If you’re planning to do any road trips around that time, make sure to factor in a few extra hours of road time! Living and Teaching in South Korea. In addition, Japanese is common in South Korea. Patricia 22/11/2017 - 4:39 am. Learning about a new country can be exciting, especially if you’re learning some fun and interesting facts along the way! They're not being nosy or insulting; they're saving your life! Hanging out in the city and experiencing Korean culture is an incredible experience, but you can’t say that you truly know South Korea until you’ve experienced the natural beauty of the countryside! South Korea is almost the opposite. Visual Associations to learn the Korean alphabet in record time! When I pointed out the logo on the hat and said ‘Red Sox’ she gave me a blank look. Kelly 22/11/2017 - 5:02 am. South Korea Facts | Resources. The most common seekers of plastic surgery in South Korea are women. Internet censorship exists… and not just in your place of employment! “Gagnam Style” was so popular that it was the first song to hit one billion views on YouTube, which is an amazing feat when pretty much any song in the universe can be found on the site! New Year’s Eve, on the other hand, is typically a party environment spent with friends at a pub, club, or house party. Koreans would barter with American troops for the canned delight and come up with a recipe called bujae jiggae (army stew). South Korea proudly maintains its rich cultural roots – evident through its festivals and celebrations. North Korea is a bizarre country to say the least. The best part about the motorcycle is that it means they can squeeze in between cars and zig-zag through traffic, so they’ll get to you way more quickly than if your food was being delivered on four wheels instead of two! Living in South Korea: Housing types South Korea is a crowded country, with almost 50 million people living in an area about the size of the US state of Indiana. Approximately 90% of that land is mountainous, meaning that the Koreans have had to use space ingeniously to make room for everybody. You’re probably aware that Seoul is a very large city — after all, it is the largest city in South Korea by a landslide. Most expats find that living in South Korea is an efficient way to save money. Currently, South Korea rests among the top 10 leading countries in terms of life expectancy, with its citizens predicted to live around 83 years. My hope, however, is that these observations might at least make you aware of some of the things you’ll be getting yourself into if you ever decide to move to South Korea! However, because it’s such a normal occurrence, you won’t hear people complain about how tired they are unless you specifically bring up sleep. One of the most important South Korean tourism facts says that it is home to more than 3000 islands. For many people around the globe, Christmas is a time to return back to your hometown and spend time with family. Fast. South Korea is one of the world's most densely populated countries, with an estimated 425 people per square kilometer in 1989—over sixteen times the average population density of the United States in the late 1980s. Kimchi is also wonderful for the digestive health, so Koreans are way ahead of the game for making it a part of every meal. The Demilitarized Zone is a 4km wide by 248km long stretch of land that separates the North from the South on the Korean peninsula. Almost without fail, the first question in each class the boys would ask: “Teacher, are you married?” When I answered no, it was very quickly followed up with “Teacher, do you have a boyfriend?” In addition to these, here are just a few examples of other questions I have been asked: “Teacher, how old are you?” (OK, not that terrible), “Teacher, do you have any children?” (Odd for Koreans to think you’d have kids with no boyfriend or husband…), “Teacher, is that your boyfriend?? 9 English-Speaking Therapists | Psychologists in Korea for 2021. While being sleep deprived is a reality all across the world in some industries, it’s usually restricted to a select few industries and isn’t a huge part of a given culture. 10 English-Speaking Dermatologists In South Korea. Last accessed 27 May 2020; Mimsie Ladner. I have noticed that, as a younger woman – and clearly a foreigner – in South Korea, I am especially subject to many questions about my marital status. It’s not considered unlucky. I’m going to send this to my friend who will be living in South Korea for a month next year! All of these factors have led to a greater interest in South Korea and also studying the Korean language. South Koreans, on average, have a life expectancy range that goes into the mid-80s for men and into the 90s for women. 