South Korea is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage. Today, the centuries-old wisdom of Taoism coexists with innovation. And, despite the love of the Western way of life, its inhabitants have preserved many customs that are incomprehensible to us.
10 facts about South Korea: interesting and frankly strange
Once, the Boston consulting group called it one of the most promising in the field of innovation. Agree, not bad for a state that has been on the world stage since 1948. It is curious that, with such results, the country does not lose its “interesting” traditions.
- Alcohol. An interesting fact about South Korea is related to drinking - for them it is a rather important part of the culture, helping to get to know each other better. Therefore, at least once a week, residents of the country must gather with friends to skip a glass. Such gatherings even have their own name - hoesik. However, when it comes to alcohol, there are rules. For example, if the person pouring the drink is older, then you should hold the glass with both hands.
- Red ink. Every society has its own superstitions: if Europeans go around black cats, then the inhabitants of the country of morning freshness hate red ink. They believe that the name written in this color will bring its owner misfortune and even death. This unusual fact about South Korea is associated with an ancient tradition. Previously, the name of the deceased was written in red on a tombstone, believing that this scared away the demons.
- The correct handshake. When Bill Gates met with President Park Geun-hye, the people of the country were shocked by the behavior of the American and his gesture. The fact is that during the handshake, Bill's hand was in his pocket, which is unacceptable. Good manners and respect for the traditions of another country, despite their financial status, have always been respected. Therefore, if you have to shake hands with a Korean older than you, do it with both hands.
- Education. Students and schoolchildren in Korea are very smart. According to statistics, 93% of students graduate, which puts the quality of education in the country in second place in the world. What is the reason for this? Thanks to private institutions (hagwons), children have the opportunity to study many subjects, from mathematics to belly dancing or taekwondo. On average, the country's parents spend up to $ 17 billion a year on training their children. But this technique also has its drawbacks. Firstly, education is affordable only for rich families, while the poor are content with small ones. Secondly, classes at hagwons are held after lunch, which means that children attend school twice and come home tired.
- Which is better: Japan or Korea? If in the world there are many examples of friendly rivalry (Australia - New Zealand) or warlike (India - Pakistan), then these Asian countries are the "middle ground". Even if they do not send nuclear weapons at each other, relations between them are always heated. This fact about South Korea and Japan is connected with the fact that in the past the latter had a bad habit - to infiltrate the territory of the former. Decades later, the situation, of course, changed, but the Koreans believe that the Japanese have not yet officially apologized.
- Discussions about skirts. It is strange to see many bare feet in a conservative country. But miniskirts are the norm for South Korea. Even a business lady is allowed to put on a business meeting attire that barely covers the fifth point, and no one will regard this as vulgarity.
- Amusement park with a toilet theme. There are many strange rides in the world, but this place in South Korea has literally surpassed everyone. An interesting theme park located in Suwoni was opened in honor of the beloved ex-mayor, nicknamed Mr. Toilet. The official was obsessed with the sanitary equipment and its main goal was to provide the population with good toilets and to teach them the proper maintenance.
- Plastic surgery. Everyone wants to be beautiful, especially South Koreans. According to a survey conducted back in 2009, every fifth resident of the country went under the knife. Basically, the requests are the same: a V-shaped chin, a small nose and large eyes.
- Bullfights. No, it's not about a red rag or a bullfighter. In Korea, cattle are fighting each other. Ranch owners are constantly on the lookout for good "fighters." Often choose massive, with a thick neck and long horns. The battle ends when one bull leaves the arena. The winner receives a cash prize, and the loser goes to stoke his grief in rice wine.
- Terminator jellyfish. Perhaps the most interesting fact about South Korea, more reminiscent of the script of a science fiction film. The oceans are teeming with jellyfish, so a group of scientists created a robot specifically to deal with them. Due to the invasion of marine animals, the country lost $ 300 million, and in Sweden it was necessary to close the nuclear power plant. In this regard, the Koreans have created and are actively using terminator jellyfish, which destroy the real ones. Now the robot is able to exterminate up to 900 kg of marine animals, but soon, according to scientists, the figure will reach 2000 kg.
