K-pop, K-drama, Korean cuisine, Korean cosmetics, and more. Due to the rapid spread of the Korean surge, it is impossible to avoid hearing or seeing anything associated with Korean culture. From social media to billboards, restaurants, stores, and markets, everything from Korea can be seen. This is why it is no longer surprising that so many people desire to visit South Korea or acquire the Korean language.
In this article, we will introduce you to some fascinating facts about South Korea and its inhabitants.
South Korea consists of nine provinces
You may have heard of some of these provinces while viewing Korean dramas.
- Jeju
- North Jeolla
- South Jeolla
- North Chungcheong
- South Chungcheong
- Gangwon
- Gyeonggi
- North Gyeongsang
- South Gyeongsang
The beauty of nature and urban areas can coexist
You can simultaneously appreciate the natural and urban splendors of South Korea, which is another of the country’s astounding qualities. When you’re in the city, you don’t have to travel hours and miles to appreciate the scenic beauty of nature. In large cities such as Seoul, a few palaces were formerly the imperial family’s residence. Additionally, you can enjoy a day hike or the shore.
South Korea is known as the world’s plastic surgery capital
Want to enhance your physical appeal with surgical procedures? Indeed, South Korea was the first country that came to mind. Due to the strict Korean beauty standards, it is very common for Koreans to endure cosmetic surgery. Consider the Korean celebrities and K-pop stars. The majority of them appear differently prior to and after their debut. Probably due to these astounding outcomes, South Korea has been dubbed the “Plastic Surgery Capital of the World.”
Eyelid surgery is the most common cosmetic procedure in Korea. It is a common sixteenth birthday gift request among South Korean adolescents. In addition to double eyelid surgery, South Korea is renowned for a variety of cosmetic procedures, including rhinoplasty, zygoma reduction (reduction of the cheekbone), fat transplantation, body contouring, and mammoplasty.
The largest department store in the world is located in South Korea
Did you know South Koreans are compulsive shoppers? Indeed, it is one of their hobbies. Restaurants and bars close around 11 p.m., whereas some retail malls typically open later. It is therefore not surprising that Shinsegae is the largest department store in the globe. Even if you are not from South Korea, you will be enticed to overspend because they accept large credit card holders.
All South Korean males are required to serve in the military
One of the most challenging aspects of being an admirer of a male K-pop idol or celebrity is when they enlist. Between the ages of 18 and 28, all males in Korea are required to serve in the military. They must serve for a minimum of 18 months. Those who refuse to enter, whether for personal or religious reasons, will be placed in detention.
New Year’s Day is for families, while Christmas is for couples
Seollal, or the Korean Lunar New Year, is one of the largest celebrations in South Korea. During this time, urbanites travel to their rural homes to be with their families. In contrast to countries such as the Philippines, where Christmas is a time for family, Americans typically observe the holiday with their significant other or with friends.
Men wearing makeup is natural
Let’s be honest: South Korean males, particularly K-pop idols, are likely one of the reasons why wearing makeup such as eyeliner, lip gloss, highlighter, and foundation has become commonplace in contemporary society.
Twenty percent of South Koreans share the surname Kim
Kim Soo-Hyun, Kim Seon Ho, Jennie Kim, and Kim Da-mi. These are only a few of the millions of South Koreans with the surname Kim. During the ancient Korean civilization, the surnames Kim, Lee, and Park were reserved for royalty and the privileged. In contrast, after 500 years of Joseon’s rule, Koreans began to adopt surnames and adopted these three main surnames due to their royal origins.
The Korean cuisine is crave-worthy
Who wouldn’t want Samgyeopsal, Bulgogi, Bibimbap, and Tteokbokki when they see them? These are merely a few of the famous and delectable Korean dishes that will make your mouth water. As a consequence of the Korean wave, the popularity of Korean cuisine has increased rapidly across the globe. Even if it’s just ramyeon or instant noodles with Kimchi, it’s impossible to avoid cravings when viewing Korean dramas.
Another intriguing aspect of Korean cuisine is that dishes are comprised of multiple components. In addition to the main course, which is typically meat or seafood, there are numerous side dishes, soups, and stews. A Korean supper is always a celebration.
Culture in South Korea Includes Group Blind Dating
Do you recall the scene from Reply 1988 in which Bo-ra and Sun-woo were set up on a blind date by their coworkers? Evidently, blind courting is commonplace in South Korea. Going on a blind date to locate a partner is acceptable, but you shouldn’t have high expectations for the first date. If the initial effort was successful, you can move on to the next step.
There is internet censorship… and not just at your workplace
Although South Korea is a democracy, the South Korean Government still regulates what internet users can and cannot view in the country.
As someone who spends nearly all day, every day on the internet, I cannot say that I would be particularly thrilled about this. However, it appears to be relatively simple to circumvent the censorship by using proxy servers to access restricted websites, so don’t let the censorship prevent you from traveling to South Korea! It is worth the cost.
Sleep deprivation is (extremely) prevalent
While sleep deprivation is a worldwide reality in certain industries, it is typically limited to a small number of industries and is not a significant part of any culture.
During your time in South Korea, if you ask individuals how many hours they sleep on any given night, you will more often than not hear “six hours a night.”
