So many people are curious about South Korea. Some think, Korea is only about K-pop and K-drama, well, they couldn’t be totally wrong. I want to share some interesting or shocking facts about South Korea. It’s all about perspective. Let’s dig in!
Change of name
In many cultures, when a woman is married, she changes her maiden name to her husband’s. it is not so in Korea. In Korea, the woman continues to bear her father’s name while the child only gets the last name of the husband.
Koreans age from the womb
An intriguing fact about Koreans is that they are one year old at birth. The logic behind this is something I am still trying to grasp. However, one explanation is that the child stays in the womb for 9 months which is almost a year and automatically becomes one year old at birth. There is a system for calculating this, but it can vary with the lunar calendar. When asked your age, the simplest way is to state the month and year you were born.
Hierarchy
Korea is a hierarchical society, much of which is based on age. There are names for different people, I was shocked that the word ‘aunt’ had different words in Korean depending on the relationship. so, calling someone by the first name rather than the title isn’t allowed especially if they are older.
The Drinking Culture
Another interesting facts about South Korea is a strong drinking habit. The most consumed alcohol is Soju. It has about 19% alcohol content and is commonly drank with main meals. It is common to find drunk men on the subway or by road staggering and mumbling strange words.
Cards are the new currency
In most developed countries, you find a high usage of credit cards and South Korea isn’t any different. credit cards are accepted almost everywhere. (Although some local market traders do not transact with cards, aside from this, every other transaction is).
Brothers at war
Although the two sides of Korea agreed to a truce in 1953, they haven’t still made up. South Korea is completely safe, however, if you visit the DMZ, you will notice a bit of tension there.
Toilet paper
Tissue paper offered at house warming in korea
Moving into a new apartment in South Korea, don’t bother to buy toilet paper. Some landlords gift toilet paper to their tenants as they move in. If you are hosting a housewarming party, you might receive that too.
Cosmetic obsession
It’s fun experimenting and transforming your face for special occasions. Makeup helps those that are insecure with parts of their appearance feel confident. It is a known fact that Korea is the makeup citadel of the world. What isn’t known is that both men and women are obsessed with makeup. It was strange for me when I first moved here seeing men all made up. Now, I am used to it.
Plastic surgery is the new normal
Due to the high aesthetic standards especially to women, plastic surgery is considered normal. It is not uncommon to see a South Korean teen get plastic surgery before college. Plastic surgery is affordable which makes it accessible.
South Korea is an interesting country, what is the coolest fact you’ve learned.