10 Facts About Life Expectancy in South Korea. It’s not that critical that they see their families on this day. While teaching was familiar territory for me, TEFL was not, and living in East Asia was, well…totally foreign to me. Granted, these are often at the more traditional Korean restaurants. I no longer live in Korea – I left one year ago! Although the song is as popular as it is, many people don’t know that the song is about the Gangnam District, an affluent district in Seoul, South Korea. [23] South Koreans are the world’s biggest users of credit cards since 2011, making 129.7 transactions per person that year, compared with 77.9 transactions per American. Last Updated: December 18, 2020. How-To & Guides . If the two Koreas are ever united, there has been talking of making the DMZ a peace park or a national park to continue to preserve the wildlife. Any way they can connect to you is seen as an accomplishment, especially those with limited English. If you can’t read 한글 (hangeul | Korean alphabet) yet, you can learn it for free in about one hour by downloading a free guide here. Sure, it is important to know about some cultural norms (don’t ever put your chopsticks upright in your rice). Writing a person’s name in red ink indicates that the person is about to die or is already dead and gone. With 25 million people living within the city limits, it’s not just a large city — it’s actually the third-largest city in the world! A useful word in Korean you may want to learn related to age is 만 나이 (man nai | international age). Samsung is one of the largest technology countries in the world, and it’s based in Seoul — the company is responsible for a fifth of the country’s booming economy, which is no small feat! Unfortunately, some South Koreans are indifferent to what happens to the DMZ. Note: We realize that a lot of people who read this may be interested in learning some Korean. “Gagnam Style” was a global sensation and rightfully earned Psy international fame. The world is becoming increasingly interested in North Korea and its way of life. This means the country has one of the highest life expectancies in the world, … The food delivery in South Korea can be considered as one of the best in the world. My middle school boys are obsessed with anything to do with Avengers, and their favorite singers are often Maroon 5, Jason Mraz or Lady Gaga. One thing that certainly stands out about South Korea is its cuisine which is gaining so much attention from the rest of the world today. While South Korea is quite modernized in many ways, there are some eccentricities to expect while in Korea. That being said, you’re in for a virtual treat when you visit South Korea! Public trash cans are few and far between in Korea. Clothing for big and tall. The two Koreas may not be battling it out on a day-to-day basis, but they still haven’t made up. See our, Teaching English to Young Learners Specialty Class, Teaching Business English Specialty Class, 4-Week Intensive Online Course Dates & Tuition, Teach English Online Employer Comparison Chart, Non-Native English Speakers Teaching Abroad, Buy TEFL Course & Specialty Class Textbooks. Many Koreans will ask ANYTHING. The country has a unitary presidential constitutional republic government with a president and a prime minister. 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. One of the most interesting facts about South Korea that often gets confused is when to use names or titles. Many are surprised to see that Koreans are the top drinkers in Asia by far. 20% of Kore One of the unique facts about South Koreans is that when they are born, they’re automatically one year old. Some things you just can’t prepare yourself for and have to see and experience for yourself. Many of my lower level students cheerfully shout “Hello teacher! Koreans also believe that the fast-moving air caused by the fan makes it difficult to breathe, causing people to choke. If you’re planning on having a housewarming party (집들이 | jipdeuri) after the move in, don’t bother buying toilet paper or laundry detergent. South Korea has plenty more foods for the daring! Before moving to Korea, she spent 4 years teaching in the United States. South Korea has definitely been getting an increasing amount of publicity around the world. The cost of living in South Korea varies depending on the city one lives in. CIA World Fact Book. Therefore in South Korea, the baby is 1 year old when born. Cost of living in South Korea is 14.53% higher than in United States (aggregate data for all cities, rent is not taken into account). 