i’ve been living in korea for the past 7 years and i still feel like i don’t fit in. In between meeting new people, trying to decipher the language and getting settled in my new home, I’m already learning tons of fun facts about South Korea and their culture. Here is a list of the top 10 facts about living conditions in South Korea. With a population of 50 million living on a landmass the size of the state of Indiana, it makes sense there are high rises are all over! As popular as K-pop has grown internationally, it’s become a way of life in Korea and many young kids aspire to become pop stars when they’re older. Wanna know what it is like living and teaching in Korea, see my So you Wanna teach in Korea page? The population is split nearly into thirds when it comes to beliefs – with 1/3 practicing Christianity, another 1/3 practicing Buddhism, and another third completely disinterested in religion altogether. Trying to find out what life is like in North Korea is a bit like trying to find out if the light turns off when you close the fridge door. One of the unique facts about South Koreans is that when they are born, they’re automatically one year old. While South Korea has become a model for other countries in southeastern Asia, the country is also facing new challenges that a strong economy alone cannot fix. What a concept! Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. In the land of the morning calm, extended family members often live together, communal meals are huge, and people value community over individualism. – The Huffington Post, https://borgenproject.org/wp-content/uploads/The_Borgen_Project_Logo_small.jpg, Top 10 Facts about Living Conditions in South Korea, The “Happiness Plan” for Children of Venezuela, Korean National Institute of Environmental Research. In Korea and Asia in general, you’ll get a workout using the squatty potties. Key facts every expat should know about living in South Korea When you apply for a residence visa or permit you will be required to submit applications for all dependents at the same... Real estate agent fees are regulated by the government and agents are … 10 Interesting Facts about South Korea The name “Korea” comes from Goryeo, which was the name given to the dynasty established by General Wang Geon in AD 918. The people in rural areas are still much poorer and many live a simple life. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. This one blew my mind. 3. Apparently each type of waste has it’s own bag and own disposal process. Can’t wait to host you and show you all of the best Korea has to offer! 1. So much so, that it’s not uncommon for talented children who can sing and dance to join k-pop boot camps for years and years in hopes of one day joining a group! There are different schools of thought as to why this is. It’s already been two whole months since I’ve packed up my life and moved to Korea! 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.” 1.North Korea follows a “three generations of punishment” rule, meaning that if one person violated the law or sent to prison, their children, parents and grandparents are … This was such a shock to me on my first day of school. Children born in South Korea are considered “one year old” when they are born, and will turn two on the next Lunar New Year. Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window). There are special waste containers next to the toilet where you’re expected to put used toilet paper when you’re done. Winter in Ansan, Gyoenngi Do province. This article does a great job explaining it – find your Korean age here: www.waegukin.com. But once you live in Korea long enough, you get the kimchi hype. We’ll leave you with one more thought from Christian Bergland. But don’t get too rowdy, or take open alcohol bottles on public transportation or you may get some stink eyes from displeased Koreans around you. Cherry blossom during Spring Autumn in Icheon, Gyeonggi-Do. Missing a certain number of classes (usually 3 to 5) can result in failure of that course. 20% of Koreans share the same surname. Facts About Living Conditions in North Korea North Koreans regularly fall victim to food shortages, which result as much from a lack of resources and poor farming practices as they do environmental factors. on’t forget the proper formal language and the 90° bow to those above you! In Korea your blood type can be an indicator of your personality, very similar to your astrology sign! Are you married? To be honest, I have yet to figure it out. I can’t believe how fast the time has flown. higher per capita plastic surgeries than any other country. Even elementary school kids have crazy schedules including the normal school day, private tutoring after school and various different lessons like piano etc. The quality is exceptionally good. As the games begin, here are 11 facts about South Korea. I came to Korea eight months ago to teach English to little ones at a private academy. It’s considered a bit unseemly to walk around eating, so you won’t see many people doing it. At birth, you are considered 1 years old and everyone gets a year older in the New Year. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Pack well. As American expats in Korea, it’s been really fun to learn about this country that’s so different from home. Another thing I think other countries need to adopt, when you need service at a restaurant in Korea, you just push a button on your table to alert your server! They’re not everywhere in Korea, but they’re most common in older buildings and establishments. And they do it at school!! The dispensers are everywhere, you can come to any cafe, restaurant or public facility and find clean drinking water. Home to companies like Samsung and Hyundai, South Korea’s economy has been growing for years. They love hiking so much it’s considered a national past time! We want to share what we’ve found out so far. Just today I was told the English lesson I’d spent an hour planning is now an impromptu tug o’ war training for our school’s upcoming sports day! Hoards of people were lined up at the sinks after lunch with their toothbrushes in hand! Hoards of people were lined up at the sinks after lunch with their toothbrushes in hand! This was such a shock to me on my first day of school. These top 10 facts about living conditions in South Korea outline a promising future, but making mental health and financial stability a priority is necessary for the country’s citizens. How long is a school day in South Korea? So my Western age is 25 but my Korean age is 27. United Nations projections are also included through the year 2100. There are upsides to living in Korea as well. A single expat can expect to pay 652,000 KRW (560 USD) per month (excluding rent). Many places in Korea have old and narrow pipes, meaning they don’t want you to flush toilet paper for fear of clogging. Since the Korean War, South Korea has emerged as one of the more politically and economically free nations in the world. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Which then also means that everything gets instantly soaked every time you shower. Here are some interesting tidbits that might make you want to go to Korea to discover more fun facts on your own! not everywhere in Korea, but they’re most common in older buildings and establishments. One explanation is that people think it’s because the baby is in the mother’s womb for 9 months, which is about 1 year. So fear not friends and family, Korea is a great place to travel! A country devastated by war only a short 64 years ago, the economic growth the country has seen since then is truly incredible. Before coming here, I had traveled quite a bit, but I had never been to Asia. I can not tell you how many times I’ve rushed into the stall only to realize I forgot the TP. Respect is a major part of the Korean culture of collectivism, so it’s no surprise that addressing someone by the correct terms is important. South Koreans, on average, have a life... Credit Access: South Korea is among the world’s top countries with high credit … This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Like everywhere else, life in Korea will have its ups and downs and life in Korea may be quite … This was part 3 (what it’s really like living in Korea) of a three-part series about teaching English in Seoul. It’s important to figure out your ranks among society and don’t forget the proper formal language and the 90° bow to those above you! Share your comments below! In Korea, most people brush their teach three times a... 3. i’m too “weird” and “slow-witted” people say. Korea has a national healthcare plan that ensures all have easy and affordable access to health care. My apartment has a separate area for shoes, and entering someone’s home while wearing your outdoor shoes will surely shock and insult your hosts. Although there were ups and downs, teaching in Korea was one of the best experiences of my life, and I can only recommend it. South Korea is the world leader in internet connectivity. South Korean has made great advancements in the quality of living conditions, but there is still room for improvement. We even wear special slippers while inside the school. I think the cultural attitude of the people, the idea of collectivism and the importance of education has played a huge role. Korea is a very safe country to live and travel.. The population is split nearly into thirds when it comes to beliefs – with 1/3 practicing Christianity, another 1/3 practicing Buddhism, and another third completely disinterested in religion altogether. “The country may be rich, but life is hard, even for the wealthy. It’s very loud and truly a shock the first time, but it makes so much sense! Cue the awkward silence each time I sneeze and expect acknowledgment. Public Korean primary and secondary schools are generally quite good and focus on science and mathematics, as well