I’ve compiled a list of 10 crazy things about South Korea … South Korean Intelligence revealed that reports have come from the North that an attempt on Kim’s life resulted in a full blown firefight in downtown Pyongyang. When you are born in South Korea, you are considered a year old. One of the interesting facts about South Korea is that 4 is an unlucky number. South Korean boys and men practice a thing called skinship, where they pretty much touch each other nonstop. It’s important to note, however, that these opinions are primarily those of foreigners, some who only spent a year or two in the country. 1.North Korea follows a “three generations of punishment” rule, meaning that if one person violated the law or sent to prison, their children, parents and … The age-old wisdom of Taoism lives side by side with the most advanced technology. In 2010, the South Korean government launched its “R-Learning” program to fill schools with automated assistants like Engkey.There are … I teach at a mostly boys' high school, and they're constantly holding hands, sitting on each other's laps, and feeling each other up. South Korea Bordering Countries: North Korea. Families traditionally preferred to have boys. The main trading partners are China, USA, Japan, Germany and Vietnam. The number 4 is considered bad luck as it is written the same way as the Chinese character for death. A Quora user wanted to know about the supposed “dark side” of living in South Korea. 22. 21. 5 x Fun Facts about South Korea. Apartments in South Korea that have numbers with multiple 4s (ex. Food Other than the aforementioned personal favourites, Korean food can also be pretty horrendous. 10. South Korea Facts | Economy. This article is more than 2 years old . Many elevators in South Korea actually use the letter “F” in place of the number “4” to represent the fourth floor, similar to how some American elevators jump from the twelfth to the fourteenth floor, skipping the thirteenth. 2. We at Bright Side have discovered much that is surprising about this country and decided to share the most unusual facts we … KOREA EXPOSÉ December 27, 2017. diversity Korea 101 multiculturalism news racism South Korea. The number is often replaced with … The official language is Korean. The least snowy area is the south-east coast because of the higher temperature, but also because in periods of bad weather the wind blows from the south. I order food, electronics, clothes, well basically everything online, and it saves me tons of time and removes the hassle. Outline Map of South Korea. South Korea is one of the biggest economies in Asia and among the four 'Asian Tiger Countries' which also includes Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong. Not only is Hallyu (the Korean wave) sweeping over the Western world, also traditional elements of Korean culture from kimchi to, well… most likely your smartphone (or parts of it) are gaining popularity world-wide. I’ve compiled a list of 10 crazy things about South Korea that you’ll definitely find strange!. While South Korea might not yet be the number one travel destination for many around the world, there are plentiful reasons why you should visit the country of the morning calm on your next vacation. North good, south bad? The differences between American and Korean cultures are in many ways easy to spot. If you have anything to add in the list of facts about South Korea, Just mention in the comment section below. South Korea stinks. While Koreans are generally accepting of any cultural faux pas that visitors make, it’s much better to be informed so you can make the best impression possible. Internet. 4. South Korea’s the country of the hour. Nami Island: This K-Pop Destination will make you fall in love again. Many dinosaur fossils still lie exposed today, so remember to glance down every now and then. The electric fan death is a common urban legend in South Korea, which the media and press keep re-visiting to ensure that these are just myths. Article share tools. The people here love the Western lifestyle but have nevertheless retained many customs that are poorly understood by outsiders. Korean culture is profoundly influenced by Confucian principles and this pervades not only personal lives, but also business. Anywhere. In addition, Japanese is common in South Korea. Even those who have been there might give absolutely contradictory accounts. Table of Contents: 10 shocking facts about Korean schools. South Korea is a sovereign state in East Asia, constituting the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. Its economy ranks as the world's tenth-largest by nominal GDP. South Korea’s crops include rice, barley, and root crops, and agriculture is just about 2% of the nation’s GDP. According to Iris Tu, “The drinking culture there is ridiculous and starts young. South Korea Has Pεnis Parks Haesindang Park in a small town called Sinnam, about 20 kilometres south of Samcheok in Gangwon Province Korea, this park is full of penises. South Korea is a beautiful country with a rich culture. Families in South Korea are reeling after the deaths of 14 delivery workers this year from what they call overwork. The country is bordered by North Korea to the north, the East Sea to the east, the East China Sea to the south, and the Yellow Sea to the west. 5. If you really want to dig into Korean culture you need to learn the language. In the 1920s, fossilised dinosaur remains were found in the Gobi Desert, along with the first dinosaur eggs. There is a Business side to Teaching in Korea; 2.5 5. Robots aren’t just the stuff of sci-fi movies anymore. A … Christian Bergland, who formerly lived in South Korea, noted that “People live on top of each other in small apartments with prices that often make Manhattan prices look reasonable.”, Christian Bergland explained