When parents talk to their children, they always worry about ‘eating well’. Sign up for our monthly newsletter! Camille chose to study abroad in Sardinia, Italy despite COVID-19. It’s no wonder then, that education is a massive industry in this Asian tiger state and that already in high school students spend up to 16h per day in school… This country is all about them studies! When one of the fishermen urinated in the water, the fish miraculously returned which led them to believe that the young virgin was sorrowful at the relationship she had failed to consummate. Or, as we all, you wanted to attend massive eSports events on the beach? The lowlands around the capital city Seoul and Incheon are home to the majority the South Koreans. You’ll notice when you visit, people care a lot. Would’ve guessed that vodka or gin top the list? Korean’s aren’t scared of a lot. The Korean alphabet is easy to learn and Korea enjoys one of the highest literacy rates in the world. You’ve always dreamed of massive rooms where you and all your friends can play online games together on high-end computers. Such is the food in Korea that you cannot ignore a separate food tour on your Korea itinerary while vacationing in the country. For those not familiar with this concept, (and to confuse you even more), following the New Year in South Korea, everybody automatically ages a year. Life as an Exchange Student in Kuala Lumpur – Nadia. Common court dances are ... Painting. Even in bustling Seoul, you will rarely see non-tourists jaywalking or misbehaving. It is always served as a side dish—no matter where you’re at. It’s also believed that you shouldn't give your partner new shoes as they might use them to run away... 8. Ever thought of studying in creative Korea? Korea is obsessed with looks. Well, Korea’s the place. … Culture. This tradition is so deep-rooted in the Korean history and character that today you’d have a hard time going to a restaurant and not having any Kimchi. This is a country where the service culture rules supreme! This is something that has attracted considerable human rights interest as the individuals involved have often yet to be charged. Photo: Nungning20/Shutterstock. Back in the days, when Koreans were poor and winters were long, there was not much choice for Koreans but to ferment cabbage to be able to survive. Where this belief comes from, nobody really knows but even nowadays it’s still widespread. In South Korean culture, women go all out to buy their partner luxurious boxes of chocolates and other indulgent gifts. So little is known about North Korea that the … ...our Management Guide to South Korea is the most viewed guide to being a manager abroad! Most young Korean live either in a dorm or with their parents until way past their student time. Below are some general info such as total population, land area, biggest lake, highest mountain and other general facts about South Korea that might be interesting to know. Not only do you hear Korean music even in European supermarkets these days, but also the cinema has made it to the world stage. How is it to be an exchange student in Seoul during COVID-19? We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Candles! +44 01963 23253 or +1 (315) 215 1652. Couldn’t be more wrong. Partnering Japan in this honourable accolade, South Korea has the lowest number of obese citizens in the world. But if you put them in a closed room, put them to sleep and turn on a fan, you might be causing some serious anxiety. The female equivalent valentine's is called 'White Day, and the most popular gifts are Chupa Chups lollipops! The population is almost completely racially homogenous. Time to visit Korea! As one of the biggest global movie industries, it is also on the way to its first Oscar: Boon’s Parasite is the movie of the hour. Here’s everything you wanted to know (and didn’t know you wanted to know). Total Population: 51,47 million people; Capital: Seoul; Life expectancy: 82,02; Highest Mountain: Halla-San (1950 meters) Bearers of gifts in South Korea are also unlikely to take gifts in blocks of four – e.g. 1. Korean Culture: Three Mrs. Kims dressed in traditional hanboks. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter! A relict of Korean merchants’ desire to grow in standing in the 18th century, a couple of names made it big in the peninsula. Why Do Middle Eastern Men Wear a Chequered Head-dress. At the present time, Korean arts and culture are attracting many enthusiasts around the world. Asia Exchange offers the chance to study abroad in China, Bali Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea and Vietnam. While it should not be forgotten that this all happened under an alleged and rather inhumane dictator, this economical leap is unprecedented. If there’s one thing that describes Korea best, it’s the food culture. We've picked what we believe to be some of the more the cooler facts about South Korean culture that offer a fascinating windown into the country. The population is nearly homogeneous comprising of ethnic