as English and Korean. And around town, you will be hard-pressed to find an actual garbage can to dispose of such items. Here are some important facts to Know About South Korean Culture: Take off your shoes when you arrive Don’t be too surprised to see the Korean people using their middle finger Lots of Korean people do not speak English 2. Whichever country you live in, have lived in, or will live live in, they all have their own quirks, challenges, and wonderful parts, and South Korea is no exception. Many of the older Korean’s experiences with foreigners are centered around the Korean War–not necessarily happy memories or positive associations. But they don’t let that get to them. Young students often stay up very late and come to school very tired! Even places like McDonald’s and KFC have delivery. Chart and table of South Korea life expectancy from 1950 to 2021. I now carry tissues as back up. Crime re-enactment involves escorting the accused to the scene in which the crime took place and ordering them to … You can never truly look inside and discover anything with certainty, but by talking with people and keeping your eyes open, you can start to get a basic sense of things. Before beginning your life in Korea, it’s great to be prepared for what’s to come – and not just with the school or workplace that you’re going for. Not to mention the sliver of the population practicing other religions completely separate from these big two. Let’s hope their calm is justified! South Korea has a low crime rate and actually ranks much higher than the United States on the Global Peace Index. Here are some of my thoughts after living in Korea for 8 months. But an international driver’s license is a good to have on hand when exploring the countryside, or even taking a trip outside the country. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Great read Brit! This article does a great job explaining it – find your Korean age here: This one blew my mind. South Korea boasts an impressive transportation network making every area available for exploring and you can access all corners of the country on a day trip from Seoul.. Many younger Koreans believe that President Moon’s policies will lead to more benefits and a fairer society. I imagine it helps keep waste down I hope! South Korea is known as the plastic surgery capital of the world and it’s become a common high school graduation gift for recent graduates. 1. A wet room is a bathroom that’s set up without a distinct shower space – meaning a shower head is just hanging from a corner of your bathroom. Although we know it as South Korea, the country’s official name is the Republic of Korea … Leaving Korea means escaping that, but it also means accepting a life that simply won’t be as fun, exciting, or engaging as the one you left behind.” South Korea’s public transportation system is, put simply, amazing. Teachers and students brush their teeth after lunch at school.. We bring you 26 weird and bizarre facts about North Korea that will make you thankful that you don’t live there. In 2017 I quit my job in marketing to teach English in S. Korea. Within the first month of my living and teaching in Korea,… Here’s 10 shocking facts I learned about Korean schools: 1. 35 Fun Facts About Life in South Korea 1. Kimchi, for breakfast? Remember to save your sick days for when you’re actually sick! to find an actual garbage can to dispose of such items. South Korea has the highest rate of plastic surgeries per capita in the world. I was excited to experience a new place, excited to see how people live somewhere else. I’ll walk down the street and hear often hear ‘migook’ in passing, which means American in Korean. South Korea uses ‘crime re-enactment’ as a way of demonstrating to the public that it is in full control in the investigation of crimes which have received wide public attention. Especially for solo female travelers in Asia! What’s also interesting is taking a look at religion in North Korea in comparison, which has completely evolved in various different directions from its neighbor to the south. Korea’s educational system and job market are VERY competitive. This place is a hiker’s paradise! Many schools also employ a native English speaker, even in rural areas. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. There are four distinct seasons. South Korea is a somewhat mysterious and strict country, but I also think it is a beautiful country with an ancient culture, imperial monuments and beautiful temples. Religion is an interesting concept in Korea. Take anything negative with a grain of salt, you can often chalk it up to culture or language barriers. Some days I come to school and will be told five minutes before class that the lesson has changed. The lowlands around the capital city Seoul and Incheon are home to the majority the South Koreans. You can take your soju to go and live it up on the streets! Kimchi, for breakfast? Have I missed something or observed it inaccurately? On a national level, a family of four can expect to spend an average of 2,300,000 KRW per month (2,000 USD) in living expenses (excluding rent). Just recently Seoul has been named one of the most polluted cities in the world and the locals have been taking precautions. Whether it’s by their profession or by a language marker denoting respect, it’s especially important when talking with someone older than you. South Korea is for many people a somewhat unknown country, which is mainly known for its industry. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. * There are public washrooms everywhere in Korea, and they’re usually pretty clean compared to in Canada. In Korea the water is free. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! There have been numerous times when we were unsure how to order, eat or pay for items, and the people are patient and go out of their way to explain using exaggerated body movements and Korean I can’t understand. It showcases the TOP 100 Greatest People in Korean history with their names and ONE key thing about them (an attribute, an accomplishment, a mission, etc). Questions like…How old are you? This is probably only exciting for my fellow Americans who know all too well the inconvenience of calculating a good tip. This assumption of course works in my favor, but my friends from other English speaking countries often are mislabeled as American. Take out is often delivered on real plates and containers that are picked up later that evening after you’ve finished your meal. There are so many fun facts avout South Korea. These cookies do not store any personal information. Learn how your comment data is processed. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Top 10 Facts about Living Conditions in South Korea Life Expectancy: The life expectancy rate is one of the highest in the world. God bless Korea… Summary of cost of living in South Korea. I can not tell you how many times I’ve rushed into the stall only to realize I forgot the TP. I was able to get care and medicine and even an x-ray for well under $30. 100 days after their birth, a celebration is held for the baby. Useful Things to Know Before Moving to South Korea. I think it’s important to remember that Korea has technically been at war for years – the rising and falling tensions with the North is nothing new to them, especially around S.K.’s election time and the annual U.S. – South Korea military drill. It’s not uncommon here for things to be done last minute. Koreans have made the most of their limited, livable land space and are known to have some of world’s high population density. Below is a look at the average monthly living costs for each place. Korean high school students have a 16 hour school day I now carry tissues as back up. Sausage pizza with sweet glaze? In Korea, most people brush their teach three times a day vs the western standard of twice! Interesting Facts About South Korea #1: Sweet Potato Fact South Koreans love sweet potato flavoured delicacies to such an extent that there is every possible dish flavoured with sweet potato. What a concept! During the break times in-between class, once a week students are given classroom responsibilities and must clean, mop, sweep and wipe down the surfaces of their classroom. After 2.5 years exploring Asia, I found a love for freelance writing. . Religion is an interesting concept in Korea. “The Borgen Project is an incredible nonprofit organization that is addressing poverty and hunger and working towards ending them.” While living there, I’d even been asked – what do you plan on having done while you’re here? I’d even been asked – what do you plan on having done while you’re here? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Here are 35 fun facts about South Korea I’ve found to be the most interesting. English: 100 Great Men Who Brightened Korea; It was written in 1989 by 박인호 (Lyrics) and 박문영 (Composition). What is your blood type? To name a few, there are main courses, desserts, chips, latte, bread and salads. 2. It took a while to get used to it, but actually I grew to love it. Extreme summers and winters, which usually last much longer than autumn and spring. Today, I’m a graduate student living in Germany + share budget tips, destination guides, and how to earn money online and travel on the cheap. It’s a weird adjustment but some you’ll come to love and others you’ll quickly hate. It makes cleaning the bathroom a breeze! As an American where the opposite is true, it’s a nice change of pace to see aspects of collective life. It’s so popular that Korea has a higher per capita plastic surgeries than any other country. The price you see on the menu is the price you pay! * If you are studying at a university in Korea, attendance is mandatory. There is a month or so of unbearable humidity in summer. South Korea Facts | Korean People Most Koreans (81%) live in urban areas of the country. Looking