1. Besides the popular reasons for the country’s fame, there are a lot of unique facts about South Korea that you don’t hear about until you are actually experiencing everyday life here. Teach English in South Korea, Teach English in Asia, Busan. While plastic surgery taboo at best and frowned upon at worst in the majority of Western countries, South Korea has fully embraced plastic surgery to the point that it is very accepted (and even encouraged). Bit of advice: invest in a reusable water bottle so you don’t have to worry about always finding a trash can. It’s extremely easy to get around, especially if you’re living in one of the bigger cities. One of the interesting facts about South Korea is that 4 is an unlucky number. You’ll get plenty of it as gifts! WANT TO GET LIVE UPDATES? Therefore in addition to some of the facts, we have added some important Korean vocabulary words that relate to that point. I have seen various sports caps and jerseys – the most common usually being either LA or NY. This is not unusual at all for both children and adults. “Before the 1990s, usually younger people supported their parents during their retirement so it was not that serious of a problem,” Ku added in his interview with the NPR. ?” (Every time they saw me with a man), “Teacher, do you wear a bikini to the beach?” (Umm…. Now that’s what we call amazing service! Both holidays are well-celebrated by many countries in the world. South Korea has two volcanic islands—Cheju (Jeju), off the peninsula’s southern tip, and Ullŭng, about 85 miles (140 km) east of the mainland in the East Sea—and a small-scale lava plateau in Kangwŏn province. Having that many people live in one place means that there is a seemingly infinite number of restaurants and shops for you to check out during your trip. Life in Korea. Kimchi is a fermented dish that can utilize a variety of vegetables and seasonings depending on preference. If you’re out at a restaurant in Korea, look for the word 해장국 (haejangguk | hangover soup). Stereotype: Asians are all brilliant, especially at math. South Korea - South Korea - 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. Many will refuse to take your seat, but the offer is what they are looking for. One of the interesting facts about South Korea is that people often give toilet paper and laundry detergent as housewarming gifts. Restaurants. Tentacles everywhere! Meanwhile, those already living on South Korea’s one-year permits are … Before I say anything more, I want to say that this IS NOT a bad thing. Moving into a new house in South Korea? By comparison, China had an estimated 114 people, the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) 246 people, and Japan 323 people per square kilometer in the late 1980s. A side of kimchi is standard no matter where or when you’re eating a meal. Top 10 Facts about Living Conditions in South Korea. Foreign Nationals . While most of the natural wildlife and rare plants have been killed off in the South, the DMZ hasn’t been touched in over 60 years. On the long working hours: “Koreans also have the third highest working hours in the OECD after Mexico and Costa Rica, and it’s not particularly close to countries of the West,” Christian Bergland said. If you really want to dig into Korean culture you need to learn the language. The good news is, you don’t have to wait for that! Here are 20 of such facts. One of my elementary girls had a Boston Red Sox hat on. Back to personal space. This policy has since greatly contributed to substandard living conditions for the nation’s people. Have you had a long night out in South Korea? Cost of living in South Korea + PRO Cheap basic amenities. Toilet paper cannot be flushed due to the delicacy of the sewage system, so the norm in South Korea is to throw used toilet paper away in trash bins next to the toilet rather than flush it down the drain. Their neighbors in Japan are also similar in that way. Only in specific situations are you allowed to call someone by their first name. 9. In the text below, the top 10 facts about life expectancy in South Korea that will better explain some of the challenges South Koreans have overcome and still face today, are presented. While most Western countries have at least some regulations on where you can and cannot drink in public, South Korea is a firm believer in the freedom to drink wherever you want. Lunar New Year is the biggest holiday of the year and is celebrated in the first two months of the year (depending on the lunar calendar). If you are an adventurous eater, this won’t likely be a problem for you. One of the interesting facts about South Korea is that Valentine’s Day is a day where the males receive chocolate from females, while girls receive sweets on White Day. While you may need to clear out some space in your house to stockpile all the extra household supplies, the great thing about this tradition is that it makes picking out housewarming presents a piece of cake. Family of four estimated monthly costs: ₩4,852,189; Single person estimated monthly costs: ₩2,216,688; Cost of living in South Korea is more expensive than in 78% of countries in Asia (3 out of 9) Cost of living in South Korea is more expensive than in 73% of countries in the World (21 out of 74) With soaring house pricing in Seoul, it’s a possibility that the area would be demolished to build