Preference for a ‘Small Face’: In South Korea, having a small face is considered a sign of beauty. This obsession is so prevalent that people often use different objects or their fists to show how small their faces are in photos.
Love for Double Eyelids: Double eyelids are another beauty ideal in South Korea. Many people even undergo surgery to achieve this look, which is believed to make the eyes appear larger and more expressive.
Men’s Makeup: It’s not just women who are focused on looking their best. South Korean men are also known for their extensive grooming habits, including the use of makeup. From BB creams to eyebrow pencils, South Korean men take their beauty routines seriously, making it a unique aspect of the culture.
Kimchi Refrigerators: Such is the love for Kimchi that many South Korean households have a separate refrigerator dedicated to storing various types of this fermented delicacy, ensuring it is preserved at the ideal temperature and humidity.
Kimjang – The Kimchi Making Season: Kimjang is the traditional process of making large quantities of Kimchi in preparation for winter. It is a significant cultural event that often turns into a communal gathering, fostering bonding and sharing among families and communities.
Superstitions Around Kimchi: There are various superstitions associated with Kimchi, such as the belief that if a person makes Kimchi while in a bad mood, it will not ferment properly.
Everyone is One Year Old at Birth: In South Korea, a child is considered one year old at birth and adds another year when the calendar hits January 1st, regardless of when their actual birthday is. This means a baby born in December could be considered two years old just a few days later!
Legal vs. Korean Age: For official purposes such as law and documentation, the international age system is used, but socially and culturally, the Korean age system prevails, often leading to amusing confusions.
Online Gaming Curfew for Youth: South Korea once enforced a Cinderella law, where children under the age of 16 were not allowed to play online video games from midnight to 6 AM, reflecting the country’s concern over gaming addiction among youth.
Robot Prison Guards: In a move that sounds straight out of a sci-fi movie, South Korea has experimented with robot prison guards designed to monitor inmates’ activities, showcasing the country’s innovative approach to technology.
Love for Internet Cafes: Known as PC Bangs, these are a staple in South Korea, offering high-speed internet and state-of-the-art computers mainly used for gaming. These places are so popular that they can be found on nearly every street corner in major cities.
Not Writing Names in Red Ink: Writing someone’s name in red ink was traditionally linked to death or signals that someone will die soon, a belief that can lead to uncomfortable situations if unknowingly practiced.
Importance of the Number 4: Similar to some other East Asian cultures, the number four is considered unlucky in South Korea because it sounds like the word for ‘death.’ Don’t be surprised to find buildings without a fourth floor or any products missing the number four.
Spam as a Gift: Giving canned Spam as a gift might seem odd in many cultures, but in South Korea, it’s a common and appreciated present, especially during the Lunar New Year and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving).
Study Rooms and Study Cafes: To escape the often noisy home environments, many South Koreans, including students, go to study rooms or study cafes designed to provide a quiet and conducive environment for studying.
Chaotic University Admission Season: The university entrance season in South Korea is so critical that it impacts the whole country. Flights are rescheduled, and offices open late to ensure students can get to their exams on time without any traffic issues.
Sleepless Nights in Libraries: It’s common to see students spending nights in libraries during exam periods, equipped with blankets and pillows, demonstrating the extreme lengths they go to achieve academic success.
Exploring these funny cultural facts about South Korea offers a glimpse into the unique, quirky aspects of Korean life, blending tradition with modernity in ways that are both amusing and admirable.
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