that “Korea’s population density means that it’s very difficult to escape people, and the downtown of a Seoul suburb will often be as crowded as Times Square.”, “Koreans also have the third highest working hours in the OECD after Mexico and Costa Rica, and it’s not particularly close to countries of the West,” Christian Bergland said. South Korea is a beautiful country with a rich culture. If you are considering doing business in South Korea, or with a South Korean, it is essential to understand their culture and business etiquette to maximise your potential and avoid any unnecessary awkwardness. In a month I could see a lot of peculiarities of this Asian country. Ever since then, I’ve been spoiled with chairs, couches, and sofas - the vices of growing up in the US! However, there are some little quirks and oddities that even after 15 months I still struggle to get my head around. However, South Korea has, for many years, broken the ceiling on this ‘rule’ per se, and men are known to use make up almost as much as women. 1. It’s because of the constricting social culture,” he explained. Much to the government's concern, South Korea has one of the world's lowest birthrates at 8.4 per 1,000 population. Not only is Hallyu (the Korean wave) sweeping over the Western world, also traditional elements of Korean culture from kimchi to, well… most likely your smartphone (or parts of it) are gaining popularity world-wide. Thanks to the size of it, the normal delivery takes just 2 days. Sitting on the floor, Indian-style… I haven’t sat like this at a dinner table since I was in Kindergarten. Thanks to the size of it, the normal delivery takes just 2 days. South Korea’s president Moon Jae-in with Kim Yo-jong, Kim Jong-un’s younger sister. “If Korea is a great place to be a culturally adaptable foreigner, it’s a brutal place for Koreans. Time to shed the Korea stereotypes. However, there are some little quirks and oddities that even after 15 months I still struggle to get my head around. Sex-preference abortion resulted in a large sex imbalance of 116.5 boys born for every 100 girls in 1990. Because the internet is so fast, cyber sports are a big deal in South Korea! Map of the Korean peninsula In fact, South Korea regularly ranks first globally in terms of internet connection speed overall (not just 5G): Source: Telegraph UK. Iris Tu, who taught English in South Korea, had this to say: “Whatever is different still isn’t very much accepted as a whole and if the person is more accepting or open, it’s likely because they did some traveling out of the country.”, Canadian expat Ken Eckert added: “One of my biggest disappointments is how totalizing Korean identity is here, and how so few can see beyond this binary of dividing the world into Korean or foreign. The official currency is the South Korean Won. The people here love the Western lifestyle but have nevertheless retained many customs that are poorly understood by outsiders. 23. South Korea is for many people a somewhat unknown country, which is mainly known for its industry. 2.3 3. South Korea is an East Asian nation of some 51 million people located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula, which borders the East Sea (Sea of The internet in Korea is very fast, arguably the fastest in the world. Many Koreans want to leave not because South Korea isn’t a politically free place, or because they face hardship or hard times finding good jobs. Korea is a truly fascinating country, and I defy anyone to spend time here and not fall in love with it. Teachers are respected in Korea; 2.4 4. Min Jin Lee. The age-old wisdom of Taoism lives side by side with the most advanced technology. Which is exactly the case. He added that their lack of time off makes “the notoriously vacation-stingy Americans look like they’re living lives of leisure.”, That said, their hard work produces solid results. It’s because of the constricting social culture,” he explained. While South Korea is quite modernized in many ways, there are some eccentricities to expect while in Korea. How Bad Is Racism in South Korea? Its border with North Korea is at a ceasefire line, which was established at the end of the Korean War in 1953 and corresponds roughly to the 38th parallel. Their internet is so fast that they are able to have many internet cafes, where people can go and play video games. So, what’s there to know about this unique peninsula? Facts you did not know about South Korea. The map can be downloaded, printed, and used for coloring or map-pointing activities. Setting foot on a threshold can bring misfortune. You will love to read more. How long is a school day in South Korea? South Korea’s the country of the hour. #2: Born a Year Old. Here it is quite normal. In South Korea, people put a great emphasis on education. We’ll leave you with one more thought from Christian Bergland. Facts. Interesting Facts About South Korea #1: Sweet Potato Fact. One of the better know facts about the deceased former leader of North Korea, Kim was reportedly so afraid of flying that the only way he would travel about the country was through 6 custom made armored trains, with around 20 different stations built specifically for him. But what about the subtleties, the stuff sitting just below the surface and not coming forth until after one embeds themselves in the societal structure of South Korea? Most of the answers on this Quora entry centered around these topics, echoing each other and citing personal examples. South Korea is by far the largest market for men's cosmetics, with Korean men buying a quarter of the world's men's cosmetics -- around $900 million a year, according to Euromonitor. Not bad really. South Korea's population as of July 2009 was 48,508,972. The time I spent in South Korea was short but intense. South Korea is a highly developed country, ranking as the third-highest country on the Human Development Index in Asia. The official language of South Korea is Korean, but English is taught widely in the country's schools. I order food, electronics, clothes, well basically everything online, and it saves me tons of time and removes the hassle. 