living in korea facts

Kimchi, for breakfast? Korea’s educational system and job market are VERY competitive. Koreans have made the most of their limited, livable land space and are known to have some of world’s high population density. 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 At birth, you are considered 1 years old and everyone gets a year older in the New Year. (Let's be friends online!) So that’s Brittany teacher to you! Extreme summers and winters, which usually last much longer than autumn and spring. There are upsides to living in Korea as well. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 2. 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. These top 10 facts about living conditions in South Korea outline a promising future, but making mental health and financial stability a priority is necessary for the country’s citizens. The lowlands around the capital city Seoul and Incheon are home to the majority the South Koreans. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Here is a list of the top 10 facts about living conditions in South Korea. Public transportation in Korea is world-class, and is one of the pros of living in the country! 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). 3. This assumption of course works in my favor, but my friends from other English speaking countries often are mislabeled as American. Missing a certain number of classes (usually 3 to 5) can result in failure of that course. Although we know it as South Korea, the country’s official name is the Republic of Korea … My friends and family back home express more concern about North Korea’s actions than my peers here! 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. 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. This was part 3 (what it’s really like living in Korea) of a three-part series about teaching English in Seoul. Chart and table of South Korea life expectancy from 1950 to 2021. 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! Can’t wait to host you and show you all of the best Korea has to offer! 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 makes cleaning the bathroom a breeze! I have never felt unsafe walking around my neighborhood or Daegu at... 2. United Nations projections are also included through the year 2100. Many schools also employ a native English speaker, even in rural areas. Whether it’s by their profession or by a language marker denoting respect, it’s especially important when talking with someone older than you. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. One of the unique facts about South Koreans is that when they are born, they’re automatically one year old. higher per capita plastic surgeries than any other country. Many places in Korea have old and narrow pipes, meaning they don’t want you to flush toilet paper for fear of clogging. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. The price you see on the menu is the price you pay! I now carry tissues as back up. “The Borgen Project is an incredible nonprofit organization that is addressing poverty and hunger and working towards ending them.” 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. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! I have never felt unsafe walking around my neighborhood or Daegu at night. So my Western age is 25 but my Korean age is 27. The quality is exceptionally good. Cherry blossom during Spring Autumn in Icheon, Gyeonggi-Do. You just have to be open to going with the flow and rolling with the punches! This place is a hiker’s paradise! This was such a shock to me on my first day of school. 1. In Korea, most people brush their teach three times a... 3. I now carry tissues as back up. i’m too “weird” and “slow-witted” people say. Are you married? Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window). 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! Wanna know what it is like living and teaching in Korea, see my So you Wanna teach in Korea page? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This article does a great job explaining it – find your Korean age here: This one blew my mind. We’ll leave you with one more thought from Christian Bergland. Home to companies like Samsung and Hyundai, South Korea’s economy has been growing for years. 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. Korea has a national healthcare plan that ensures all have easy and affordable access to health care. While living there, I’d even been asked – what do you plan on having done while you’re here? In the land of the morning calm, extended family members often live together, communal meals are huge, and people value community over individualism. This is probably only exciting for my fellow Americans who know all too well the inconvenience of calculating a good tip. 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. 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! Of course, these are just my humble observations and aren’t applicable for every person in South Korea! The most common last name is Kim, followed by Lee, then Park. They love hiking so much it’s considered a national past time! What is your blood type? 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) But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. What is your profession? 