1. What's Your Blood Type? South Korea Knows
In South Korea, it's not uncommon for someone to ask you what your blood type is - much like someone in the West might ask you what your sun sign is. This is because blood type is seen as an indicator of a person's character and is used to judge an individual's personality traits. It's a popular belief that people with different blood types have different temperaments and dispositions, and this is taken into account when forming relationships and friendships.
Also → Seoul: One of the Eight First-Level Cities of South Korea
Advertisement2. South Korea Calculates Age Differently
In South Korea, age is calculated differently than in the West. From the moment of birth, a person is considered to be one year old, meaning that most Koreans are actually a year older than their Western counterparts. This is due to the traditional Korean belief that a person is born with one year of life already lived, and so the age is counted from the moment of birth.
Also → Vietnam, Korea, and Germany: Divided by History
3. South Korea superstition keeps number 4 from being numbered
In South Korea, the number 4 is considered to be a very unlucky one. This is due to the fact that in Chinese, the digit 4 is associated with death, and this belief has been passed down to many countries in Asia. As a result, many houses, streets, and even hotel floors in South Korea will skip the number 4 when numbering. This superstition is so strong that it has become a part of the culture in South Korea, and is still observed today.
Also → North Korea Still at War
4. In South Korea, it's perfectly legal to enjoy a drink in public
In South Korea, it's perfectly legal to enjoy a drink in public. Whether it's a bottle of beer, a glass of soju, or a can of makgeolli, you'll often see people casually sipping their drinks in parks or other public places. It's a common sight to see people carrying open alcohol containers and bottles, and it's not uncommon for people to have a drink or two while out and about.
Also → 5 of Asia's Largest Economies
Advertisement5. South Korea's Favorite Food: Sweet Potato
In South Korea, sweet potato is a beloved food item that can be found in a variety of dishes. From snacks and main courses to desserts and cakes, sweet potato is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make fried dishes, crackers, chips, latte, bread, salad, and even pizza! With so many options, it's no wonder why sweet potato is so popular in South Korea.
Also → Las Vegas Welcomes Its Six New Sister Cities
6. No tipping, but they'll return your money if you forget
In South Korea, tipping is not expected or required. However, if you do leave a tip for a waiter in a restaurant, they will likely follow you out to return it to you, assuming you have left it behind by mistake. This is a sign of the country's strong culture of politeness and respect, as they don't want you to feel like you have to pay more than you intended.
Also → Kia Motors: A South Korean Success Story
7. South Korea's "Fan Death" superstition
In South Korea, there is a strange belief known as "Fan Death" - the notion that if an electric fan is left running overnight, it can be fatal to the person sleeping in the room. This superstition has been around for decades, and is still widely believed by many people in the country. It is thought that the fan can cause suffocation, hypothermia, or even electrocution. Despite the lack of scientific evidence to support this belief, it remains a popular superstition in South Korea.
Also → Pyongyang: The Capital of North Korea
Advertisement8. South Koreans Hide Shoes to Avoid Bad Luck
On the first night of every New Year in South Korea, people believe that they must hide their shoes away from sight. This is because it is believed that a ghost will come and try out the shoes that have been left outside, and if he likes a pair, he will take it away and bring bad luck to the owner for the entire year. To avoid this, people in South Korea take extra care to make sure their shoes are safely tucked away on the first night of the New Year.
Also → North Korea's Fast Food Options Are Surprisingly Limited
9. South Korea Clones Dog
In 2005, South Korea made history when Seoul National University created the world's first cloned dog, "Snuppy". This remarkable achievement was the result of a team of scientists led by Professor Hwang Woo-Suk, who successfully cloned an Afghan Hound using a process called somatic cell nuclear transfer. Snuppy's birth marked a major milestone in the field of cloning, and was a testament to South Korea's commitment to scientific advancement.
Also → Mongolia's Top Export Destinations
10. South Koreans Love Their Newspapers
In South Korea, newspapers are a beloved part of everyday life. With over 60 daily editions in circulation, there is something for everyone to enjoy. From the latest news to sports, entertainment, and more, South Koreans have a wide variety of newspapers to choose from, and many people have several favorites.