Traditions and customs
The house is a sacred place, so special attention is paid to cleanliness, where dirt and the more mess is completely unacceptable. Indoors, it is customary to be without shoes (barefoot) or, in extreme cases, in socks. If in summer the rule does not cause discomfort, then in winter additional heating is required. Therefore, in the construction of houses using modern technology in the form of underfloor heating.
Another interesting fact and custom of South Korea is associated with the rite of remembrance of the ancestors - Chere. According to the Korean faith, the soul does not leave immediately, but remains with the descendants of another 4 generations. Therefore, the deceased is also considered a member of the family, and on the New Year, Thanksgiving and the anniversary of the death, a ceremony of Chere is held. Koreans also sincerely believe that if their ancestors bless them, then life will be happy.
The next interesting fact about South Korea is related to gestures. When you call the interlocutor, raise your hand palm down and wave, moving your fingers. Never make this gesture with your palm up and all the more with your index finger - that’s how only dogs are called in the country.
Facts proving that South Korea is beyond our comprehension
Residents of the country are especially careful about oral hygiene, as dentist services are very expensive. It is customary to brush your teeth here after each meal, and you can often find a brush in your handbag. In addition, in the toilet rooms of some institutions there is always a free disposable device for brushing your teeth.
The next interesting fact about South Korea and Koreans is based on statistics. Many residents have myopia, so they wear glasses or lenses from childhood. This fact gives the impression that they are all born with poor eyesight. But this is not so. As mentioned earlier, Koreans are very smart and spend most of their time studying, buried in their favorite gadgets. It is worth noting that the disease does not concern everyone. For example, Lim Dong Hyun (two-time Olympic champion) sees only 20% of the usual. But the irony is that the man is participating in archery competitions!
Korean cosmetics has long conquered Western and domestic fashionistas, and here everyone uses it, regardless of gender or age. Korean women carefully monitor the appearance of hair and skin, so they buy an incredible amount of money. They never go out without makeup. Young Koreans also take care of their looks. It is almost impossible to see a man with a sloppy or disheveled hairstyle on the street.
Contrary to the widespread “interesting” fact about the country, few people have tried dog food in South Korea. Moreover, the movement to reject traditional dishes is gaining popularity in the state. Broad support was provided by young people raised on the attitude to animals as friends. By the way, public policy also does not encourage the use of dog meat.
Now about the cult of food. In any city in the world, cafes, bars and restaurants are found at every step, but the speed of service in Korea is simply amazing. The order is delivered literally within 10 minutes, and some establishments even send the delivery men again to pick up the dirty dishes. Here, instead of the usual "How are you?" they will ask you “Did you eat well?”, and skipping any meal for a Korean is akin to sin.
Let's talk about sexual touch. If in Europe two men holding hands are considered representatives of the LGBT movement, then in Korea everything is different. In society, they are extremely disapproving of a pair of opposite sexes, showing public feelings. But playing with hair or sitting on a friend’s lap is quite acceptable for men.
Korea is the cradle of eSports. In the early 2000s, the Star Craft computer game turned into a real cult. Esports players are real stars. Thousands of fans come to meet with them, and stadiums with large screens are allocated for the games. And this, in turn, is another interesting fact about South Korea: a computer game is a real sport, for which players, in training, spend many sleepless nights.
And a few words about compulsory military service. According to the law, every Korean must undergo a training course in the army lasting 21 months. This iron rule is respected regardless of the social status of the resident. Only those incapable and those who defend the honor of the country in the international arena can excuse themselves. For example, footballers Ki Sun Yong (“Swansea”) and Park Chi Jong (“Manchester United”) were released from military service.
Relationship start
If in Russia and in many other countries, first love is most often met at school, then in the Country of morning freshness this is more difficult. An interesting fact about life in South Korea is related to the fact that for every child, learning always comes first. And if hyperactive children manage to start a relationship at school, then for the rest there is simply no time for cupid affairs - from 9 to 5 lessons, then electives, tutors, classes … When to fall in love?
But with admission to the university, everything changes. Education is not so diligent, so many students live for pleasure: on Fridays they get together with the company and drink soju, they join hobby groups and clubs. This is the best time, because after graduation almost all of them will work for many years from morning to late evening.
Therefore, the romantic relationship of young Koreans begins precisely during the period of study at the university.
What then
Continuing the story, we give a few facts about South Korea related to further development:
- The first date is the beginning of the relationship, and after the meeting, the guy and girl "officially" become a couple. In addition, she always comes to a meeting with a friend of an older age to look favorably against her background.
- After some time, “witnesses” are not needed, and lovers can walk holding hands, but kisses and hugs in public in Korea are inappropriate.
- Another trend of couples is the same style. The phenomenon is called Couple Look - clothes shops make good money on it.
- An important date for lovers is the hundredth day after the meeting. Girls expect from the guys not flowers and sweets, but designer jewelry, clothes, cosmetics, shoes, a bag. According to the calculations of one of the Korean bloggers, a gift on average costs $ 800.
- To move to a closer relationship, the couple must meet for at least a year.
Family matters
It's time to find out the facts about relationships in South Korea.
A home hearth warms hearts, and every person must have a family. The dominant opinion is the oldest member of the family. To create a new family without the consent of the older generation and parental blessing, not a single South Korean dare. Of course, now the freedom of action is much wider, but neither the boy nor the girl can do without the instruction of the mother and father. And excessive parental control, on the contrary, is welcome.
The main priorities are inextricably linked with the family hearth. Previously, several generations of relatives lived together in traditional small houses. But times are changing, and spacious apartments have replaced them. The only thing that remains unchanged is the statutory rules.
When meeting with parents, names are not called - exclusively “mom” and “dad”. This appeal is connected with another interesting fact about South Korea. As you can see, the meaning of the name, having a lot of weight, affects fate, making a person more vulnerable. Therefore, residents of an Asian country call their names extremely rarely.
Family relationships in South Korea have always been distinguished by mutual respect and understanding. Despite the fact that a woman has the same rights as a man, responsibilities between spouses are clearly delineated.
The wife is responsible for coziness and comfort, keeps the hearth, resolves disagreements, and the man, being the head, ensures the existence of the family. However, despite his credibility, he never intervenes in home improvement and conflict resolution. Even in the most difficult situations, the husband always remains aloof.
About children
Another interesting fact about South Korea is related to the birth of a child. Since the country has a peculiar chronology, the baby is born already at the age of one. This is due to the fact that the child spends 9 months in the mother’s womb (almost a year). But that is not all. In the first New Year (January 1), the baby is added another. Thus, children here are older than their actual age by as much as 2 years.
To combat discrimination, the government adopted a law according to which both son and daughter are considered equal heirs, therefore the attitude to the child’s gender is neutral. But Confucian traditions are still preserved. According to this, special attention is paid to the elder.
The world of show business
Over the years, the country has been famous for its "slave contracts." This fact about South Korea is connected with the popular mainstream k-pop. For example, an ex-member of Super Junior said in 2009 that the owners of SM Entertainment were not allowed to go on sick leave when he had gastritis and had kidney problems.
And this is not the only such case. Large labels justify their actions by the fact that if a young artist really wants to become popular, he must overcome all difficulties - sleep no more than 4 hours a day, not start a relationship while a contract is in effect, not go on sick leave and much more.
Bad number "4"
An interesting fact about South Korea, based on superstition. The four people have a "special" attitude. The problem is that the transcription of the number 4 [sa:] is consonant with the word death.
Superstition has come to the point that in buildings after the third floor immediately goes fifth. He’s not even in hospitals. You must admit that few Koreans would like to be treated on the floor with the name "death", especially if the disease is dangerous.
In some elevators, the button "4" is replaced by the English letter F (four). However, in everyday speech, the four sounds without exception.
