Interesting facts about South Korea and Koreans

South Korea is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage. Today, the centuries-old wisdom of Taoism neighbors it with innovation. And, despite the love of the Western way of life, the inhabitants of her preserved many customs that are not clear to us.

10 facts about South Korea: interesting and frankly strange

Once Boston Consulting Group called it one of the promising in the field of innovation. Agree, not bad for the state, which is on the world arena since 1948. It is curious that with such results the country does not lose its "interesting" traditions.

1. Alcohol . An interesting fact about South Korea is associated with drinking - for them this is a very important part of the culture, helping to get to know each other better. Therefore, at least once a week, residents of the country necessarily gather with friends to skip a glass. Such gatherings even have their name - hoesik. However, when it comes to alcohol, there are rules. For example, if the person who spills the drink is older, then you should hold the glass with both hands.
2. Red ink. In every society their own superstition: if Europeans bypass black cats, the inhabitants of the Country of morning freshness hate the ink of a red shade. They believe that the name written in this color will bring him to the master of misfortune and even death. This unusual fact about South Korea is associated with an ancient tradition. Previously, on the tombstone, the name of the deceased was written in red, believing that it repels demons.
3. A proper handshake. When Bill Gates met with President Pak Kun He, the residents of the country were shocked by the behavior of the American and his gesture. The fact is that during the handshake, Bill's hand was in his pocket, which is unacceptable. Good manners and respect for the traditions of another country, despite the financial status, have always been in the spotlight. Therefore, if you have to shake hands with a Korean older than you, do it with both hands.
4. Education. Students and students in Korea are very smart. According to statistics, 93% of students graduate from high school, which puts the quality of education in the country on the second place in the world. What is the reason for this? Thanks to private institutions (hagwons), children have the opportunity to study many subjects, from mathematics to belly dancing or taekwondo. On average, the country's parents spend on educating their children up to $ 17 billion a year. But this method has its own shortcomings. Firstly, only rich families can afford to study, and the poor are content with small ones. Secondly, classes in hagwons are held after lunch, which means that children attend school twice and come home tired.
   
5. Which is better: Japan or Korea? If there are many examples of friendly rivalry (Australia-New Zealand) or bellicose (India-Pakistan), then these Asian countries are the "golden mean". Even if they do not send nuclear weapons at each other, the relationship between them is always heated. This fact about South Korea and Japan is due to the fact that in the past the latter had a bad habit - to be introduced into the territory of the first. After decades, the situation, of course, changed, but the Koreans believe that the Japanese have not officially apologized yet.
   
6. Discussions about skirts. It's strange to see a lot of bare legs in a conservative country. But mini-skirts for South Korea - this is the norm. Even a business lady is allowed to put on a business meeting attire, barely covering the fifth point, and no one will regard it as vulgar.
7. Amusement park with toilet themes. There are many strange attractions in the world, but this place in South Korea literally surpassed all. The park with an "interesting" theme, located in the city of Suwon, was opened in honor of the beloved ex-mayor nicknamed Mr. Toilet. The official was obsessed with sanitation and the main purpose was to provide the population with good toilets and to teach them proper maintenance.
8. Plastic surgery. Everyone wants to be beautiful, especially South Koreans. According to the results of the survey conducted in 2009, every fifth inhabitant of the country fell under the knife. Basically, the requests are the same: a V-shaped chin, a small nose and large eyes.
9. Bullfights. No, it's not about a red rag or a bullfighter. In Korea, cattle are fighting with each other. Ranch owners are constantly in search of good "fighters". More often choose massive, with a thick neck and long horns. The battle ends when one bull leaves the arena. The winner receives a cash prize, and the loser goes to sink his grief in rice wine.
10. Medusae-terminators. Perhaps the most interesting fact about South Korea, more reminiscent of the scenario of a science fiction film. Oceans are teeming with jellyfish, so a group of scientists specifically to fight them created a robot. Due to the invasion of marine animals the country lost $ 300 million, and in Sweden it was necessary to close the nuclear power plant. In this regard, the Koreans have created and actively use jellyfish-terminators, which destroy the real ones. Now the robot is capable of exterminating up to 900 kg of marine animals, but soon, according to scientists, the figure will reach 2000 kg.

