The Land of the Morning Calm: 10 Fascinating Facts About South Korea

As a K-pop fan, you must be familiar with songs such as “No More Dream”, “Psycho”, “Blood, Sweat, and Tears”, “Boy With Luv”, “Feel Special”, etc.?

South Korea, also known as the Republic of Korea, K-Pop Nation, Tech Powerhouse, K-Beauty Hub, etc., is an Asian country known for its vibrant pop music industry, innovative technology industry, and world-renowned beauty products.

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South Korea covers an area of ​​38,750 square miles and has a population of over 52 million. Seoul is the capital and largest city.

There are some little-known facts about this tiger-shaped country that might surprise you and make you want to know more about its rich culture and history.

From delicious food to stunning scenery, here are seven things you might not know about South Korea.

Also Read | Beyond the Bamboo Curtain: 7 Shocking Secrets of North Korea

Korean age calculation

The Korean age system differs from that of the West in that individuals are considered one year old at birth and age one year older on New Year’s Day.

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This means that Koreans are typically one or two years older than Westerners.

Death of electric fan

Many Koreans share a common fear: “death by electric fans.” Koreans believe that sleeping with an electric fan on can be fatal because they worry that the air from the fan will take away a person’s vitality or breath while sleeping.

In response to this superstition, many electric fans sold in South Korea are equipped with timers that automatically turn off after a set amount of time.

unique greeting ceremony

If you see your friends or colleagues after a long time, you might ask them “How are you” or “How are you?”

In Korea, however, people will ask “Have you eaten rice?” (밥먹었어?) which is a cultural expression of care and concern for health rather than a literal inquiry about someone’s dietary status.

150+ kimchi varieties

You may have heard the word “kimchi” in many Korean dramas or K-pop idols’ vlogs. This is a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables (usually cabbage and radish) and seasoned with chili peppers and other spices.

There are more than 180 different types of kimchi, which goes far beyond what people generally think of kimchi. It is known for its unique flavor and health benefits, such as being rich in probiotics and vitamins.

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Here are some of the most common types:

• Baechu Kimchi (배추김치): The most popular type, made from Chinese cabbage and seasoned with chili peppers and other spices.
• White kimchi (백김치): A non-spicy kimchi that does not contain chili peppers and usually has a fruity and sour flavor.
• Kkakdugi (깍두기): radish kimchi cubes known for their crunch and slightly sweet flavor.
• Chonggak Kimchi (총각김치): Made from horsetail radish, this kimchi is popular for its unique shape and flavor.
• Oi Sobagi (오Shoulder): Cucumber pickles, often stuffed with seafood and spices.
• Dongchimi (동치미): A watery, non-spicy kimchi made primarily from radish, usually enjoyed in the winter.
• Yeolmu Kimchi (열무김치): Made with young summer radish, this kimchi is refreshing and slightly spicy.

Spam Gourmet

If someone told you there was a Korean dish called “Spam,” what would be your first reaction? This has nothing to do with spam—in fact, it’s a popular dish made from canned meat that was first introduced during the Korean War.

Spam is usually fried or grilled and served with rice or noodles. It’s a key ingredient in Korean dishes like budae jjigae (army stew) and is even popular as a gift during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving).

Tipping is not allowed

When paying for a meal in Korea, especially if you are from the United States, be careful to pay the exact amount and not leave a tip.

Tipping is often seen as an insult because employees are well compensated and do not rely on tips to supplement their income. It’s better to just pay the bill and not add anything extra.

15 other interesting facts about South Korea

1. South Korea produces more than 90% of the world’s seaweed, which is a staple in many Korean dishes.
2. South Korea has strict waste disposal laws; improper sorting can result in fines, and specific garbage bags must be used for disposal.
3. Jaywalking is rare; even when the streets are clear, Koreans strictly adhere to pedestrian signals.
4. South Korea has the fastest Internet speeds in the world, with more than 80% of the population using high-speed broadband.
5. South Korea has more smartphones than people, and the average Korean spends about 12 hours a day on screens.
6. People have inhabited the Korean Peninsula for at least 10,000 years, with rich historical roots dating back to ancient kingdoms such as Silla and Goguryeo.
7. Hanbok is a traditional Korean clothing characterized by bright colors and simple lines, worn on special occasions such as weddings and festivals.
8. South Korea has a thriving coffee culture, with numerous themed cafes ranging from animal cafes to cafes specializing in unique brewing methods.
9. Writing someone’s name in red ink is considered unlucky as it is associated with death.
10. The number four is considered unlucky because it sounds similar to the Korean word for “death.”
11. South Korea has about 3,000 volcanic islands, forming a diverse geography and ecosystem.
12. South Korea has 21 national parks that showcase its natural beauty despite the pressures of urbanization.
13. Koreans are known for their strong work ethic and tend to work long hours compared to other countries.
14. South Korea has unique museums such as the Robot Living Museum, Trickeye Museum, Mr. Toilet (Haewoojae Museum), and Poopland, which reflect its unique culture and creativity.
15. South Korea has one of the highest literacy rates in the world, reflecting its strong emphasis on education.

Also, if you have purchased anything in any store or restaurant in Korea, it is considered polite to use both hands when giving or receiving money. This gesture shows respect and is a common practice in Korean culture.

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Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion