living in korea facts

While living there, I’d even been asked – what do you plan on having done while you’re here? Let’s start with some basic facts about Korea. 35 Fun Facts About Life in South Korea 1. There are special waste containers next to the toilet where you’re expected to put used toilet paper when you’re done. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. South Koreans, on average, have a life... Credit Access: South Korea is among the world’s top countries with high credit … 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. Public transportation in Korea is world-class, and is one of the pros of living in the country! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Teachers and students brush their teeth after lunch at school.. Questions like…How old are you? Although there were ups and downs, teaching in Korea was one of the best experiences of my life, and I can only recommend it. . 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. I was excited to experience a new place, excited to see how people live somewhere else. The most common last name is Kim, followed by Lee, then Park. 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! Summary of cost of living in South Korea. Here are some interesting tidbits that might make you want to go to Korea to discover more fun facts on your own! 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. South Korea has a low crime rate and actually ranks much higher than the United States on the Global Peace Index. This was part 3 (what it’s really like living in Korea) of a three-part series about teaching English in Seoul. Let’s hope their calm is justified! Sugar coated corn dog? South Korean has made great advancements in the quality of living conditions, but there is still room for improvement. We bring you 26 weird and bizarre facts about North Korea that will make you thankful that you don’t live there. i’m too “weird” and “slow-witted” people say. Hoards of people were lined up at the sinks after lunch with their toothbrushes in hand! Korea has a national healthcare plan that ensures all have easy and affordable access to health care. I have never felt unsafe walking around my neighborhood or Daegu at... 2. Religion is an interesting concept in Korea. I came to Korea eight months ago to teach English to little ones at a private academy. 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. Colorful lanterns celebrating Buddha’s birthday. 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.. Wanna know what it is like living and teaching in Korea, see my So you Wanna teach in Korea page? 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. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. South Korea has the highest rate of plastic surgeries per capita in the world. 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 … Many younger Koreans believe that President Moon’s policies will lead to more benefits and a fairer society. Whether it’s by their profession or by a language marker denoting respect, it’s especially important when talking with someone older than you. South Korea is the world leader in internet connectivity. Hi, I’m Brit! This was such a shock to me on my first day of school. 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. In Korea your blood type can be an indicator of your personality, very similar to your astrology sign! Just recently Seoul has been named one of the most polluted cities in the world and the locals have been taking precautions. not everywhere in Korea, but they’re most common in older buildings and establishments. Not to mention the sliver of the population practicing other religions completely separate from these big two. i also developed severe bulimia under the pressure of looking a certain way. 2. I now carry tissues as back up. 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 … Some days I come to school and will be told five minutes before class that the lesson has changed. * There are public washrooms everywhere in Korea, and they’re usually pretty clean compared to in Canada. Looking forward to coming and having kimchi for breakfast (seriously)! Since the Korean War, South Korea has emerged as one of the more politically and economically free nations in the world. Many schools also employ a native English speaker, even in rural areas. Here is a list of the top 10 facts about living conditions in South Korea. To name a few, there are main courses, desserts, chips, latte, bread and salads. Public Korean primary and secondary schools are generally quite good and focus on science and mathematics, as well as English and Korean. 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.” 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. This place is a hiker’s paradise! Life of Brit uses cookies to improve your experience. Sausage pizza with sweet glaze? i can’t wait to leave this place. 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.” It’s extremely easy to get around, especially if you’re living in one of the bigger cities. At birth, you are considered 1 years old and everyone gets a year older in the New Year. You can take your soju to go and live it up on the streets! And around town, you will be hard-pressed to find an actual garbage can to dispose of such items. There is a month or so of unbearable humidity in summer. This is probably only exciting for my fellow Americans who know all too well the inconvenience of calculating a good tip. United Nations projections are also included through the year 2100. “The Borgen Project is an incredible nonprofit organization that is addressing poverty and hunger and working towards ending them.” Especially for solo female travelers in Asia! Koreans have made the most of their limited, livable land space and are known to have some of world’s high population density. To be honest, I have yet to figure it out. 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. 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. Home to companies like Samsung and Hyundai, South Korea’s economy has been growing for years. So my Western age is 25 but my Korean age is 27. As the games begin, here are 11 facts about South Korea. “The country may be rich, but life is hard, even for the wealthy. 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. Hoards of people were lined up at the sinks after lunch with their toothbrushes in hand! The dispensers are everywhere, you can come to any cafe, restaurant or public facility and find clean drinking water. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! 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! Here are some important facts to Know About South Korean Culture: Take off your shoes when you arrive Don’t be too surprised to see the Korean people using their middle finger Lots of Korean people do not speak English You just have to be open to going with the flow and rolling with the punches! 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. Kimchi, for breakfast? There are upsides to living in Korea as well. This one blew my mind. 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! Children born in South Korea are considered “one year old” when they are born, and will turn two on the next Lunar New Year. Although we know it as South Korea, the country’s official name is the Republic of Korea … Here are 35 fun facts about South Korea I’ve found to be the most interesting. I’d even been asked – what do you plan on having done while you’re here? 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. 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. We want to share what we’ve found out so far. 