Traditions and customs

The house is a sacred place, so special attention is paid to cleanliness, where dirt and the more mess are completely unacceptable. The room is taken without shoes (barefoot) or, in extreme cases, in socks. If in the summer period the rule does not cause discomfort, then in winter additional heating is required. Therefore, when building houses, modern technologies are used in the form of heated floors.

Another interesting fact and the custom of South Korea is connected with the rite of ancestors' remembrance - Chere. According to the Korean faith, the soul goes not immediately, but remains with the descendants of another 4 generations. Therefore, the deceased is also considered a member of the family, and for the New Year, Thanksgiving and the anniversary of death, Chere is ritual. Also, Koreans sincerely believe that if their ancestors bless them, then life will be happy.

The next interesting fact about South Korea is connected with gestures. When you urge the interlocutor, raise your hand with your palm down and wave, moving your fingers. Never make this gesture with the palm of your hand, the more your index finger - that's the name of dogs in the country.

Facts proving that South Korea is beyond our understanding

Residents of the country especially carefully monitor oral hygiene, as dental services are very expensive. Teeth here are usually cleaned after each meal, and often in a handbag you can find a brush. In addition, in the toilet rooms of some establishments there is always a free disposable dentist.

The next interesting fact about South Korea and Koreans is based on statistics. Many residents have short-sightedness, so from childhood they wear eyeglasses or lenses. This fact gives the impression that they are all born with poor eyesight. But this is not so. As mentioned earlier, Koreans are very smart and spend most of their time studying, hiding their favorite gadgets. It is worth noting that the ailment does not concern everyone. For example, Lim Don Hong (two-time Olympic champion) sees only 20% of the usual. But the irony is that a man participates in archery competitions!

Korean cosmetics has long conquered the western and domestic fashionistas, but here it is used by everyone, regardless of gender or age. Koreans carefully monitor the appearance of hair and skin, so they buy an unthinkable amount of money. They never go out without make-up. The appearance is also taken care of by young Koreans. It's almost impossible to see a man on the street with a careless or disheveled hairdo.

Contrary to the widespread "interesting" fact about the country, few people in South Korea tried dog meat. Moreover, in the state the movement on refusal of a traditional dish is gaining popularity. Wide support was rendered by the youth, brought up on the relation to animals as to friends. By the way, state policy also does not encourage the use of doggie.

Now about the cult of food. In every city in the world cafe, bars and restaurants come across every step of the way, but the speed of service in Korea is amazing. The order is delivered literally within 10 minutes, and some establishments even send the carriers again to pick up dirty dishes. Here instead of the usual "How are you?" You will be asked "Did you eat well?", And skipping any meal for a Korean is akin to sin.

Let's talk about sexual touch. If in Europe two men holding hands are considered to be representatives of the LGBT movement, in Korea everything is different. In society, extremely disapproving of a pair of opposite sex, demonstrating in public feelings. But playing with hair or sitting on your lap at a friend for men is quite acceptable.

Korea is the cradle of e-sports. At the beginning of the zero-point computer game Star Craft turned into a real cult. Players of eSports are real stars. Thousands of fans come to meet with them, and stadiums with large screens stand out for the games. And this, in turn, is another interesting fact about South Korea: a computer game is a real sport for which players, training, spend many sleepless nights.

And a few words about compulsory military service. According to the law, every Korean must undergo a course of training in the army lasting 21 months. This iron rule is observed regardless of the social status of the resident. Only those who are incompetent and those who defend the country's honor in the international arena can get away. For example, football players Ki Sun Yong ("Swansea") and Pak Chi-sung ("Manchester United") were released from military service.

Start of relationship

If in Russia and in many other countries first love is most often met at school, then in the Country of morning freshness it is more difficult with this. An interesting fact about life in South Korea is related to the fact that every child has always the first place. And if the hyperactive children manage to start relationships in school, then for the rest there is simply no time for amorous affairs - from 9 to 5 lessons, then electives, reps, classes ... When to fall in love?

But with the entrance to the university everything changes. Training is not so zealous, so many students live in their own pleasure: on Fridays they gather by the company and drink soya, join circles and clubs of interest. This is the best time, because after the release almost all of them will work for many years from morning till late evening.

Therefore, the romantic relationship of young Koreans begins precisely during the studies at the university.

What then?

