Whether you’re planning a move or an exciting visit, here are some fun facts about South Korea to learn a bit about the local culture—from the POV of an American.
As an American who taught English in South Korea, I learned a lot during my time there. The joys (and struggles) of immersing a new culture is one that can’t be fully put into words. It’s exciting, empowering, interesting, and opens your eyes to a whole new perspective.
While I’ll never be able to fully understand Korean culture as an American expat, I can share some unique fun facts about Korea from my own personal point of view. Who knows, maybe they’ll help you prepare for a life in South Korea, an upcoming trip, or just give you some insight into daily life for funsies!
Without further ado, here are 35 fun facts about South Korea I’ve found to be the most interesting.
↠ Read More: An Ultimate Korea Itinerary: Where to Go, What to Do, and What to Know
35 Interesting South Korea Fun Facts
1. Korea is a very safe country to live and travel
I have never felt unsafe walking around my neighborhood or Daegu at night. South Korea has a low crime rate and actually ranks much higher than the United States on the Global Peace Index. So fear not friends and family, Korea is a great place to travel! Especially for solo female travelers in Asia!
2. Teachers and students brush their teeth after lunch at school
In Korea, most people brush their teach three times a day vs the western standard of twice! And they do it at school!! This was such a shock to me on my first day of school. Hoards of people were lined up at the sinks after lunch with their toothbrushes in hand!
↠ Read More: The Ultimate Guide: How to Teach English in Korea
3. Toilet paper is usually kept outside of the stalls
I can not tell you how many times I’ve rushed into the stall only to realize I forgot the TP. I now carry tissues as back up. I imagine it helps keep waste down I hope!
4. Kimchi and rice is served with every meal – often even breakfast
This one blew my mind. Kimchi, for breakfast? But once you live in Korea long enough, you get the kimchi hype.
5. As a sign of respect, people are often addressed by their profession
So that’s Brittany teacher to you! 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. Whether it’s by their profession or by a language marker denoting respect, it’s especially important when talking with someone older than you.
↠ Read More: 10 Things I hate About Life in South Korea
6. In Korea, you are actually 1 or 2 years older than your Western age
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. This article does a great job explaining it – find your Korean age here: www.waegukin.com
7. When meeting new people, it’s very common to be asked personal questions
Questions like…How old are you? What is your profession? Are you married? What is your blood type? In Korea your blood type can be an indicator of your personality, very similar to your astrology sign!
8. As a non-Korean, people often automatically assume you’re American.
I’ll walk down the street and hear often hear ‘migook’ in passing, which means American in Korean. This assumption of course works in my favor, but my friends from other English speaking countries often are mislabeled as American.
9. In Korea, you do not tip any service employees
The price you see on the menu is the price you pay! This is probably only exciting for my fellow Americans who know all too well the inconvenience of calculating a good tip.
10. At restaurants, you press a buzzer to get service
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! It’s very loud and truly a shock the first time, but it makes so much sense!
↠ Read More: 10 Things I Love About Life in South Korea
11. There are no open container laws
You can take your soju to go and live it up on the streets! 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.
12. South Korea is 70% mountains
This place is a hiker’s paradise! Koreans have made the most of their limited, livable land space and are known to have some of world’s high population density. But they don’t let that get to them. They love hiking so much it’s considered a national past time!
↠ Read More: Ultimate Guide to the Best Hiking in South Korea
13. Most personal bathrooms are wet rooms and do not have a separate shower
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. Which then also means that everything gets instantly soaked every time you shower. It took a while to get used to it, but actually I grew to love it. It makes cleaning the bathroom a breeze!
14. There are squatter toilets here
In Korea and Asia in general, you’ll get a workout using the squatty potties. They’re not everywhere in Korea, but they’re most common in older buildings and establishments.
15. In a lot of public places, you’re not allowed to flush toilet paper
Many places in Korea have old and narrow pipes, meaning they don’t want you to flush toilet paper for fear of clogging. There are special waste containers next to the toilet where you’re expected to put used toilet paper when you’re done.
16. Garbage disposal is very complicated
Apparently each type of waste has it’s own bag and own disposal process. To be honest, I have yet to figure it out. 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.
17. The people are very kind and helpful here
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’s so nice!
18. Collectivism is an integral part of Korean culture
In the land of the morning calm, extended family members often live together, communal meals are huge, and people value community over individualism. As an American where the opposite is true, it’s a nice change of pace to see aspects of collective life.
19. Foods or snacks you’d expect to be savory are sweet, and things you’d expect to be sweet are savory
Sausage pizza with sweet glaze? Sugar coated corn dog? It’s a weird adjustment but some you’ll come to love and others you’ll quickly hate.
20. Plastic surgery is huge
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. It’s so popular that Korea has a higher per capita plastic surgeries than any other country. While living there, I’d even been asked – what do you plan on having done while you’re here?
21. Eating or drinking on the street doesn’t seem to be a thing
It’s considered a bit unseemly to walk around eating, so you won’t see many people doing it. And around town, you will be hard-pressed to find an actual garbage can to dispose of such items.
22. Religion isn’t that big of a deal in Korea
Religion is an interesting concept in Korea. 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. Not to mention the sliver of the population practicing other religions completely separate from these big two.
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.
23. “Korean Surprise” is a real thing
Some days I come to school and will be told five minutes before class that the lesson has changed. It’s not uncommon here for things to be done last minute. You just have to be open to going with the flow and rolling with the punches! 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!
24. Korea is a land of high rise apartments
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!
25. Wearing outdoor shoes inside is a big no no
We even wear special slippers while inside the school. 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.
26. Students are responsible for cleaning the classrooms
This is genius in my opinion. 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.
27. When you sneeze, the practice of saying bless you or gesundheit does not exist
Cue the awkward silence each time I sneeze and expect acknowledgment. After living here I’ve come to realize maybe we’re the weirdos to expect attention after a sneeze – right!?
28. Respect is huge
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. 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!
29. Food delivery service is unreal
Even places like McDonald’s and KFC have delivery. Take out is often delivered on real plates and containers that are picked up later that evening after you’ve finished your meal.
30. Air pollution is an issue
Just recently Seoul has been named one of the most polluted cities in the world and the locals have been taking precautions. It’s recommended to wash your face and change your clothes as soon as you get home and to keep your windows closed.
31. Education is taken very seriously
Korea’s educational system and job market are VERY competitive. Even elementary school kids have crazy schedules including the normal school day, private tutoring after school and various different lessons like piano etc. Young students often stay up very late and come to school very tired!
32. K-Pop is a way of life
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. 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!
33. Going to the doctor is actually affordable
What a concept! Korea has a national healthcare plan that ensures all have easy and affordable access to health care. I was able to get care and medicine and even an x-ray for well under $30. What a concept!
34. Korea’s economic success is impressive
A country devastated by war only a short 64 years ago, the economic growth the country has seen since then is truly incredible. I think the cultural attitude of the people, the idea of collectivism and the importance of education has played a huge role.
35. People seem fairly unconcerned with North Korea
My friends and family back home express more concern about North Korea’s actions than my peers here! 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. Let’s hope their calm is justified!
Great read Brit! Looking forward to coming and having kimchi for breakfast (seriously)!
Thanks so much! Can’t wait to host you and show you all of the best Korea has to offer! 🙂