The Land of the Morning Calm: 10 Fascinating Facts About South Korea

As a K-pop fan, you must be familiar with "No More Dream," "Psycho," "Blood, Sweat, and Tears," "Boy With Luv," "Feel Special," and other songs, right? 

South Korea, also known as the Republic of Korea, K-Pop Nation, Tech Powerhouse, K-Beauty Hub, and more, is an Asian country known for its vibrant pop music industry, innovative technology sector, and world-renowned beauty products. 

Stretching 38,750 square miles, South Korea is home to a population of over 52 million people, with Seoul being the capital and largest city. 

This tiger-shaped country has some lesser-known facts that can blow your mind and leave you wanting to learn more about its rich culture and history. 

From its delicious cuisine to its stunning landscapes, here's the list of the top 7 things you may not know about South Korea. 

Also Read| Beyond the Bamboo Curtain: 7 Shocking Secrets of North Korea

Korean Age Calculation

The Korean age system is kind of different from the Western age system, as individuals are considered one year old at birth and age another year on New Year's Day. 

This means that a person's Korean age is typically one or two years older than their Western age. 

Electric Fan Death

Many South Koreans have a common fear of 'electric fan death.' South Koreans believe that sleeping with an electric fan on can be fatal, as they fear the air from a fan could carry away one's life force or breath while sleeping. 

In response to this superstition, many electric fans sold in South Korea are equipped with timers that automatically turn off after a set period.

Unique Greeting Ritual

If you ever meet your friend or a colleague after a long time, you may ask them, 'How are you' or 'How are you doing?' 

However, in South Korea, people ask, "Have you eaten rice?" (밥 먹었어?) that serves as a cultural expression of care and concern for well-being rather than a literal inquiry about someone's meal status.

150+ Kimchi Varieties

In many K-dramas or K-pop idols' vlogs, you might have heard the word "kimchi." It's a traditional Korean side dish made from fermented vegetables, usually cabbage and radishes, and seasoned with chilli peppers and other spices. 

There are over 180+ different types of kimchi, far beyond the common perception of it being just spicy cabbage. It is known for its unique flavour profile and health benefits, such as being rich in probiotics and vitamins. 

Here are some of the most common types:

• Baechu Kimchi (배추 김치): The most popular type, made from napa cabbage and seasoned with chilli pepper and other spices.
• Baek Kimchi (백김치): A non-spicy version made without chilli, often featuring fruits and a sour taste.
• Kkakdugi (깍두기): Cubed radish kimchi, known for its crunchiness and slightly sweet flavour.
• Chonggak Kimchi (총각 김치): Made with ponytail radish, this kimchi is popular for its unique shape and flavour.
• Oi Sobagi (오이소박이): Cucumber kimchi that is typically stuffed with seafood and spices.
• Dongchimi (동치미): A watery, non-spicy kimchi made primarily from radishes, often enjoyed in winter.
• Yeolmu Kimchi (열무김치): Made with young summer radishes, this kimchi is refreshing and mildly spicy.

Spam Cuisine

If someone tells you that there is a Korean dish named 'Spam,' what would be your initial thought? It's not about spamming—in fact, it's a well-loved dish made with canned meat, first introduced during the Korean War. 

Spam is often fried or grilled and served with rice or noodles. It’s a key ingredient in Korean dishes like budae jjigae (army stew) and is even popular as a gift during Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving).

No Tipping Allowed

When paying for your meal in South Korea, especially if you’re from the USA, be mindful to pay the exact amount instead of leaving a tip. 

Tipping is often viewed as an insult since staff are well compensated and don’t rely on tips to supplement their income. It's best to simply pay the bill without adding anything extra. 

15 Other Fascinating Facts About South Korea

1. South Korea produces over 90% of the world’s seaweed, which is a staple in many Korean dishes.
2.  South Korea has strict waste disposal laws; improper segregation can lead to fines, and specific garbage bags must be used for disposal.
3. Jaywalking is rare; South Koreans strictly adhere to pedestrian signals even when streets are clear.
4. South Korea boasts the fastest internet speeds globally, with over 80% of its population connected to high-speed broadband.
5. There are more smartphones than people in South Korea, with individuals averaging about 12 hours of screen time daily.
6. People have inhabited the Korean peninsula for at least 10,000 years, with rich historical roots dating back to ancient kingdoms like Silla and Goguryeo.
7. Hanbok, a traditional Korean attire characterised by vibrant colours and simple lines, is worn during special occasions like weddings and holidays.
8. South Korea has a thriving coffee culture with numerous themed cafes ranging from animal cafes to those specialising in unique brewing methods.
9. Writing someone's name in red ink is considered bad luck, as it is associated with death.
10. The number four is considered unlucky due to its phonetic similarity to the word for "death" in Korean.
11. South Korea is home to about 3,000 volcanic islands, contributing to its diverse geography and ecosystems.
12. There are 21 national parks in South Korea, showcasing its natural beauty despite urbanisation pressures.
13. South Koreans are known for their strong work ethic, often working long hours compared to other countries.
14. South Korea features quirky museums like Robo Life Museum, Trick Eye Museum, Mr Toilet House (Haewoojae Museum), Poopoo Land, and more that reflect its unique culture and creativity.
15. South Korea has one of the highest literacy rates in the world, reflecting its strong emphasis on education.

Additionally, if you ever purchase anything from any shop or restaurant in South Korea, it is considered polite to use both hands when giving or receiving money. This gesture shows respect and is a common practice in Korean culture.

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