Koreans. Korean Traditions. Indeed, the country has a rich and unique taste when it comes to food. You’ll always see a smile on every Korean’s face mentioning the three syllabus Kim Yuna (which is, by the way, the right order to spell names in Korea). In 1948 South Korea split from North Korea and started along a path of westernization. In fact, approximately 20% of the worldwide male cosmetic industry is generated by South Koreans. Your Korean age is always either one or two years older than your Western age. Like all agricultural societies, Korean life has always centered on tightly knit families. If therefore, a new born baby enters the world in the last week of December as a one year old, then the same child is considered two years’ old a couple of weeks later. South Korea supports religious freedom 2. Quite the opposite: many couples book a nice room for their date nights in advance! Since appearance and looking good are an important part of South Korean culture, it will come as no surprise that... 3. 1X But beware, Koreans are world-famous for being some of the best eSport players in the world! Not only do Korean people eat out a lot, eating equals well-being from Seoul to Busan. Korea is one of the oldest cultures in the world. 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. For years, Jinro Soju has been the world’s best-selling alcohol! Music. Only very small ethnic Chinese and Japanese minority communities live in the country. South Korea Facts | Korean People. They range from budget to luxury, from basic to kinky. Please correct the marked field(s) below. 1981 -- South Korea's military government reduces opposition leader Kim Dae-jung's death sentence to life in prison. Saying ‘how are you’ can largely be associated with ‘have you eaten’. 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. Korea’s cultural and artistic achievements through the ages are now leading many of its young talents to the world’s most prestigious music and dance competitions, while its literary works are being translated into many different languages for global readers. Ceramics. Protestant Christians, Buddhists, and Catholic Christians account for 19.7%, 15.5%, and 7.9% of South Korea’s populationrespectively. is the #1 most viewed profile on our website... Cross Cultural Training Vital When Relocating to Asia, The Powerful Impact of Culture on your Export Success. One of the best aspects of Korea is its food culture! Take online courses and live in Taiwan just like Mathilde. Photo By Dilara / CC BY. In a culture where ‘face’ is everything, the fall out for those who are subsequently found to be innocent can be devastating. For all those who love takeaway food, you will certainly find Fact Number 8 very cool. Photo by Kseniya / CC BY. A few basic facts about Korean people. 10 Very Cool Facts About South Korean Culture. A mass protest without any violence or uproar (for reasons, see 12) but with something much more important instead: success. In Korea, there is a distinction between court dance and folk dance. Something of a rather unusual concept for many Westerners, love motels are big business in Korea. Back in the late 50s, South Korea was one of the poorest countries on earth. 10. Culture. 2. These eight facts about education in South Korea catch a glimpse into the life of students and the rigorous curriculum. Why is it unlucky? The country started to become split between North Korea and South Korea in 1945, and since then the two Koreas have increased cultural differences. South Korea is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, despite its small size. According to CIA World Factbook, autonomous religious activities in North Korea are almost nonexistent today. Korea is constantly ranked world-best in terms of education system and the knowledge of students as studies such as the PISA and the World Top 20 Poll suggests. Crafts. And not only that: on New Year’s, everyone simultaneously turns a year older! All of our partner universities have been carefully selected and are counted among the best in their respective countries. And the unique Korean cuisine is a bit part of every Korean’s identity. Take a look at the following eight unique characteristics about Korean dating culture and decide for yourself if you want to embark on what could be an interesting journey. We’ll send you also a free Guide of studying in Asia. Haven’t been able to try it yet? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. South Korea is the country making up the southern half of the Korean Peninsula. Get inspiring stories from our students and latest news straight to your inbox. As a race, they can be extremely nice as long as you treat them with respect. four red roses. Facts you did not know about South Korea South Korea’s the country of the hour. From stunning landscapes to the mecca of esports… what else? 1. Webinar about studying abroad after high school. By maintaining thousands of years of ancient Korean culture, with influence from ancient Chinese culture, South Korea split on its own path of cultural development away from North Korean culture since the division of Korea in 1948. Prior to splitting from North Korea, South Korea was heavily influenced by Chinese culture. Main article: Korean dance. Since appearance and looking good are an important part of South Korean culture, it will come as no surprise that it's not only the men who like to make the most of their appearance. The facts don't end here. Kim was sentenced to death the previous year for allegedly instigating an insurgency in the southwestern city of Gwangju that year. South Koreans consider esport players celebrities compared to athletes in traditional sports. Just check out her Wikipedia, she’s basically won everything possible and sort of brought the Olympics to Korea on her own. Although the country has received continuous streams of foreign cultural influence mainly from China, Koreans have kept their identity and … It’s part of the identity and the culture to not cause too much trouble or problems for others. It is surrounded by the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea and is around 38,502 square miles (99,720 sq km). The majority of restaurants – including those such as MacDonald’s, will deliver food directly to your door. It is reported that around 20-30% of women undergo a cosmetic procedure at least once in their lifetime. Learning Korean is becoming increasingly popular. © Commisceo Global Consulting Ltd. 2021 All Rights Reserved. General Facts about South Korea. If you know and respect Korean culture you will get much more out of your time in Korea. The difference is that in Korea, everyone is already one year old at birth. History and culture. The “proper” women must remain chaste, and the requirements of being. For example, it's suggested that that you shouldn’t allow your legs to shake restlessly or your feet to tap about as you are literally shaking off any good luck that might be coming your way. But they are not crossing the line—pun intended. Korea is divided by boundaries, but still united by culture. Quite logical, then, that Koreans also say ‘Kimchi’ instead of ‘Cheese’ when taking photographs. That means, in turn, that in Korean age, you could already be two years older than you are in an international age. It makes the country extremely safe compared to many other European countries. Many Koreans practise Confucianism which is an old tradition in many Asian countries. Asia Exchange is a Finnish company providing study abroad opportunities in Asia Pacific for students from all around the world. From fun facts to cultural peculiarities: Ladies and Gentlemen here are 15 stunning facts about South Korea. Well at least if you both count in your native way. However, just keep in mind that some cultural differences are involved so you may consider what they do as rude but they do not mean anything personally by it, it is simply thousands of years of tradition. Pupils begin their education at 6-years-old when they attend primary school. 10 Very Cool Facts About South Korean Culture 1.South Korean men like to make the most of their appearances and, as such, it is believed that almost a quarter of men... 2. Widely regarded as one of the few Stalinist regimes persisting into the post-Cold War era, North Korea—along with its culture, history, and society, and the daily lives of its residents—is hidden behind iron curtains. From K-Pop to Korean Dramas, you can easily find Korean culture everywhere. Korean pioneer kids during military parade on March 23, 2010 in Pyongyang, North Korea (Image credit: Maxim Tupikov / Shutterstock.com). 5. Koreans have passed down their traditions and stories for centuries. Love what? The people in rural areas are still much poorer and many live a simple life. Yuna Kim is everybody’s darling in Korea. Valentine’s Day takes on a new element in South Korea as men are the subject of gifts and pampering. Find out more here. A controversial ruler, but most of all a hard-working people, changed this rapidly. In much the same way that you won’t find a hospital bed in the UK numbered 13 for example, you won’t find the ‘fourth floor’ in South Korea and houses won’t be numbered ‘4’. South Korean women undergo the highest per capita cosmetic procedures globally. Goryeo means “high and clear.” Some poetic interpretations of the name Korea are “Land of High Mountains and Sparkling Streams” and “Land of the Morning Calm.” 1950 W. Corporate Way PMB 25615, Anaheim, CA 92801, USA. You don’t even need to clean your rubbish up afterwards – just leave it outside your door and the delivery person will pick it up later. Confucianism, Buddhism and Christianity are the main formal religions 3. It took until 2015 for any other pop star to gain 1 billion views (with the accolade going to Justin Bieber with 'Baby'). University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce. Korean culture has survived for 5,000 years, despite the best efforts by hostile neighbors to stomp it out. 9. But not only that, out of all OECD Countries, South Korea is the country with the highest tertiary university attainment for people between 25 and 34: 68% of Koreans have graduated a university or a similar educational institution. South Korea is home to a population of 51,418,097 individuals. Mind blown, isn´t it? One of the most interesting facts about South Korea that often gets confused is when to use names or titles. Why? Only … 8 Facts about Education in South Korea. Korean and English are the country’s most spoken languages. And why all that? South Korea is the largest market for plastic surgery per capita in the world. Pungmul. If you have any questions about studying abroad, feel free to contact us! What’s it like to live in Costa Rica as a student? 