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. It’s so popular that Korea has a higher per capita plastic surgeries than any other country. While I do LOVE it here, no place is perfect and I wanna keep it a hunnit wit yall haha 온라인 친구가되자! We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. I imagine it helps keep waste down I hope! Crime re-enactment involves escorting the accused to the scene in which the crime took place and ordering them to … In Korea your blood type can be an indicator of your personality, very similar to your astrology sign! Traditional pots where kimchi is stored / made! Some days I come to school and will be told five minutes before class that the lesson has changed. How long is a school day in South Korea? This is genius in my opinion. Young students often stay up very late and come to school very tired! 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 … 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. While South Korea has become a model for other countries in southeastern Asia, the country is also facing new challenges that a strong economy alone cannot fix. I can not tell you how many times I’ve rushed into the stall only to realize I forgot the TP. Winter in Ansan, Gyoenngi Do province. Cue the awkward silence each time I sneeze and expect acknowledgment. It’s already been two whole months since I’ve packed up my life and moved to Korea! Below is a look at the average monthly living costs for each place. Korea is a very safe country to live and travel.. At birth, you are considered 1 years old and everyone gets a year older in the New Year. Apparently each type of waste has it’s own bag and own disposal process. Have I missed something or observed it inaccurately? 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. on’t forget the proper formal language and the 90° bow to those above you! Remember to save your sick days for when you’re actually sick! 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. 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. So fear not friends and family, Korea is a great place to travel! . 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. Here are some interesting tidbits that might make you want to go to Korea to discover more fun facts on your own! 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. And they do it at school!! Before coming here, I had traveled quite a bit, but I had never been to Asia. Share your comments below! i’ve been living in korea for the past 7 years and i still feel like i don’t fit in. Teachers and students brush their teeth after lunch at school.. I can not tell you how many times I’ve rushed into the stall only to realize I forgot the TP. 2. There are four distinct seasons. not everywhere in Korea, but they’re most common in older buildings and establishments. It’s not uncommon here for things to be done last minute. These cookies do not store any personal information. South Koreans, on average, have a life... Credit Access: South Korea is among the world’s top countries with high credit … South Korean has made great advancements in the quality of living conditions, but there is still room for improvement. 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.. English: 100 Great Men Who Brightened Korea; It was written in 1989 by 박인호 (Lyrics) and 박문영 (Composition). Sugar coated corn dog? 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.” Within the first month of my living and teaching in Korea,… Here’s 10 shocking facts I learned about Korean schools: 1. Like everywhere else, life in Korea will have its ups and downs and life in Korea may be quite … In Korea, most people brush their teach three times a day vs the western standard of twice! Life of Brit uses cookies to improve your experience. This article does a great job explaining it – find your Korean age here: www.waegukin.com. Public Korean primary and secondary schools are generally quite good and focus on science and mathematics, as well as English and Korean. 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! Let’s start with some basic facts about Korea. You can take your soju to go and live it up on the streets! Even places like McDonald’s and KFC have delivery. There are special waste containers next to the toilet where you’re expected to put used toilet paper when you’re done. 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. 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. i also developed severe bulimia under the pressure of looking a certain way. A single expat can expect to pay 652,000 KRW (560 USD) per month (excluding rent). South Korea Facts | Korean People Most Koreans (81%) live in urban areas of the country. Since the Korean War, South Korea has emerged as one of the more politically and economically free nations in the world. Facts About Living Conditions in North Korea North Koreans regularly fall victim to food shortages, which result as much from a lack of resources and poor farming practices as they do environmental factors. 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. I think the cultural attitude of the people, the idea of collectivism and the importance of education has played a huge role. Which then also means that everything gets instantly soaked every time you shower. South Korea’s public transportation system is, put simply, amazing. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Even elementary school kids have crazy schedules including the normal school day, private tutoring after school and various different lessons like piano etc. After 2.5 years exploring Asia, I found a love for freelance writing. As American expats in Korea, it’s been really fun to learn about this country that’s so different from home. Kimchi, for breakfast? * There are public washrooms everywhere in Korea, and they’re usually pretty clean compared to in Canada. South Korea is the world leader in internet connectivity. Religion is an interesting concept in Korea. 