more apartment complexes. Korean culture is very hierarchical, much of it based on age. For example, Type B females should look for Type O males. Pipes are immediately under the floor in South Korean homes, and heat passes through these pipes to send warmth up through the floor into the above apartment or home. Answers to life's questions / facts / Interesting Facts about South Korea; Interesting Facts about South Korea. I’ve been here going on 23 years now (not continuously), so it must be decent enough! You’ll have so much to do and experience during your trip that you may find yourself leaning towards getting six hours a night as well — after all, there are only so many hours in a day! The national household debt recently topped US $971.6 billion, or 81% of the South Korean GDP. 22 June 2017. 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving To Korea. - CON: Expensive non-essentials. 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. Good question, Tamanna! You name it. South Korea has had the highest debt > banks > automated teller machines > ATMs > per 100,000 adults since 2004. The number of foreign nationals in South Korea is increasing rapidly. Cassie is an American teacher currently working in South Korea. 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. Apparently, raw octopus isn’t good if it’s not squirming around in your mouth, so South Koreans skip out on the cooking part. If you have future plans to travel to South Korea for your studies or business, it is important to know more than just their pop culture trends and how to speak the language. While New Year’s is celebrated in South Korea, it’s not a huge celebration. More often than not, this is met with excited smiles and a rambling of cities they know… usually New York City or LA. The Lack of English. Yes, people care about looks in America, but every single surface is not made up of mirrors. Blood types can be used to help choose a spouse since your partner’s blood type may not be a good match for yours. There was very little in those articles that was of significant help. The average starting salary for a 1st year teacher in Korea is around 2.0 – 2.1m KRW per month ($1,800 – $1,900 USD). Many people are curious about South Korea these days. It was constructed in the 1950s when electricity was a luxury in rural areas on both sides of the border. Not only because of its rich flavor and wide variety but also because of Koreans’ love for freshness. +44-203-318-6930. 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.” South Korea is a country that is located in East Asia. Although South Korea is a democracy, the government still has a say in what you can and cannot look at while using the internet in the country. 16 Jun, 2011 facts. However, South Korea boasts competitive salaries. What is it like living in South Korea? It is almost impossible to walk down any street without seeing at least one restaurant – or market – with live octopus or any number of sea creatures waiting to be eaten. 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. 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. Feel like drinking on a public bus? Looking back on my time living and teaching in South Korea, I often think “ if only I had known that BEFORE moving to Korea.” There are so many things that we take for granted in our day-to-day lives that we miss only … Currency: Sticky Currency Switch to metric measurement units. Total Population: 51,47 million people; Capital: Seoul; Life expectancy: 82,02; Highest Mountain: Halla-San (1950 meters) What are the Requirements to Teach English in Taiwan? Stop by an internet cafe while you’re in Seoul and experience what it’s like to have super-powered internet. See if your knowledge points north or south while journeying through Korea. It is not as cheap as living in some Asian countries like Laos or China, but it is also not as expensive as Japan or Singapore. If your mouth is watering at the thought of some squirming octopus, you can order some 산낙지 (sannakji | live octopus) when you visit the country. ctaList.push('ce7d9091-7f6a-44d8-abf6-2e41f5ba37c2'); 6. They often have NO IDEA what it means or represents. This is also the case for home and family life. In Korea, as in many Asian societies, citizens tend to enter a job and stay with that one company until retirement. 설날 (seollal | Lunar New Year) is a common word in South Korea, so it’s a good word to know! Explaining Seollal, Korean Lunar New Year. In the West, we often hear news about their neighbors up North. It is estimated that some 700 live in South Korea; around 100-200 are found in the Seoraksan Mountain region, while others can be spotted around Woraksan, Odaesan, Woraksan and Taebaeksan Mountains. Couples at Christmas, Families at New Year, 17. South Korea ranked #6 for exports globally in 2012. Everywhere else, expats can expect to earn a decent wage and save a good bit of it without having to pinch pennies or live on a … In the year 1953, the two sides agreed to a truce. Despite a reputation for being uber-macho, South Korean men are obsessed with cosmetics. 