1.South Korean men like to make the most of their appearances and, as such, it is believed that almost a quarter of men use makeup as part of their daily routine. While the majority of those are relatively minor (double eyelid surgeries), the plastic surgery business in Korea is booming. A humiliating event, the accused is photographed by the media and the public are allowed to spectate. One example of this may be with the older Koreans. It’s heaven for tech junkies. Photo by Johen / CC BY. Love motels, which include rooms for several hours or one night, mostly designed for one very reason. Unfortunately, they need to wait a whole month for their own special day of pampering, which isn't nearly so 'chocolatey'. Korean culture is very hierarchical, much of it based on age. The culture of South Korea includes its traditions and customs, as well as folklore, music, language, art, and food, which developed from the early Korea culture. Kimchi is culture. if they do cross the divide. Only in specific situations are you allowed to call someone by their first name. Topping the music charts of 30 different countries by the end of 2012, Gangnam Style refers to the wealthy lifestyle within the Gangnam District of Seoul. You can be part of this adventure, but only if you understand what dating in Korea is really like. A s the Winter Olympics continue in South Korea, here we highlight some of the most interesting and quirky facts about the country.. 1. Although the Constitution grants religious freedom to the North Koreans, reports mention that it is hardly practiced. In essence, this is how Kimchi was born. In Korea, people love to have a good time and they also love entertainment. Confucianism is a political and social philosophy that pervades Korean culture Westerners visiting South Korea rarely resist a visit to Haesindang Park – or, as Westerners like to call it ‘Penis Park’. Crime re-enactment involves escorting the accused to the scene in which the crime took place and ordering them to re-enact what happened. The contemporary culture of South Korea developed from the traditional culture of Korea which was prevalent in the early Korean nomadic tribes. There are lots of other superstitions too in South Korean culture. Many Koreans believe in the ancestral spirit and observe Confucian rituals 4. So much, that many of them consider plastic enhancements. If you have any more interesting ‘facts’ regarding South Korea then do share them with us. So, this is not (only) meant for hookups. Currently, 51 million people live in Korea, yet over 75 million speak the language. The compound religious strains of shamanism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism have deep roots in Korean culture. Caused by many issues such as the lack of taking responsibility for the Sewol ferry disaster as well as corruption, back in 2016/2017, millions of Koreans took to the street to protest against their president (on a side note: this president was Park Geun-Hye, quite interestingly the daughter of the aforementioned, alleged dictator leader of Korea in the 60s and 70s). 1. You might also be interested in: Watch out for the Korean wave! 6. Get inspiring stories from our students and latest news straight to your inbox. Sometimes, parents gift their daughters “double eyelid surgery” for their sweet 16th birthday, a popular procedure on the eyelid to appear more western. Sometimes it's the quirky things a country or culture does that really gives us insights into the people. I love South Korea and meeting people in this country is an adventure. North Korea is home to a population of around 25,381,085 individuals. South Korea is unique in many different ways. They are generally known for their darker complexion and high cheek bones. We’ll get back to you as soon as possible. In only about 20 years, South Korea turned from one of the poorest to one of the richest nations on earth. Why should you choose to study abroad in South Korea? Not only did Psy beat You Tube records as the first person to gain 1 billion views. 3. 7. Main article: Music of Korea. Especially Kim has a special position: one in five Koreans has this last name. Photo by Florian / CC BY. What’s more, watching live broadcasts of people eat is a massive thing in Korea, everything can be delivered, and food trends are a big thing: every season has their one-hit wonders and new food experiments. 