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! This was such a shock to me on my first day of school. Korean high school students have a 16 hour school day to find an actual garbage can to dispose of such items. To be honest, I have yet to figure it out. Which then also means that everything gets instantly soaked every time you shower. 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! God bless Korea… This one blew my mind. (Let's be friends online!) Although there were ups and downs, teaching in Korea was one of the best experiences of my life, and I can only recommend it. In Korea, most people brush their teach three times a... 3. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Many of the older Korean’s experiences with foreigners are centered around the Korean War–not necessarily happy memories or positive associations. I was excited to experience a new place, excited to see how people live somewhere else. 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. Private education is extremely popular and rigorous as well, and they often include aftersch… Great read Brit! A country devastated by war only a short 64 years ago, the economic growth the country has seen since then is truly incredible. What is your blood type? We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But they don’t let that get to them. One of the unique facts about South Koreans is that when they are born, they’re automatically one year old. This is genius in my opinion. Here are some interesting tidbits that might make you want to go to Korea to discover more fun facts on your own! 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.. But once you live in Korea long enough, you get the kimchi hype. Take anything negative with a grain of salt, you can often chalk it up to culture or language barriers. 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. 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. So that’s Brittany teacher to you! 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. higher per capita plastic surgeries than any other country. There are so many fun facts avout South Korea. It’s so nice! i can’t wait to leave this place. There are upsides to living in Korea as well. Kimchi, for breakfast? Whether it’s by their profession or by a language marker denoting respect, it’s especially important when talking with someone older than you. So my Western age is 25 but my Korean age is 27. While I do LOVE it here, no place is perfect and I wanna keep it a hunnit wit yall haha 온라인 친구가되자! Summary of cost of living in South 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.” I imagine it helps keep waste down I hope! Some days I come to school and will be told five minutes before class that the lesson has changed. So fear not friends and family, Korea is a great place to travel! Public transportation in Korea is world-class, and is one of the pros of living in the country! Like everywhere else, life in Korea will have its ups and downs and life in Korea may be quite … We bring you 26 weird and bizarre facts about North Korea that will make you thankful that you don’t live there. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. At birth, you are considered 1 years old and everyone gets a year older in the New Year. How long is a school day in South Korea? i also developed severe bulimia under the pressure of looking a certain way. Over half of Korea's population is living in Seoul greater metropolitan area - the capital of South Korea and center of politics, finance, culture and creativity Seoul is divided by the Han River and surrounded by stony-crested mountains and harsh, yet beautiful landscapes. At birth, you are considered 1 years old and everyone gets a year older in the New Year. Take out is often delivered on real plates and containers that are picked up later that evening after you’ve finished your meal. 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 … Not to mention the sliver of the population practicing other religions completely separate from these big two. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. It’s considered a bit unseemly to walk around eating, so you won’t see many people doing it. This article does a great job explaining it – find your Korean age here: www.waegukin.com. In Korea and Asia in general, you’ll get a workout using the squatty potties. South Korea is for many people a somewhat unknown country, which is mainly known for its industry. What a concept! In the land of the morning calm, extended family members often live together, communal meals are huge, and people value community over individualism. Many places in Korea have old and narrow pipes, meaning they don’t want you to flush toilet paper for fear of clogging. South Koreans, on average, have a life... Credit Access: South Korea is among the world’s top countries with high credit … Pack well. In Korea, Confucianism is an integral part of the culture, meaning there is a social hierarchy and each person has their designated spot on the social totem pole depending on age, gender, social status, profession, marital status etc. This was such a shock to me on my first day of school. This article does a great job explaining it – find your Korean age here: This one blew my mind. 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. You can take your soju to go and live it up on the streets! It makes cleaning the bathroom a breeze! I now carry tissues as back up. 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. 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! Korea is a very safe country to live and travel.. 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. Even places like McDonald’s and KFC have delivery. Many younger Koreans believe that President Moon’s policies will lead to more benefits and a fairer society. Religion is an interesting concept in Korea. Within the first month of my living and teaching in Korea,… Here’s 10 shocking facts I learned about Korean schools: 1. Before coming here, I had traveled quite a bit, but I had never been to Asia. It’s very loud and truly a shock the first time, but it makes so much sense! 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! 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. i’m too “weird” and “slow-witted” people say. It’s so popular that Korea has a higher per capita plastic surgeries than any other country. * If you are studying at a university in Korea, attendance is mandatory. After 2.5 years exploring Asia, I found a love for freelance writing. 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. 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. I can not tell you how many times I’ve rushed into the stall only to realize I forgot the TP. Religion is an interesting concept in Korea. I can’t believe how fast the time has flown. Although we know it as South Korea, the country’s official name is the Republic of Korea … And they do it at school!! 1. 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. They’re not everywhere in Korea, but they’re most common in older buildings and establishments. I came to Korea eight months ago to teach English to little ones at a private academy. 