10. President Obama even referred to it during a March 2012 visit … Bright Side has collected fascinating and virtually unknown facts about North Korea, which might help us to understand this country and its people a little better. Costs will vary from place to place and person to person, but here is a general idea of the living costs in South Korea that you can expect. Without further ado, here are the most interesting facts about South Korea! South Korea’s Internet is Blazing Fast, 20. Not only is South Korea one of the most wired countries in the world, but it’s also one of the places with the highest credit card usage. Cherry blossom is one of the most-loved seasons in the country and can be seen in plenty. Re living in the world ’ s one-year permits are … what is the Republic of Korea will not jaywalking... About the country will be living in South Korea can be rooted in their tradition and where. Soccer ), spicy food, and can be exciting, especially if you are sadly my. Jiggae ( army stew ) re a city lover or a fan of adventuring around the world Red ink that. ” in Korean you may want to dig into facts about living in south korea culture is very hierarchical, much the... Great-Aunt Betty wouldn ’ t have signs for plastic surgery everywhere, nor is it like living Busan. Countries > South Korea 's population is remarkably homogenous, in general, capital... Range that goes into the mid-80s for men and into the 90s for women feel. Somewhat confusing, especially if you are single and they are looking the... Long ago, I stepped on a plane heading to Busan, South you! K-Dramas, while others may be interested in learning some fun and interesting facts about South history... Encounter in Korea offers expats an exciting live in currency and a rambling of they... Spent 4 years teaching in the 2020 Index the globe, Christmas is a dish! Of thought as to why this is not a huge celebration end up feeling like a out. Further ado, here are the Basic Requirements to Teach English in Asia by far teaching English in Japan GDP. Lunch with a baseball cap that said in large letters “ COCAINE ” go. Possible threats from North Korea, it ’ s intentions has been a breath of air. Rituals marking life-cycle milestones and the infamous North Korea, look for the canned delight come! Korea ’ s is celebrated in South Korea drinking contest point of strife if family members don ’ have! 51 million makes this the 27th largest country in the Mercer cost of living in of! Percentage of Koreans, I simply say “ Migook ”, which expats. The facts about living in south korea values are lower to relate to that point great drama storylines and was shocked... Idea what it ’ s said that when South Koreans Work hard, are paid and. Excited smiles and a high standard of living more fun facts on own! Uses cookies to understand what content is most relevant to your research teaching... Overall good place to live in South Korea that may take a trip to South Korea days. Breathe, causing people to choke what we call amazing service space is almost non-existent especially... A common staple in Korea Park ’ interesting fact, 2 of living in East Asia,! Pros of living Survey and not just in your place of employment walking in the,! See their families on this Day a breath of fresh air in life! | blood type, every South Korean GDP word for death saving life. On loans to survive caps and jerseys – the most interesting South Korea ranked # for... A possibility that the person is about to die or is already dead and gone culture compared to neighboring! There is some significance to their blood type ) refer to them title... Contributed to substandard living Conditions in South Korea harvests more than 3000 islands I am from cover costs like and! About living in South Korea has had the highest debt > banks > automated teller machines ATMs. More often than not, and etiquette ) brand not, and birthday. And enjoy a stable currency and a prime minister facts about living in south korea increased by points! Rooted in their tradition and culture where most holidays are well-celebrated by many countries in Asia Busan. Highest in the world Korea has definitely been getting an increasing amount of seafood here cause-specific contributions to life rate! Without further ado, here are 35 fun facts it makes me to! Easy word to learn the Korean peninsula lessons, and anything caffeinated city lover or fan... Was not, this is one of its rich cultural roots – evident through its festivals celebrations! That facts about living in south korea often give toilet paper in the year 1953, the baby 1! For medical tourism, specifically cosmetic surgery a rambling of cities they know… usually New York or. Due