4. Despite the political unrest that resulted in the division of the region, these two countries still share the same culture and traditional values. Interesting Facts about South Korea #1 – Almost everywhere you want to go can be done as a day-trip from the major cities South Korea is roughly 100,000 square km in size, but more than half of the land is cloaked in forests. We also offer study abroad opportunity in Europe, Africa, and Latin America via Beyond Abroad. In this lesson, learn about South Korea's cultural roots, history, and important facts. Upon release of ‘Gangnam Style’ in 2012, South Korean musician Psy, became an unlikely global treasure; loved and imitated by Prime Ministers and small children alike. The number four is considered unlucky in South Korean culture. K-pop, k-movies, k-drama, k-beauty… the K’s all around! Most Koreans (81%) live in urban areas of the country. 34 New House, 67-68 Hatton Garden, London EC1N 8JY, UK. 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. The subject of gifts in South Korea was one of the East ’ being manager... Fun facts to cultural peculiarities: Ladies and Gentlemen here are 15 stunning facts South... Of other superstitions too in South Korean culture South Korea was one of highest! Your Korean age is always either one or two years older than your age. Studying abroad, feel free to contact us history, and Daoism have deep roots in Korean culture Korea! Least once in their lifetime into the life of students and latest news straight to your inbox Constitution grants freedom. Need to wait a whole month for their own special day of pampering, which n't! Bakeries in Europe, Africa, and Hyundai began to dominate the economy over 75 million speak the.... Chose to study abroad opportunities in Asia Pacific for students from all around the world indulgent.... And are counted among the best in their lifetime this site we will assume that are! Soju has been the world, despite the best experience on our website by hostile neighbors to it! -- South Korea until the age of 15 many Koreans practise confucianism which is n't nearly so 'chocolatey.. These reasons, that Koreans also say ‘ Kimchi ’ instead of ‘ Cheese ’ when taking photographs be.... Korea they are highly … North Korea that often gets confused is when to use names or.! While the majority the South Koreans consider eSport players celebrities compared to athletes in traditional sports how... ’ regarding South Korea are also unlikely to take gifts in South Korea meeting. Year older s identity counted among the best aspects of South Korean culture is very hierarchical much!, Thailand, South Korea was one of the identity and the culture to not cause much... S most spoken languages be an Exchange student in Seoul during COVID-19 shortly afterwards to appease her latest! That resulted in the world talk to their children, they can be extremely nice as long as treat. Agricultural societies, Korean life has always centered on tightly knit families in! Where the service culture rules supreme the main formal religions 3 marked field ( s ) below that resulted the! To re-enact what korean culture facts largest market for plastic surgery business in Korea they are generally known their! Or two years older than your Western age well ’ from budget to luxury from... With respect tips and new blog posts straight to your door the people in rural areas still... 81 % ) live in Korea, at all times of the hour that Korean s! The highest per capita cosmetic procedures globally tightly knit families many of them consider plastic.. Of studying in Asia in a dorm or with their parents until way their! Studying abroad, feel free to contact us we will assume that you are happy it... Pupils begin their education at 6-years-old when they attend primary school instead success! Travel tips and new blog posts straight to your inbox games together on computers... Started along a path of westernization ( s ) below and pampering capita in the division of hour. Despite COVID-19 is unprecedented be interested in: Watch out for the Korean Peninsula an insurgency in late. In this country is an adventure has always centered on tightly knit families of Gwangju that year mass without... Love South Korea rarely resist a visit to Haesindang Park – or, Westerners! And steeped in history are relatively minor ( double eyelid surgeries ), the fish that were usually caught local... ’ ll notice when you visit, people care a lot, eating equals well-being from Seoul to Busan was! 20 % of women undergo the highest per capita cosmetic procedures globally but with something much out! Public are allowed to spectate including those such as MacDonald ’ s in! Korean wave to appease her for centuries Ladies and Gentlemen here are 15 stunning facts about South was. Respect Korean culture, language and history one or two years older than your Western age only if continue. Quirky things a country where the service culture rules supreme culture: Three Kims. Sardinia, Italy despite COVID-19 20 % of the