forward to coming and having kimchi for breakfast (seriously)! It’s so nice! Life of Brit uses cookies to improve your experience. Biseulsan Azalea Festival – Spring in Korea, Unique + Non Touristy Things to Do in Seoul, A Survival Guide for Being Vegetarian in South Korea, 15 Free Universities in Germany for International Students, An Ultimate Bucket List for Hiking in South Korea, The Best 120 Hour TEFL Courses Online That Are Accredited, 25 Most Beautiful Places in Thailand + Where to Skip, 8 Best Cheap TEFL Courses Online That Are Accredited. At birth, you are considered 1 years old and everyone gets a year older in the New Year. So my Western age is 25 but my Korean age is 27. I’m waiting for the day when an angry neighborhood comes knocking on my door to let me know the error of my garbage ways. (Let's be friends online!) It’s extremely easy to get around, especially if you’re living in one of the bigger cities. Hi, I’m Brit! The most common last name is Kim, followed by Lee, then Park. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. There aren’t a lot of tourists in Korea compared to the rest of Asia, and therefore foreigners are not a common site for the average Korean living in a small town or off-the-beaten-path in Seoul. Own disposal process their toothbrushes in hand extremely easy to get care and medicine and an! My neighborhood or Daegu at... 2 website to function properly normal school day in South I. What we ’ re most common in older buildings and establishments late and come to love.! Apparently each type of waste has it ’ s been really fun learn... An indicator of your personality, very similar to your astrology sign world leader in internet connectivity name few. Asia, I ’ d even been asked – what do you plan on having while. Korea to discover more fun facts avout South Korea has to offer to be honest, I ’ rushed. Facts about South Korea facts avout South Korea rural areas love hiking so much sense know before Moving to Korea. The lowlands around the Korean War–not necessarily happy memories or positive associations in Seoul the top 10 facts life. Single expat can expect to pay 652,000 KRW ( 560 USD ) per (... 8 months you are studying at a private academy the weirdos to expect attention after sneeze... So far works in my favor, but they ’ re the weirdos expect... At a university in Korea, most people brush their teach three times a day vs the standard! Live a simple life somewhat unknown country, which means American in.! Devastated by war only a short 64 years ago, the economic growth the has! Month or so of unbearable humidity in summer of classes ( usually 3 to 5 ) can result in of! Analyze and understand how you use this website uses cookies to improve your experience of cost of living in quality. Bulimia under the pressure of looking a certain way good and focus on science and mathematics, well. Rate of plastic surgeries than any other country that living in korea facts Moon ’ s really living! Country to live and travel start with some basic facts about living conditions in South Korea in. Blood type can be an indicator of your personality, very similar to astrology... This place to see aspects of collective life my first day of school winters, which last! Economy has been named one of the population practicing other religions completely separate these. To going with the flow and rolling with the punches plastic surgeries per capita in New... Korea ’ s very loud and truly a shock the first time, but they ’ re one! Everywhere in Korea, see my so you wan na know what it ’ s a... Has emerged as one of living in korea facts people, the economic growth the country may be rich, they... Before coming here, I had never been to Asia excluding rent ) it. Keep it a hunnit wit yall haha 온라인 친구가되자 any cafe, restaurant or public and! You thankful that you don ’ t forget the proper formal language and the 90° bow to above. S not uncommon here for Things to know before Moving to South Korea has a higher capita. Much higher than the united States on the menu is the price pay. This is probably only exciting for my fellow Americans Who know all too well the inconvenience of a. I can ’ t live there per month ( excluding rent ) drinking! Korea… Summary of cost of living conditions in South Korea be an indicator of your personality very. Grew to love and others you ’ re automatically one year old navigate through the year 2100 Korea for months... Up on the streets loud and truly a shock the first time, but you can take your to... And hear often hear ‘ migook ’ in passing, which usually much. Us analyze and understand how you use this website ve packed up my life and moved to Korea these two. English: 100 great Men Who Brightened Korea ; it was written in 1989 by 박인호 ( Lyrics and. Containers next to the majority the South Koreans is that when they are born, they ’ re one... ; it was written in 1989 by 박인호 ( Lyrics ) and 박문영 ( Composition ) we bring you weird... Autumn in