Continuing the story, here are a few facts about South Korea related to further development:

1. The first date - this is the beginning of the relationship, and after the meeting the guy with the girl "officially" becomes a couple. In addition, she always comes to a meeting with a friend of an older age, to look at her background favorably.
2. After a while, "witnesses" are not needed, and lovers can walk, holding hands, but kisses and hugs in public in Korea are out of place.
3. Another trend of couples is the same style. The phenomenon is called Couple Look - it's a good earning clothes shops.
4. An important date for lovers is the hundredth day after the meeting. Girls expect from guys not flowers and sweets, but designer jewelry, clothing, cosmetics, shoes, bag. According to one Korean blogger, the gift costs an average of $ 800.
5. For the transition to a closer relationship, the couple must meet for at least a year.

Family affairs

It's time to learn the facts about the relationship in South Korea.

The home heart heats hearts, and the family must necessarily be at each person. The opinion of the oldest member of the family is dominant. Not a single South Korean will venture to create a new family without the consent of the older generation and the parental blessing. Of course, now the freedom of action is much broader, but neither the young man nor the girl can manage without the instruction of the mother and father. And excessive parental control, on the contrary, is welcomed.

The main priorities are inextricably linked with the family hearth. Previously, in traditional small houses, several generations of relatives lived together. But times change, and they were replaced by spacious apartments. The only thing that remained unchanged is the statutory rules.

When meeting with parents names are not called - only "mom" and "dad." Such treatment is connected with one more interesting fact about South Korea. By definition, the value of a name, having a large weight, affects fate, making a person more vulnerable. Therefore, the inhabitants of the Asian country call their names very rarely.

Family relations in South Korea have always been distinguished by mutual respect and understanding. Despite the fact that a woman has the same rights as a man, the duties between spouses are clearly delineated.

The wife is responsible for comfort and comfort, keeps the hearth, decides the differences, and the man, being the head, ensures the existence of the family. However, despite his authority, he never interferes in matters of home improvement and conflict resolution. Even in the most difficult situation, the husband always remains aloof.

About children

Another interesting fact about South Korea is related to the birth of a child. Since the country has a kind of chronology, the baby is born at the age of one year. This is due to the fact that the child spends 9 months in the mother's womb (almost a year). But that's not all. In the first New Year (January 1), the baby is added one more. Thus, the children here are older than their actual age by as much as 2 years.

To combat discrimination, the government passed a law, according to which both the son and the daughter are considered equal heirs, so the attitude towards the child's sex is neutral. But the Confucian traditions are still preserved. According to this, special attention is paid to the elder.

The world of show business

For many years the country was famous for its "slave contracts". This fact about South Korea is connected with the popular mainstream k-pop. For example, the ex-member of the Super Junior group in 2009 said that the owners of SM Entertainment did not allow to leave for the hospital when he discovered gastritis and had problems with the kidneys.

And this is not the only such case. Large labels justify their actions by the fact that if a young performer really wants to become popular, he must overcome all difficulties - to sleep no more than 4 hours a day, not to start a relationship while the contract is operating, not to go to sick leave and much more.

Bad figure "4"

An interesting fact about South Korea, based on superstition. To four people have a "special" attitude. The problem is that the transcription of the number 4 [sa:] is consonant with the word death.

Superstition came to the point that in the buildings after the third floor immediately goes to the fifth. Even in hospitals he is not. Agree, very few Koreans want to be treated on the floor with the name "death", especially if the disease is dangerous.

In some elevators, the "4" button is replaced with the English letter F (four). However, in the everyday speech, the fourth one sounds without exceptions.

Let's go back to the past

And finally I would like to bring a few historical facts about South Korea:

1. "Tehan Munguk" 대한 민국 - this is how the country is called by the inhabitants, but most often in conversation is used the abbreviation Hanguk, and sometimes Namkhan.
2. The word "Korea" comes from the name of the state "Koryo", which existed in 918-1392.
3. The history of North and South Korea began in 1945, when the Soviet-American agreement was signed. Under the treaty, the former passed under the jurisdiction of the USSR, and the second - the United States.
4. Although the Korean War lasted until 1953, there was no official announcement of the completion of hostilities.
5. The older generation of Koreans dislikes the Japanese, since the colonization policy of the Land of the Rising Sun has not been forgotten so far.