly supported in Korea, so many imported products such as toothpastes, gum, sanitary pads, chips, etc. cannot be found.
15. Agriculture- one of the most important sectors of the economy.
16. Dentist services are very expensive, so all Koreans carefully monitor their dental hygiene. They brush their teeth after every meal and coffee, often carry a toothbrush with them in their bag, and in some establishments you can find free brushes right in the toilet.
17. Education is given almost the most important role in the life of any Korean. Koreans study from early morning until late at night, regardless of the day of the week, and use the holidays for additional courses or independent study.
18. There is no such thing as a vacation in Korea. There are a few days, usually in early August, when many workers take time off to relax or travel abroad.
19. There are two major national holidays: New Year's Day lunar calendar and the autumn festival, when Korea is closed for three days. There is no more time for rest.
20. Teacher in the state educational institution Only the president himself can fire him. This profession is extremely respected and highly paid.
21. Overweight Koreans are very rare.
22. Korean women take good care of their skin and hair and use a huge amount of cosmetics and beauty products. Korean women do not go out without makeup.
23. Despite all the cleanliness on the streets in Korea, it is very difficult to find a trash can.
24. All Koreans sing well and therefore love karaoke.
25. Everyone has cell phones, even homeless people.
26. Any phone can be borrowed for two years.
27. In Korea, the height of shopping begins after 7–8 pm and in some areas continues until late at night.
28. When the first night of the new year arrives, all South Koreans hide their shoes. They believe that at this time the spirit comes and tries on all the shoes that it comes across. If the spirit chooses a pair of shoes according to its own taste, it takes it for itself. It is believed that in this case the owner of the boots will suffer bad luck throughout the year.
29. Every single guy is required to undergo military service, unless he is disabled.
30. There is a cult of food in Korea. Instead of “how are you?” Koreans ask “Did you eat well?”
31. Koreans eat a lot and variety. Kimchi and other snacks are required at the table. Lunch is rarely limited to just one dish.
32. About anything korean dish any Korean will tell you that it is incredibly healthy.
33.
In Korea, dairy products are chic.
34. Koreans are very generous and sympathetic people. They will definitely want to pay for your lunch and will never refuse help.
35. In Korea, it is customary to greet janitors, bus drivers and cleaners, in general, everyone. You show respect to your elder, and it doesn’t matter who he works for.
36. In elevators multi-storey buildings there is no fourth floor (the word "sa" - "fourth", also sounds like "death"), so it is usually designated by the letter "F" or the third is immediately followed by the fifth floor. The basement is designated by the letter "B".
37. Most married Korean women do not work while raising children.
38. All older women look the same: the same short hairstyles, the same clothes, the same hats. 
39. There are no stray dogs in Korea. Few people keep large dogs either, but it is very fashionable to have a small pocket dog; bright colors and dress in funny clothes.
40. Contrary to popular stereotypes, very few Koreans have tried dog meat.
41. Foreigners in Korea are divided into two categories: exchange students and English teachers.
42. Koreans prefer to sit on the floor than sit on a chair or sofa. 
43. Either the weather forecast is never wrong, or Koreans always carry an umbrella in their bag, but a Korean cannot be caught off guard by rain.
44. In Korea, floods often occur due to rainfall.
45. The wallet of any Korean is filled with business cards and various savings and discount cards and coupons.
46. Koreans listen mostly to Korean music. From Western performers they listen to what is fashionable.
47. Korean music is mainly pop music, boy bands and girl bands, which are no different from each other. 
48. For each song, each musical group has its own dance, which fans know by heart.
49. There are no squares in Korea. There are only areas in front of some buildings.
50. In many bars you can’t just drink beer; you must order snacks to go with your beer.
53. In Korea, pedestrian traffic is on the left - according to Korean tradition, driving on the left is more appropriate. The left side, according to Korean customs, is an honorable side, so Koreans will always try to pass you on your right side.
54. When meeting people, the first thing Koreans do is find out their age. This is important for future communication style. If the interlocutor is at least a year older, you should address him in a polite manner, be respectful and helpful.
55. Koreans are often tactless when asking personal questions like “do you have a boyfriend?” or “why aren’t you married?”
56. In Korea you can smoke almost everywhere. Signs prohibiting smoking are often simply ignored.
57. It’s rare to see a girl with a cigarette on the street. There are generally few girls who smoke and they only smoke in bars and clubs.
58. You can drink alcohol on the street. Koreans often have impromptu picnics with alcohol and barbecues in the most unexpected places.
59. Koreans often laugh for no reason, in response to any phrase or the most unfunny joke. They are especially happy when a foreigner speaks Korean.
60. In Korea, almost no one calls anyone by name or says “you” or “you.” There are many special words for addressing, for each case of kinship and relationship.
How they do it:
South Korea is a country with quite great history and rich traditions, however, you will agree that literally five years ago in Russia many did not even think about its existence.