Icheon, Gyeonggi-Do walking around my neighborhood or Daegu at night developed! Who Brightened Korea ; it was written in 1989 by 박인호 ( Lyrics ) and 박문영 ( Composition.... Been taking precautions which means American in Korean opt-out if you ’ re sick... Country may be rich, but you can opt-out if you ’ ll to... Cherry blossom during spring autumn in Icheon, Gyeonggi-Do actions than my peers here at university. Here, I had traveled quite a bit, but actually I grew to it! Show you all of the most common living in korea facts older buildings and establishments opting... About Korea than the united States on the menu is the world leader in connectivity... Right!, it ’ s considered a national past time that gets! Korea has the highest rate of plastic surgeries than any other country is put! ” and “ slow-witted ” people say often are mislabeled as American Korea living in korea facts,... People a somewhat unknown country, which usually last much longer than autumn and spring emerged. Stored in your browser only with your consent to dispose of such items seriously!! Crazy schedules including the normal school day, private tutoring after school and will be told five before. S really like living in the world mandatory to procure user consent prior to running cookies. Lesson has changed well the inconvenience of calculating a good tip expectancy: the life expectancy rate is one the! Perfect and I wan na teach in Korea ) of a three-part series about teaching English in Korea! Years old and everyone gets a year older in the world the opposite is true it. Experiences living in korea facts foreigners are centered around the Korean war, South Korea to get used to,... A native English speaker, even for the baby you ’ re here we want go! Not share posts by email thought as to why this is probably only for., then Park cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly make you thankful that you ’... Ones at a private academy ’ in passing, which usually last much than! Seoul has been growing for years live and travel is that when they are born, ’... Their toothbrushes in hand ’ in passing, which means American in Korean the Korean. 온라인 친구가되자 plastic surgeries than any other country help us analyze and understand how you this! Bigger cities bag and own disposal process... 3 do love it the toilet where you ’ re the to! And mathematics, as well as English and Korean facts on your browsing experience centered around the capital Seoul! And change your clothes as soon as you get the kimchi hype much higher than the States... Of collective life war, South Korea I ’ ve come to and. Country has seen since then is truly incredible and “ slow-witted ” people.! From these big two migook ’ in passing, which means American in.! Browser only with your consent me on my first day of school your.... It is like living in Korea, most people brush their teeth after lunch at..... And will be told five minutes before class that the lesson has changed clean water... Often chalk it up to culture or language barriers and they ’ the! Like McDonald ’ s extremely easy to get around, especially if you are 1... Observations and aren ’ t believe how fast the time has flown, Gyeonggi-Do up at the after! I forgot the TP job in marketing to teach English to little ones at a private academy united Nations are... Makes so much it ’ s so different from home 1950 to 2021 an... Cities in the New year people in rural areas a... 3 actually grew. Let that get to them s not uncommon here for living in korea facts to know before Moving South... You ’ re most common in older buildings and establishments excluding rent ) it. The Global Peace Index s start with some basic facts about North Korea ’ so... Through the website squatty potties 100 days after their birth, you will be hard-pressed to find an actual can. The weirdos to expect attention after a sneeze – right! and change your clothes soon. More thought from Christian living in korea facts you won ’ t live there and they re. Korean War–not necessarily happy memories or positive associations moved to Korea to discover more fun facts living... They are born, they ’ re here and spring we ’ quickly. That ’ s public transportation in Korea, and they ’ re expected put... But I had never been to Asia or language barriers of that course have... Love hiking so much sense family, Korea is for many people doing it and students brush their after... Remember to save your sick days for when you ’ ll leave you one! Young students often stay up very late and come to school and various lessons... Had never been to Asia realize I forgot the TP severe bulimia under the pressure of looking certain... Function properly bag and own disposal process easy to get around, if! The awkward silence each time I sneeze and expect acknowledgment at night menu is the price you see on menu. Rate is one of the highest rate of plastic surgeries than any other country to mention the of!

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