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. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 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) These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. on’t forget the proper formal language and the 90° bow to those above you! In Korea the water is free. The most common last name is Kim, followed by Lee, then Park. Especially for solo female travelers in Asia! Have I missed something or observed it inaccurately? Just recently Seoul has been named one of the most polluted cities in the world and the locals have been taking precautions. I was able to get care and medicine and even an x-ray for well under $30. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Since the Korean War, South Korea has emerged as one of the more politically and economically free nations in the world. Useful Things to Know Before Moving to South Korea. “The country may be rich, but life is hard, even for the wealthy. Are you married? 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. What a concept! There is a month or so of unbearable humidity in summer. After living here I’ve come to realize maybe we’re the weirdos to expect attention after a sneeze – right!? 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. “The Borgen Project is an incredible nonprofit organization that is addressing poverty and hunger and working towards ending them.” South Korea’s public transportation system is, put simply, amazing. * There are public washrooms everywhere in Korea, and they’re usually pretty clean compared to in Canada. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. Traditional pots where kimchi is stored / made! South Korea Facts | Korean People Most Koreans (81%) live in urban areas of the country. Can’t wait to host you and show you all of the best Korea has to offer! This assumption of course works in my favor, but my friends from other English speaking countries often are mislabeled as American. Thanks so much! 35 Fun Facts About Life in South Korea 1. Korea has a national healthcare plan that ensures all have easy and affordable access to health care. As an American where the opposite is true, it’s a nice change of pace to see aspects of collective life. The dispensers are everywhere, you can come to any cafe, restaurant or public facility and find clean drinking water. Crime re-enactment involves escorting the accused to the scene in which the crime took place and ordering them to … It’s already been two whole months since I’ve packed up my life and moved to Korea! 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 … Learn how your comment data is processed. South Korea is the world leader in internet connectivity. Teachers and students brush their teeth after lunch at school.. 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. My friends and family back home express more concern about North Korea’s actions than my peers here! 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. 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. We want to share what we’ve found out so far. Here are 35 fun facts about South Korea I’ve found to be the most interesting. It’s recommended to wash your face and change your clothes as soon as you get home and to keep your windows closed. 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. You just have to be open to going with the flow and rolling with the punches! Looking forward to coming and having kimchi for breakfast (seriously)! Kimchi, for breakfast? I think the cultural attitude of the people, the idea of collectivism and the importance of education has played a huge role. In 2017 I quit my job in marketing to teach English in S. Korea. 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. It’s a weird adjustment but some you’ll come to love and others you’ll quickly hate. 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. 100 days after their birth, a celebration is held for the baby. United Nations projections are also included through the year 2100. Hoards of people were lined up at the sinks after lunch with their toothbrushes in hand! Below is a look at the average monthly living costs for each place. 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. 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 Korea, most people brush their teach three times a day vs the western standard of twice! Extreme summers and winters, which usually last much longer than autumn and spring. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Many schools also employ a native English speaker, even in rural areas. A single expat can expect to pay 652,000 KRW (560 USD) per month (excluding rent). not everywhere in Korea, but they’re most common in older buildings and establishments. Top 10 Facts about Living Conditions in South Korea Life Expectancy: The life expectancy rate is one of the highest in the world. It took a while to get used to it, but actually I grew to love it. 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. 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. English: 100 Great Men Who Brightened Korea; It was written in 1989 by 박인호 (Lyrics) and 박문영 (Composition). South Korean has made great advancements in the quality of living conditions, but there is still room for improvement. Missing a certain number of classes (usually 3 to 5) can result in failure of that course. This was part 3 (what it’s really like living in Korea) of a three-part series about teaching English in Seoul. Wanna know what it is like living and teaching in Korea, see my So you Wanna teach in Korea page? There are four distinct seasons. I can not tell you how many times I’ve rushed into the stall only to realize I forgot the TP. Sugar coated corn dog? 2. There are special waste containers next to the toilet where you’re expected to put used toilet paper when you’re done. it’s so unhealthy and hurtful living in korea. What is your profession? 3. It’s extremely easy to get around, especially if you’re living in one of the bigger cities. I’ll walk down the street and hear often hear ‘migook’ in passing, which means American in Korean. Cue the awkward silence each time I sneeze and expect acknowledgment. – 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. And around town, you will be hard-pressed to find an actual garbage can to dispose of such items. 1. Winter in Ansan, Gyoenngi Do province. The quality is exceptionally good. Remember to save your sick days for when you’re actually sick! It’s not uncommon here for things to be done last minute. I now carry tissues as back up. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. They love hiking so much it’s considered a national past time! Cherry blossom during Spring Autumn in Icheon, Gyeonggi-Do. As the games begin, here are 11 facts about South Korea. South Korea has a low crime rate and actually ranks much higher than the United States on the Global Peace Index. Public Korean primary and secondary schools are generally quite good and focus on science and mathematics, as well as English and Korean.
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