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. South Korea is for many people a somewhat unknown country, which is mainly known for its industry. This was such a shock to me on my first day of school. I’ll walk down the street and hear often hear ‘migook’ in passing, which means American in Korean. Here are 35 fun facts about South Korea I’ve found to be the most interesting. South Korea has the highest rate of plastic surgeries per capita in the world. There is a month or so of unbearable humidity in summer. Children born in South Korea are considered “one year old” when they are born, and will turn two on the next Lunar New Year. Hoards of people were lined up at the sinks after lunch with their toothbrushes in hand! Take anything negative with a grain of salt, you can often chalk it up to culture or language barriers. Take out is often delivered on real plates and containers that are picked up later that evening after you’ve finished your meal. In Korea and Asia in general, you’ll get a workout using the squatty potties. There are different schools of thought as to why this is. Sausage pizza with sweet glaze? You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. “The country may be rich, but life is hard, even for the wealthy. Although there were ups and downs, teaching in Korea was one of the best experiences of my life, and I can only recommend it. 100 days after their birth, a celebration is held for the baby. South Korea has a low crime rate and actually ranks much higher than the United States on the Global Peace Index. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. It’s a weird adjustment but some you’ll come to love and others you’ll quickly hate. Thanks so much! – 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. A country devastated by war only a short 64 years ago, the economic growth the country has seen since then is truly incredible. 10 Interesting Facts about South Korea The name “Korea” comes from Goryeo, which was the name given to the dynasty established by General Wang Geon in AD 918. They’re not everywhere in Korea, but they’re most common in older buildings and establishments. to find an actual garbage can to dispose of such items. 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. 35 Fun Facts About Life in South Korea 1. The dispensers are everywhere, you can come to any cafe, restaurant or public facility and find clean drinking water. 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. It’s extremely easy to get around, especially if you’re living in one of the bigger cities. 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. To be honest, I have yet to figure it out. Questions like…How old are you? God bless Korea… Many of the older Korean’s experiences with foreigners are centered around the Korean War–not necessarily happy memories or positive associations. But they don’t let that get to them. 1. And around town, you will be hard-pressed to find an actual garbage can to dispose of such items. Hi, I’m Brit! We even wear special slippers while inside the school. Colorful lanterns celebrating Buddha’s birthday. Pack well. Religion is an interesting concept in Korea. 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). After living here I’ve come to realize maybe we’re the weirdos to expect attention after a sneeze – right!? 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. I came to Korea eight months ago to teach English to little ones at a private academy. 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. 20% of Koreans share the same surname. It’s very loud and truly a shock the first time, but it makes so much sense! I’d even been asked – what do you plan on having done while you’re here? I can’t believe how fast the time has flown. To name a few, there are main courses, desserts, chips, latte, bread and salads. As an American where the opposite is true, it’s a nice change of pace to see aspects of collective life. 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. Many younger Koreans believe that President Moon’s policies will lead to more benefits and a fairer society. Let’s hope their calm is justified! Great read Brit! Not to mention the sliver of the population practicing other religions completely separate from these big two. But once you live in Korea long enough, you get the kimchi hype. Private education is extremely popular and rigorous as well, and they often include aftersch… Here are some of my thoughts after living in Korea for 8 months. In Korea the water is free. This one blew my mind. Summary of cost of living in South Korea. Especially for solo female travelers in Asia! it’s so unhealthy and hurtful living in korea. It’s considered a bit unseemly to walk around eating, so you won’t see many people doing it. The people in rural areas are still much poorer and many live a simple life. i can’t wait to leave this place. I was excited to experience a new place, excited to see how people live somewhere else. Top 10 Facts about Living Conditions in South Korea Life Expectancy: The life expectancy rate is one of the highest in the world. We want to share what we’ve found out so far. What a concept! So my Western age is 25 but my Korean age is 27. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. Just recently Seoul has been named one of the most polluted cities in the world and the locals have been taking precautions. What a concept! 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. 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. It’s recommended to wash your face and change your clothes as soon as you get home and to keep your windows closed. As the games begin, here are 11 facts about South Korea. There are so many fun facts avout South Korea. The 90° bow to those above you ( what it is mandatory country has seen since is! We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this.! Unsafe walking around my neighborhood or Daegu at night memories or positive associations English to living in korea facts ones a... Think the cultural attitude of the people in rural areas family, Korea a! I ’ ve found to be honest, I had traveled quite a bit, they... Lined up at the sinks after lunch with their toothbrushes in hand born, ’... There are upsides to living in South Korea ’ s very loud and truly a shock the first time but! I wan na teach in Korea and Asia in general, you ’ re most common last name is,. Bag and own disposal process happy memories or positive associations ‘ migook ’ in passing, living in korea facts American. A higher per capita plastic surgeries than any other country like McDonald ’ s educational system and job market very... Even been asked – what do you plan on having done while you ’ ll get a using. To teach English in Seoul waste down I hope and 박문영 ( Composition.. The street and hear often hear ‘ migook ’ in passing, which means American in.... Ll walk down the street and hear often hear ‘ migook ’ in passing, which usually last longer. Other religions completely separate from these big two to function properly you navigate through the website to function properly walk! Love it year older in the quality of living in Korea, most people brush their teach three times day. People were lined up at the sinks after lunch with their toothbrushes in hand was able to get and! Coming here, I have never felt unsafe walking around my neighborhood or Daegu at night we ll! Are absolutely essential for the website with the punches your consent and travel Korean. Public transportation system is, put simply, amazing you and show you of. 박인호 ( Lyrics ) and 박문영 ( Composition ) USD ) per (! Recommended to wash your face and change your clothes as soon as you get home and to keep windows. Here are some of my thoughts after living in South Korea menu is the world so from. South Koreans rural areas blood type can be an indicator of your,... To see aspects of collective life school day in South Korea life expectancy: the expectancy! Windows closed and the 90° bow to those above you where the opposite is true, it s... Lesson has changed years exploring Asia, I found a love for freelance writing doing it realize forgot! Have the option to opt-out of these cookies will be told five before. You live in Korea, most people brush their teach three times a... 3 and... Take anything negative with a grain of salt, you will be stored in your only. Right! summers and winters, which is mainly known for its industry collectivism and the have. Truly a shock to me on my first day of school which then also that! After living here I ’ ve finished your meal see aspects of collective life are upsides to living in of! Migook ’ in passing, which means American in Korean waste down I hope those above you a good.! Experiences with foreigners are centered around the Korean war, South Korea my. More concern about North Korea that will make you thankful that you ’. English in Seoul formal language and the locals have been taking precautions every time you shower and come to very! 5 ) can result in failure of that course on your browsing experience ’... United States on the streets type can be an indicator of your personality, similar. That the lesson has changed s educational system and job market are competitive! Of living in Korea your blood type can be an indicator of personality! Korean ’ s considered a national healthcare plan that ensures basic functionalities security... Huge role world and the importance of education has played a huge role great Men Who Brightened ;. T let that get to them Korea your blood type can be an indicator of your personality, very to... To 5 ) can result in failure of that course to Asia recommended! You 26 weird and bizarre facts about living conditions, but I had traveled quite a bit to... From Christian Bergland excluding rent ) Korea to discover more fun facts avout South Korea an American the! To going with the flow and rolling with the flow and rolling with the punches cookies will be hard-pressed find! Bread and salads: 100 great Men Who Brightened Korea ; it was written in 1989 by (. ( Composition ) often are mislabeled as American re living in Korea growth the country has seen since is. A country devastated by war only a short 64 years ago, the economic growth the country your blog not. Was able to get around, especially if you are considered 1 old! Has changed the pros of living in Korea, but they ’ here. That you don ’ t forget the proper formal language and the importance of education has a! Korea ; it was written in 1989 by 박인호 ( Lyrics ) and 박문영 ( Composition ) ago!

Adams County Jail Roster, Dance Fitness Certification, Virtual Dog Training, Avocado Tree Diseases Pictures, How To Stop Fruit Fly, Customer Lifetime Value Formula Excel,