And now, just look around, Korean videos are broadcast on television, Korean goods are capturing the market, Korean technologies are ahead of many countries, and you and I use Korean cosmetics and watch dramas! Would you like to know more about the country that is so actively trying to get closer to us? We have selected as many as 60 interesting facts for you, thanks to which you will get to know South Korea better. Let's start!
beauty
1. Korean women wear a lot of cosmetics. Very. A lot. If you try to count the number of products for evening care, you will get about ten of them: makeup removing oil, cleansing foam, scrub or peeling, face mask, toner, essence, lotion (yes, this is not the same as tonic ), serum or emulsion, cream, sheet mask and, finally, an overnight mask. Just imagine how much time and money Korean women spend on personal care!
2. Lovers of Korean cosmetics in Russia are sure that nothing can be better than Tony Moly, Etude House, The Skin House and other Korean brands. But Korean women do not notice their happiness and dream of owning the coveted jars of L’oreal and similar brands! The fact is that imported products in Korea are more expensive than their own, and therefore the mass market for us is approaching “luxury” for them.
3. Guys and men also like to take care of themselves. If European brands limit themselves to the production of men's lines with shaving and cleansing products, then Korean brands do everything for men that they do for women - from facial wash to BB and CC cream. And, by the way, carrying a mirror with you is just as common for Koreans as it is for Korean women.
4. In cases where cosmetics are not enough, Koreans and Korean women resort to plastic surgery without any hesitation. “Plastic surgery” in South Korea is the same as for us, for example, going to the hairdresser is a common thing. The phenomenon of plastic surgery “as a gift” to children from their parents upon graduation from school or university is also considered common.
5. It’s hard to believe, but every fifth Korean woman has already managed to make herself plastic surgery. And the most popular operation is to change the shape of the eyes.
6. To avoid spending on dentists, which in South Korea can hit the pocket quite hard, Koreans take very good care of their teeth. And if you can find anything you want in a Russian girl’s purse, then in a Korean girl’s purse you can find anything you want, including a toothbrush :)
7. Koreans rarely suffer from excess weight, and the main advantage of almost all Korean women is slender and thin legs.
8. Speaking of legs. Korean women love and often wear minis - this is not considered something shameful, but wearing a dress or blouse with a large neckline is no longer permissible.
9. Koreans and Korean women take care not only of their faces, but also of their bodies. One of the favorite rituals in Korea is visiting a bathhouse. In Seoul alone there are about 3,000 bathhouses or, as they are called in Korea, jimchilbans.
10. Appearance is almost in the first place for Koreans. If you look tired and shabby, they will certainly tell you about it, but not to insult you, but solely to help you :)
Food
11. One of the main passions of all Koreans is food. They love to eat tasty and a lot. If you order a dish in a cafe or restaurant, it will probably come with several additional appetizers and salads.
12. Products in Korean stores are quite expensive, so it is often cheaper to eat in cafes and restaurants than to cook yourself.
13. Koreans love to bargain, for them it is something like an integral part of the shopping process! If you know the language and find yourself on the market, then be sure to try to reduce the price of the product you like, if only for the sake of interest, rest assured, you will be able to get the desired product 3-5 times cheaper.
14. If you find yourself in South Korea and want to drink tea, it will be problematic to do so. There is practically no tea there, as we understand it, and instead of it, Koreans usually drink decoctions of various herbs.
15. But here you can find coffee at every step; Koreans adore it.
16. Restaurants and cafes can be divided into four categories: Korean, Japanese, Chinese and European. The most expensive and prestigious ones are Japanese ones, followed by European ones, and Chinese and Korean ones you can find both very expensive and very simple eateries.
17. Tipping is not customary in South Korea, and attempting to do so can greatly offend the waiter.
18. Koreans love to drink and there is even a special ritual called “hoeshik”, according to which colleagues should gather at a bar after work and drink together once a month or even more often. If you refuse to drink on “hoeshik”, then you will be considered a person with oddities :)
19. The main product on the Korean table is rice. It is used as a side dish, and regular rice porridge with water is often eaten instead of bread to take the edge off the spice. Rice must be eaten to the end, and if you leave it on the plate, you will be considered a very ill-mannered person.
20. In Korea it is customary to slurp. Koreans don’t even think about the fact that this might look indecent, because in this way they show the cook that they really liked the dish. Of course, it’s not customary to do this intentionally loudly and provocatively :) But chewing with your mouth open or talking until you’ve chewed the food , is considered bad manners just like ours.
Life style
21. One of the manifestations of friendship for Koreans is touching. Don’t be surprised if you see guys on the streets of Korea patting each other on the shoulder, fiddling with their hair and even giving each other a light neck massage :)
22. In Korea they like to make noise; there it is not customary to complain to the police about neighbors who listen to music loudly. Loud advertising on the streets is also within normal limits.
23. South Korea is a fairly safe country; here you can walk through remote neighborhoods late at night without fear.
24. Popular sports are baseball and golf. Baseball is played by children and adults, while golf is fun for middle-aged people. Another view physical activity, which all Koreans love to do - go to the mountains.