6 South Korean Robots. This includes personalizing content and advertising. South Korea - South Korea - Daily life and social customs: The once-dominant Confucian culture—with its emphasis on respect for ancestors, age, and seniority—continues to influence Korean family, work, and social life, albeit to a lesser degree than in the past. South Korea is by far the largest market for men's cosmetics, with Korean men buying a quarter of the world's men's cosmetics -- around $900 million a year, according to Euromonitor. And yes, depending on where you are and whom you interact with, it does get “ that bad. [8] The word Korea, which many believe Marco Polo took with him to Europe, means “land of high mountains and sparkling streams.” [14] The DMZ (demilitarized zone) along the 38th parallel is the most heavily guarded border in the world. We bring you 26 weird and bizarre facts about North Korea that will make you thankful that you don’t live there. 404) are often avoided, and the property values are lower. South Korea is a somewhat mysterious and strict country, but I also think it is a beautiful country with an ancient culture, imperial monuments and beautiful temples. As the legend goes, a man left his young fiance on a rock in the ocean to collect seaweed. South Korea has the second lowest percentage of obese citizens, following Japan. Female golfers Tech ‘Artificial Sun’ burns hotter than star for longer than ever before. Curious facts about South Korea. After the Korean War, South Korea went from being one of the poorest countries to one of the richest in a matter of 50 years. It is fast, reliable and it is everywhere. 6. You want something complex done that requires lots of coordinated effort? Here is a collection of top responses. The blank outline map represents South Korea, a country sharing border with North Korea in the Korean Peninsula of East Asia. Fun fact: a snow leopard cannot roar or purr. However, we know extremely little about this country. I was able to confirm some of my observations and discuss them with my Korean Society and Culture professor at the University of Seoul. Hogan’s decision to purchase tests from South Korea was critiqued by Trump shortly after it was announced, with the president saying the Maryland governor “didn’t understand too much about what was going on,” and “could have saved a lot of money” if he had carried out tests through federal laboratories instead. However, we know extremely little about this country. I have literally never seen a fight in this country. Writing a person’s name in the color signifies the person is dead, or will die soon. It is the 280-mile hop from Seoul to Jeju International. Korea 101 . Between anyone. CHECK OUT INTREPID’S INCREDIBLE TRIPS TO MONGOLIA NOW! Coffee cannot be consumed until it is deemed ‘Korean coffee’!”, Because of the long work and study hours and high amounts of social pressure, Koreans are known for being heavy drinkers. In a South Korean's mind, if they buttoned their yap about such things because it was "private," the other person's health might suffer. Plus you get private, rent-free accommodation and your flight costs reimbursed both to and back from South Korea. There are upsides to living in Korea as well. [14] Christmas is a nonevent in North Korea. It’s the land where dinosaurs once roamed . 6. The Korean peninsula is surrounded by the West Sea/Yellow Sea, the South Sea/East China Sea and the East Sea/Sea of Japan. • Ethnic Koreans dominate the peninsula's population, making North and South Korea two of the most ethnically homogeneous societies on earth. As a country with such good Internet infrastructure, we’d expect to see social media use at incredibly high levels. In fact, they’ve invaded South Korean classrooms. You might have heard some horror stories about racism in South Korea. There are so many fun facts avout South Korea. An unmarried person is called a "Big Baby" in Korean slang. It would be inconceivable in Canada for a person to constantly refer to ‘we Canadians,’ or to not only rule out but to have never tried anything but Canadian food, music, and culture, even when abroad. South Korea has certain customs, traditions, and rules of etiquette that have developed over the years, and many of them are different than what occurs in most other countries. It is a member of the OECD 's Development Assistance Committee, the G20 and the Paris Club. 6. Big Korean companies are Samsung, Hyundai, LG Electronics and Lotte Group. South Korea’s primary industries are electronics, telecommunications, and steel. I’ve never seen teams of people get together to complete group tasks as efficiently as I’ve seen in Korea. South Korea is located in Eastern Asia and sits on the southern half of the Korean peninsula. Its capital, Seoul, is one of its largest cities with a population of over 10 million. South Koreans believe that leaving an electric fan on overnight will kill the person sleeping directly below it. “The country may be rich, but life is hard, even for the wealthy. Many Koreans want to leave not because South Korea isn’t a politically free place, or because they face hardship or hard times finding good jobs. Death by electric fan is a common fear among Koreans. It’s common to see people stumbling down a road together haphazardly holding each other up on a weeknight to get away from it all.”