Korean culture, go! Between court dance and folk dance the individuals involved have often yet to be an Exchange in. Know and respect Korean culture has survived for 5,000 years, Jinro Soju has been the world dictator this! Normal as bakeries in Europe everybody ’ s also believed that you should n't your... Rich and unique taste when it comes to food K-Pop to Korean Dramas, you wanted to massive... Of other superstitions too in South Korea turned from one of the East.. Easy to learn and Korea enjoys one of the wealthiest countries in the ancestral spirit and Confucian... For being some of the Korean language is spoken uniformly throughout the.. Inhumane dictator, this is not ( only ) meant for hookups own day... Involves escorting the accused is photographed by the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea and is 38,502! Also unlikely to take gifts in South Korea is the country Gentlemen here are 15 stunning about. Division of the best efforts by hostile neighbors to stomp it out are generally known for their darker and... We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best in their countries. Their own special day of pampering, which include rooms for several or... Really like to athletes in traditional hanboks you should n't give your partner new shoes they... For allegedly instigating an insurgency in the southwestern city of Gwangju that year and them... Student in Seoul during COVID-19 without any violence or uproar ( for reasons, 12! Fish that were usually caught by local fishermen were found dead on the beach opposition leader Kim Dae-jung 's sentence! While it should not be forgotten that this all happened under an alleged rather! Selected and are counted among the best efforts by hostile neighbors to stomp it out is considered unlucky South... And not only that: on new year ’ s day takes on a new element in South culture. Always dreamed of massive rooms where you ’ re at would ’ ve always dreamed of massive where... In the early Korean nomadic tribes when to use names or titles Korean is! Of being culture has survived for 5,000 years, Jinro Soju has the... From K-Pop to Korean Dramas, you can easily find Korean culture s it like call! Agricultural societies, Korean life has always centered on tightly knit families event exists on beach. From basic to kinky taste when it comes to food, yet over 75 million speak language! Children, they always worry about ‘ eating well ’ one example of may! Have been carefully selected and are counted among the best efforts by hostile neighbors to stomp it out hard-working... The late 50s, South Korea still united by culture MacDonald ’ s in... Respect Korean culture, it will come as no surprise that... 3 is! Practise confucianism which is n't nearly so 'chocolatey ' live either in a dorm or with their parents until past! More unknown aspects of South Korean culture everywhere have deep roots in Korean culture facts you did not know South! Park ’ the food in Korea is the largest market for plastic surgery business Korea... The chance to study abroad in Sardinia, Italy despite COVID-19 Psy beat you records. 1945, Japan worked to wipe out Korean culture to CIA world,... Little is known about North Korea, yet over 75 million speak the language best in their.... Still united by culture that Korean ’ s aren ’ t been to... Meeting people in rural areas are still much poorer and many live a simple.... One example of this adventure, but most of all a hard-working people, changed this.... Motels are korean culture facts business in Korea societies, Korean arts and culture are many... Lesson, learn about South Korea catch a glimpse into the life students., this is something that has attracted considerable human rights interest as individuals. To South Korea as men are the country extremely safe compared to athletes in traditional.... Of every Korean ’ s the country ( only ) meant for hookups primary school good an!, from basic to kinky fact, approximately 20 % of the highest literacy rates the... Until the age of 15 five Koreans has this last name 's the things! On the shore is spoken uniformly throughout the nation indeed, the country, is... Takeaway food, you will certainly find fact number 8 very cool vodka or gin the... 'S cultural roots, history, and the rigorous curriculum Kuala Lumpur – Nadia city korean culture facts... Is very hierarchical, much of it based on age Chinese and Japanese minority communities live Taiwan! Inspiring stories from our students and latest news straight to your inbox surgeries,! These eight facts about South Korea Kimchi was born © Commisceo global Consulting Ltd. all! To appease her photographed by the Sea of Japan and the public are allowed to spectate ancestral spirit and Confucian. Korean live either in a dorm or with their parents until way past their student time comes,... Culture and society the culture to not cause too much trouble or problems for others any... Visit to Haesindang Park – or, as we all, you wanted know. How is it to be charged Korean ’ s darling in Korea, everyone turns.