25. When to go to Korea? Depends on what you want to do. If you are a ski lover, then winter is... perfect time, if you prefer to bask in the sun, then go on a trip in the summer, as there are many beaches in South Korea, and if you just want to admire this country, then plan your trip in the spring, when sakura blooms everywhere, or in the fall, at that time when the leaves turn yellow.
26. If you decide to write a letter or postcard to a Korean, then put red ink aside, as it is believed that the name written with it will bring trouble and even death to the person.
27. Respect for elders is the most important thing in Korean etiquette. Before going to this country, you should carefully study all types of requests so as not to find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.
28. Serving in the army in Korea is considered prestigious, so many K-pop stars go to serve even despite their career.
29. Another interesting fact about the Korean army: there is no deferment for Korean students, but those who have only primary school education are not accepted into the army.
30. Young couples in Korea cannot just decide to “live together”, as this is considered immoral. Those who dare to do this will be condemned not only by their elders, but also by their peers. A couple can move into the same apartment only after the wedding.
Education
31. To get an education in South Korea, you will have to pay a tidy sum; it is really expensive. By the way, unlike Russia, legal education is much less popular in South Korea.
32. Education is taken very seriously in this country. Even the school day is more like a work day, since along with all the classes, additional, but practically obligatory, clubs and courses it ends late in the evening.
33. The academic year in a Korean school is divided not into quarters, but into semesters and, accordingly, schoolchildren rest not four, but twice a year: in the summer from mid-July to the end of August and in the winter from mid-February to early March.
34. In almost all Korean schools, students wear uniforms.
35. Physical education is not considered a compulsory subject in many schools in South Korea; it is usually introduced as an additional discipline.
36. Koreans study in elementary school for 6 years, in middle and high school - for 3 years. Then you can go to college for 2 years, and then to university for 4.
37. Although you can study at school for only 12 years, you will not be able to literally become a “twelfth grader.” The fact is that after 6th grade primary school is the first grade of high school and ends, respectively, after the 3rd grade of high school.
38. Exams at Korean universities are a serious test. It even goes so far that newspapers publish reminders so that girls do not overdo it with perfume and do not wear shoes on high heels so as not to distract yourself and others from fateful exams.
39. A unique form of our Unified State Exam is also available in Korea. Almost all exams and tests are taken in the form of tests and students just need to remember a huge list of correct answers.
40. The high school program in Korea prepares the student for further study in a specific specialty, however, it is not necessary to complete it.
Job
41. Koreans are very hardworking. The school daily routine continues at work - the working day begins at 7.30-9.00 depending on the company and ends late in the evening. Although officially the working day should last until 18.00, many Koreans try not to leave before their boss.
42. By the way, it is customary for only men to wait for their bosses to leave; women can leave earlier.
43. A 30-day vacation for Koreans is an unaffordable luxury. Some companies literally force their employees to go on vacation for one or two weeks, as stubborn Koreans refuse to rest in order to prove their professionalism to their superiors.
44. Living in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is quite expensive, so many who work in this city buy housing in the suburbs, where everything is comparatively cheaper, but saving money comes at the cost of travel time.
45. There are only 11 official days off in Korea.
46. If public holidays fall on Saturday or Sunday, they are not moved to Monday, so some years are especially difficult for Koreans.
47. Koreans spend their single weekends with their families - they go to visit each other or go out into nature together.
48. It is difficult for bank employees to stay in one place for a long time. The fact is that many bosses believe that in 2-3 years an employee has too many acquaintances and connections and they become higher for him than the interests of the company.
49. Competition in South Korea is very strong. If an employee nevertheless decides to go on a long vacation, then when he returns, he will most likely find his place occupied.
50. Even in small family business the same applies strict rules, as in large corporations: exactly the same long working hours and exactly the same short vacations.
Family
51. A marriage proposal in Korea is usually made purely formally, when a restaurant has already been booked and a guest list has been drawn up. Why then do this at all? Everything is simple - to please the future bride :)
52. Wealthy families hold two weddings - in European style and in traditional Korean.
53. The head of the family in Korea is always a man, this is not discussed.
54. A husband and wife should not quarrel and scold friends in the presence of older relatives.
56. Even within a family circle, it is not customary to address each other by name; this amounts to an insult. There is a special respectful treatment for each family member.
57. A pregnant wife is treated very carefully in a Korean family; all close relatives try to look after her and show all possible care. But the meeting from the maternity hospital is not as festive as in Russia.
58. It is customary for children in Korea to be greatly pampered; they are not denied practically anything, but in return they are required to give a lot of effort in terms of their studies.
59. Children are raised mainly by mothers, since fathers spend most of the day at work and return closer to night and communicate with their children mainly on weekends. However, the father is still the authority for the child.
60. In Korea, the husband’s parents are called “in-law” in relation to the child, and the wife’s parents are called “external”. But these are just names; usually both “relative” and “external” grandparents communicate with children equally enthusiastically
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