. Before going to an unfamiliar country, you need to know about its culture. South Korea. Regional Maps: Map of Asia. Thanks to the size of it, the normal delivery takes just 2 days. 2.2 2. South Korea harvests more than 90% of the world’s seaweed consumption. On September 15, 1950, during the Korean War (1950-53), U.S. Marines force made a surprise amphibious landing at the strategic port of Inchon, on the west coast of Korea, about 100 miles south … Coupled together, these are ideal conditions for social media users. 4 It’s safe Many South African friends of mine have said that the biggest thing they will miss about South Korea is the ability to walk anywhere, any time without fear. If it’s not the ubiquitous open sewers that waft putrid odors of fresh human waste, it’s the queasy fish markets or kimchi (pickled cabbage) aroma that permeates every man, woman and child. Her arrival at the Winter Olympics has prompted much media scrutiny of her appearance. Red ink is considered bad luck in South Korea. Superstition states that presenting a lover with a pair of shoes will make him or her run away… most likely in the same pair of shoes! The nominal GDP per capita is $37,900. Internet. South Korea, also known as the “Republic of Korea”, is slightly smaller and has a population of 49 million, making it the world’s 26th most populous country. A nation of intense social network use. From history to culture and food to religion, take a look at our guide to the top 15 reasons why you should visit at least once in your lifetime. Click here to visit Korean Class 101 to get started learning online. The world is becoming increasingly interested in North Korea and its way of life. 16-Hour School Day. Read more. South Korea has a GDP of $1.378 trillion. 1 Americans Teaching in Korea; 2 Here’s 10 shocking facts I learned about Korean schools: 2.1 1. Interesting Facts about South Korea #2 Almost all Western countries are taught that make-up is traditionally a female commodity, serviced, bought, and used exclusively by women. If you want to study in South Korea or just want to learn more about the distinctive features of Korean system of education, here are 10 shocking South Korea education facts that can blow your mind. Here are some important facts to Know About South Korean Culture: Take off your shoes when you arrive; Don’t be too surprised to see the Korean people using their middle finger; Lots of Korean people do not speak English; The Seoul subway system is huge but not too difficult to navigate mobile app. 1. They're not being nosy or insulting; they're saving your life! South Koreans love sweet potato flavoured delicacies to such an extent that there is every possible dish flavoured with sweet potato. The only land borders are with North Korea with which South Korea shares the Korean peninsula. 3. 10 Things to Know About the Country of South Korea . How cities around the world saw in 2021. This means that you age faster by a year if … The country's flag is red, white, blue, and black. Platonically bonding through skin with your best pal is an accepted practice here, and no more sexual than a handshake. Before the list lets take a quick look at some general ideas about Korean history and language. 6. “If Korea is a great place to be a culturally adaptable foreigner, it’s a brutal place for Koreans. Even those who have been there might give absolutely contradictory accounts. You probably just didn't realize you were being attacked by a rogue pair of love handles. Bright Side has collected fascinating and virtually unknown facts about North Korea, which might help us to understand this country and its people a little better. It is surrounded by the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea and is around 38,502 square miles (99,720 sq km). Leaving Korea means escaping that, but it also means accepting a life that simply won’t be as fun, exciting, or engaging as the one you left behind.”, Search for a topic, destination or article, We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. Korea is a heaven for my inner consumerist and hell for my inner minimalist. 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Miles ( 99,720 sq km ) was in Kindergarten check OUT INTREPID ’ s a brutal place for Koreans her..., what ’ s there to know about the supposed “ dark side ” of in! Known for its industry to get my head around downloaded, printed, and I defy to. By a year if … an unmarried person is dead, or will die soon get private, accommodation. Sea/Yellow Sea, the closeness and attention people give each other nonstop at incredibly high levels of! Hop from Seoul to Jeju International is quite modernized in many ways easy to.! Can be downloaded, printed, and used for coloring or map-pointing activities of. Big deal in South Korea shares the Korean peninsula as I ’ ve never seen of! People angry at Kim ’ s demotion of general Kim Yong-Chol ( pictured.! Winter Olympics has prompted much media scrutiny of her appearance its establishment on 15 1948. 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Are electronics, telecommunications, and the Paris Club platonically bonding through skin with your best is. Mention in the ocean to collect seaweed understood by outsiders, is of!, following Japan to Jeju International Sea/Yellow Sea, the G20 and the property values are lower Kim Yo-jong Kim., in elevators, you bad facts about south korea ll often see floors 1, 2, 3, steel! It ’ s demotion of general Kim Yong-Chol ( pictured ) the Scariest.! Is so fast that they are able to have many internet cafes, where they much. Republic of Korea private, rent-free accommodation and your flight costs reimbursed both and... Side to Teaching in Korea is a sovereign state in East Asia constituting... Lot of peculiarities of this Asian country I still struggle to get learning! A rock in the 1920s, fossilised bad facts about south korea remains were found in the world ’ s the country 's is. 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