The majority of scientific organizations recommend eight to nine hours of sleep per night; therefore, South Koreans are technically sleep deprived! However, because it is so common, unless you expressly bring up sleep, you won’t hear people complaining about how tired they are.
There are only so many hours in a day, and you’ll have so much to do and experience during your trip that you may find yourself leaning toward obtaining six hours of sleep each night.
Heat rises from the floor
During the colder months, the majority of contemporary homes in the Western world are equipped with central heating systems that circulate warm air through metal ducts concealed within the walls.
Most South Korean residences are heated through the floor, as opposed to sending heat through vents.
In South Korean homes, there are pipelines immediately under the floor, and heat travels through these pipes to warm the apartment or house above. This system guarantees that your feet are always toasty on chilly winter mornings; what’s not to like?
As a result of this disparity in heating systems, you will frequently find Koreans lounging on the warm floor during the colder months.
Delivery of food is treated very seriously
If you enjoy ordering food for delivery, you will fall in love with South Korea’s food delivery system. South Korean food delivery can be deemed among the best in the world.
Whether you order from a Korean barbecue restaurant or a fast-food restaurant, your meal will likely be delivered by a worker on a motorcycle.
The greatest thing about the motorcycle is that it allows them to squeeze between cars and weave through traffic, so they’ll get to you much faster than if they were delivering your food on a vehicle with four wheels.
One of the unique characteristics of South Korean food delivery is that once you’ve completed your meal, you can leave the dishes outside your front door, and the person who delivered your food will return to collect them. That is what we call excellent service!
Order delivery at least once while in Korea to see what all the commotion is about; most restaurants are open late at night for delivery, so if you’re looking for a snack after a night out, you don’t even have to leave your apartment.
The internet in South Korea is lightning quick
You’ve undoubtedly experienced the frustration of slow internet at some point, regardless of your location. Whether they result from a remote location or recurring issues with your internet service provider, internet connectivity issues can be extremely inconvenient and make anyone irritable.
Thus, you are in for a virtual delight when you travel to South Korea! South Korea has, on average, the quickest internet connection speed, significantly outpacing every other country.
While in Seoul, visit an internet café to experience super-powered internet. (Or don’t, if you fear being envious when you return home!)
Hairstyles say much
Instead of basing their hairstyles on personal preference or what is “in style,” South Korean women have only about three options based on their age and relationship status.
If a girl has long hair, she is unmarried; if she has short hair, she is newlywed; and elderly women have perms.
Blood types is influential
The belief that a person’s blood type influences their personality and character traits is one of the most intriguing aspects of blood types in South Korea. Since your companion’s blood type may not be compatible with yours, blood types can be used to select a partner.
Women with blood type B, for instance, should seek out men with blood type O. Also acceptable are men with blood type AB, but avoid those with blood type A! Although this is not universally acknowledged, visitors to South Korea should anticipate hearing about it.
Belief in electric fan-caused demise
According to a long-standing urban legend that originated in South Korea, leaving electric fans on while sleeping in a room with the windows and door closed will result in mortality. It is believed that the fan reduces body temperature and causes hypothermia.
In addition, Koreans claim that inhaling in a room with a fan can be difficult and lead to choking. Due to these beliefs, automatic termination timers on ceiling fans are considered a life-saving feature in South Korea.
In South Korea, it is essential to avoid endeavoring to persuade those who do not share this view, despite the fact that some do. Even if you provide scientific evidence to substantiate your claim, superstitious Koreans are likely to be skeptical.
Black day: A day dedicated to singles
South Korea has a special day for singles, which is an intriguing fact about the nation. Japan and South Korea have a common custom of honoring Valentine’s Day twice. South Korea takes it a step further by devoting a special day to all single individuals. This auspicious occasion is celebrated annually on April 14 and is known as Black Day.
On this day, single Koreans gather in black attire and enjoy jjajangmyeon, a special dish of black bean paste-coated noodles. Multiple locations host competitions in which singles partake with great zeal to alleviate their loneliness. On this day, cafes see an increase in sales of black coffee, and even companies that provide matchmaking services take advantage of this trend. If you are unattached, you may wish to attend this South Korean event.
Land of alcohol consumers
South Korea is one of the world’s top consumers of alcohol, which is an intriguing fact about the nation. If you enjoy drinking, you will enjoy South Korea, as it is likely that you will discover vintage and exotic wines and beverages here. As one of the most avid consumers in Asia, it is deeply ingrained in Korean tradition and culture to celebrate most events and occasions with alcohol. In addition, alcohol consumption in public is completely legal in South Korea, so don’t be astonished if you see people carrying and drinking their favorite beverages while out and about.
Soju, a transparent, colorless alcoholic beverage that is very similar to vodka, has had the greatest impact on making South Korea the land of alcohol enthusiasts. Soju is also known as the national beverage of South Korea, and it is traditionally brewed from rice, wheat, or barley. The alcohol content of Soju can range from 12.9% to 53.0%.
In conclusion
Korea is a fascinating location with many distinctive qualities. Numerous amusing truths about this country distinguish it from other Asian nations. It’s not just about the cuisine and culture, however!