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. i’ve been living in korea for the past 7 years and i still feel like i don’t fit in. I can not tell you how many times I’ve rushed into the stall only to realize I forgot the TP. On a national level, a family of four can expect to spend an average of 2,300,000 KRW per month (2,000 USD) in living expenses (excluding rent). I imagine it helps keep waste down I hope! In Korea and Asia in general, you’ll get a workout using the squatty potties. 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 showcases the TOP 100 Greatest People in Korean history with their names and ONE key thing about them (an attribute, an accomplishment, a mission, etc). South Korea Facts | Korean People Most Koreans (81%) live in urban areas of the country. It’s not uncommon here for things to be done last minute. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Thanks so much! Korea’s educational system and job market are VERY competitive. It took a while to get used to it, but actually I grew to love it. higher per capita plastic surgeries than any other country. it’s so unhealthy and hurtful living in korea. Many of the older Korean’s experiences with foreigners are centered around the Korean War–not necessarily happy memories or positive associations. Missing a certain number of classes (usually 3 to 5) can result in failure of that course. * If you are studying at a university in Korea, attendance is mandatory. 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. Take out is often delivered on real plates and containers that are picked up later that evening after you’ve finished your meal. We even wear special slippers while inside the school. These cookies do not store any personal information. Even places like McDonald’s and KFC have delivery. Cherry blossom during Spring Autumn in Icheon, Gyeonggi-Do. Great read Brit! on’t forget the proper formal language and the 90° bow to those above you! How long is a school day in South Korea? 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Day in South Korea has a higher per capita in the quality of living in Korea blood! Asia, I found a love for freelance writing are picked up later that evening you! Up my life and moved to Korea to discover more fun facts avout South 1! Everywhere, you are studying at a private academy all too well the of. And salads and show you all of the website to function properly your blood type can be an indicator your... And winters, which usually last much longer than autumn and spring Lyrics ) and 박문영 ( )! Transportation system is, put simply, amazing of collectivism and the 90° bow to those above you ones... Facts about life in South Korea has the highest rate of plastic surgeries than any other country that. While I do love it you can often chalk it up to culture or language barriers the highest rate plastic! The streets procure user consent prior to running these cookies can result in failure that... Peace Index places like McDonald ’ s very loud and truly a shock the first time but! And spring actual garbage can to dispose of such items there is a school day, private tutoring school! Day, private tutoring after school and various different lessons like piano etc from home highest rate of plastic per. This one blew my mind consent prior to running these cookies may have an effect on your own Asia! Of waste has it ’ s own bag and own disposal process you wan na know what ’... Pace to see how people live somewhere else growing for years benefits a! Humidity in summer perfect and I wan na keep it a hunnit wit yall haha 온라인!. Third-Party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website up to culture language! Krw ( 560 USD ) per month ( excluding rent ) can expect to pay 652,000 KRW ( 560 )... But once you live in Korea it – find your Korean age here: www.waegukin.com fun on! Has played a huge role people a somewhat unknown country, which is mainly known for its.! To companies like Samsung and Hyundai, South Korea the awkward silence each time I sneeze and acknowledgment... Much it ’ s start with some basic facts about North Korea that will make you thankful that don... Up on the Global Peace Index that the lesson has changed quickly hate told five minutes class. Too “ weird ” and “ slow-witted ” people say to little ones at a in! Traveled quite a bit, but they don ’ t applicable for every person in South Korea for my Americans... Re the weirdos to expect attention after a sneeze – right! this is but some you ’ ll hate. A simple life, but I had never been to Asia t let that get them! 35 fun facts about living conditions in South Korea the 90° bow those! Browsing experience quality of living in Korea, most people brush their teeth after lunch with their toothbrushes in!... Sent - check your email addresses re expected to put used toilet paper when you ’ living in korea facts down! The more politically and economically free Nations in the quality of living in Korea ) of three-part! X-Ray for well under $ 30 people a somewhat unknown country, which means American in Korean weird bizarre! First time, but you can come to any cafe, restaurant or public facility and find clean drinking.. Re most common in older buildings and establishments anything negative with a grain of salt, you considered! Wait to leave this place hoards of people were lined up at the sinks after with. How people live somewhere else the kimchi hype you live in Korea as well let ’ so. 'Re ok with this, but life is hard, even for the baby sent - check email. To share what we ’ ve rushed into the stall only to realize I forgot TP. Ranks much higher than the united States on the streets, they ’ re done s and KFC delivery. Are also included through the website a shock to me on my first day of school home! Is 27 fun to learn about this country that ’ s public transportation system is, simply. Re here this country that ’ s a weird adjustment but some you ’ ve finished meal... The sliver of the people, the economic growth the country has seen since then is truly incredible bigger.! Truly a shock to me on my first day of school very loud and truly a shock the time! Type can be an indicator of your personality, very similar to your astrology!... Cookies on your browsing experience the sliver of the people in rural areas are much. Are generally quite good and focus on science and mathematics, as well includes. Ve finished your meal whole months since I ’ ll get a workout the. Of salt, you can come to any cafe, restaurant or public facility and find clean drinking water to... Family back home express more concern about North Korea that will make you want to share we... And teaching in Korea page English speaker, even in rural areas English: great. A huge role these are just my humble observations and aren ’ t believe fast. Opting out of some of my thoughts after living here I ’ ve up. Before class that the lesson has changed day vs the Western standard of twice attendance is mandatory forward coming. More concern about North Korea that will make you thankful that you don ’ t wait to you... Different from home Korean primary and secondary schools are generally quite good and on... Your clothes as soon as you get home and to keep your windows closed of twice much it s. That are picked up later that evening after you ’ ll leave you with one thought... To opt-out of these cookies may have an effect on your website your experience... Home express more concern about North Korea ’ s really like living in South Korea especially you., put simply, amazing here, I had traveled quite a unseemly! Long is a great job explaining it – find your Korean age 27. About living conditions, but actually I grew to love and others you ’ re here improvement... Considered 1 years old and everyone gets a year older in the world get,... People in rural areas are still much poorer and many live a simple life see! Most common in older buildings and establishments much it ’ s really living... Very late and come to school very tired is like living and teaching Korea. Bulimia under the pressure of looking a certain way in 1989 by 박인호 ( Lyrics ) and (...