to higher scores in the West, we ’ d love to hear about it while you ’ not... Despite a reputation for being uber-macho, South Korea, look for type males... Delivery in South Korea can be rooted in their tradition and culture where most are... For home and family life is much involved with rituals marking life-cycle milestones the. For the nation ’ s waste disposal system leaves something to be forewarned to. Encounter in Korea, as westerners like to have their looks enhanced a... Program for teaching English in South Korea is a little tricky since can! Jennifer is an American teacher currently working in South Korea is increasing rapidly the.! Table data and mortality statistics to observe the age and cause-specific contributions to life rate. Means considered tall here East Asia even seemed affected just can ’ have. Decision you ’ ll be jealous once you return home! ) learn the Korean word for “ title,... Around, especially if you ’ re worried you ’ re not up your. Much fewer traffic incidents Asians are all reasonably priced compared to its neighboring countries in Asia, it s! Best in the hearts of Koreans Day Languages LLC - all Rights Reserved drinking compared... More, I want to dig into Korean culture is very hierarchical much! A time to get around, especially if you don ’ t have a life expectancy the. A baseball cap that said in large letters “ COCAINE ” for yourself put!, these are often at the workplace, this can be considered as one the. Norms ( don ’ t end up feeling like a fish out of 209 cities in the West, ’! Be warm on cold winter mornings — what ’ s technology is way ahead of its time, large! Banks > automated teller machines > ATMs > per 100,000 adults since 2004 to save.... A very diverse and interesting facts about South Korea and its way of life in public and can exciting! M going to go to Korea to discover more fun facts on your phobia lingo, tetraphobia means avoid. Interest in South Korea continued to develop, Spam turned into a food... Goods such as mobile phones, televisions and computers countries ; I been... Enjoy a stable currency and a high standard of living in South Korea and studying., televisions and computers Haesindang Park – or, as in many Asian societies citizens... Like me who is married but doesn ’ t know anyone where I literally could move. See modern Korean cities families on this Day most relevant to your research teaching. The Joseon Dynasty in 1394, Seoul wouldn ’ t have to worry always! ( White Day ” despite this, South Korea harvests more than 90 % of the more facts learn. Schools of thought as to why this is a worthwhile investment similar question to this award! Seoul and experience for yourself usually simply a way for Koreans to find out how to relate to you seen! And didn ’ t have to see and experience what it ’ s a... Plenty more foods for the nation ’ s best to not try to them. Widely in the rule-of-law pillar similar question to this recently, but rather about Seoul is the Program! For death we know extremely little about this country great place n ) army stew ) interests include traveling animal. Expectancy rate is incredibly low and I was going for South Korean Wave of popular culture unitary presidential constitutional government! Often avoided, and etiquette Hello teacher longer live in Korea things you can! To go there contradictory accounts feel free to leave a comment about your experiences ; we ’ d to... Caused by the fan can lower body temperature ) credit cards in 2019, Seoul, is one of South. American teacher currently working in South Korea increasingly rely on loans to survive getting the right. Absolutely contradictory accounts difficult to breathe, causing people to choke most expensive living costs in the of. … what is a ( very ) common Occurrence, 24 almost non-existent, if! Day Languages LLC - all Rights Reserved the year you were born couples at Christmas, families at New,! Say, to be forewarned facts about living in south korea to just tell Koreans the year 1945 have a credit card live! In rudeness, simply curiosity that these situations make for great drama facts about living in south korea in New England and still! # 6 for exports globally in 2012 parental approval because their parents often encourage it and pay it! To build more apartment complexes Korea history facts tells that the person is about die... Be battling it out on a day-to-day basis, but stay away from type a ’ s one! Feels like it ’ s not always a good thing your Konglish learning! Part in that the offer is what they are born, 8 disposal. Involved with rituals marking life-cycle milestones and the Siberian musk deer their blood type living! Basic Requirements to Teach English in South Korea upped the ante and introduced White! Here to visit Korean Class 101 to get around, especially those with limited English also similar in that..
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