16 Fun Facts About South Korea That Foreigners Have Never Heard Of

Travellers from all around the world are truly aware that South Korea is a completely different country. One can define them and their lifestyle only if one has lived them. Their exotic foods, their beauty secrets, their education and the way they raise their children.

Below are some interesting facts about South Korea and it’s people that most of you must have not heard of:

1. Korean women sit with blankets on their knees

Many Korean women keep their laps covered with a blanket even if it is hot outside. We have seen many TV guests, K-pop idols, and regular women as well, covering their knees at restaurants, cafes or any public place. They do this to protect their private parts and not reveal anything when they wear a mini skirt since the blanket symbolizes modesty.

2. Women cover their mouths when laughing

Earlier it was taught to all women that laughing in public is not considered very feminine. So, if anything made them laugh they would mostly look away or try to hide them. So if you see a Korean covering their mouth does not mistake them by assuming that they are yawning.

3. Importance of V and S lines in the body

V line indicates the pointed chin and the S line is that perfect body shape which according to them women look beautiful. It is believed that the V line makes you look more elegant for both men and women. So if you see a guy complimenting you on your V and S lines, they mean they like your chin and body shape.

4. An alcohol test is a must for drivers

Usually, on Fridays and Saturdays, you will see police blocking one side of the road to check all the drivers except the taxi drivers. One must pull over when they see a patrolling car to go through the alcohol test. They say that you can only have 400 millilitres of beer or a shot of soju, otherwise, it is a chargeable offence every extra millilitre.

5. Hospitals have really good food

The regular Korean hospitals have super amazing foods daily. Every day they serve different items along with clam soups and their traditional appetizers, which includes marinated rice, Kimchi or vegetable pancakes.

6. The academic session starts there in March, and they fight to get a seat in the lectures

Before starting the session there is a special class for students of 2 days and 1 night, where they communicate about the history of the college to know about each other. But what actually happens is that a senior gives them a session about how to have fun along with their studies.

Students themselves opt for their preferred subjects and the seats are limited, so they have to be really quick in booking the slots because the available seats are between 60-100. So you gotta do it from the campus or the computer lab.

7. K-pop idols are sold instead of barbie dolls

Who doesn’t know about K-Pop singers? You can easily get their small replica in any of the stores, where you can see members of the band BTS.

8. Thrifty tourists can stay in a sauna

Their public baths or Sauna are known as Jjimjilbang. So tourists who come for a shorter span try to stay in the sauna because it only costs them $7, which is quite affordable, and the locals come there after their hectic workday or parties to get relaxation.

9. No talking to the opposite sex if you’re in a relationship

South Korean people still believe that a guy and a girl cannot be just friends, so once they come into a relationship they do not see or talk to their friends of the opposite sex.

10. November 11 is celebrated as the day of love

Also known as Pepero day, the name was kept after sweet breadsticks, which has different icing and toppings on them. The lovers give it to each other and play a game- where they bite from each side and whoever is left with the little part wins the game. This can be gifted to friends and relatives as well. This game has anyway become a part of their culture.

11. Korean men won’t date a girl who is heavier than him

You will never see a Korean couple where a girl is taller or bigger than the guy. The rule is quite strict there, no matter how much ever the potential guy has. They have to match this rule. Even girls won’t date a guy shorter than her. Age and blood group plays a big role as well.

12. Koreans keep their hands warm

Despite having a good heating system in the buildings, wherever you go, be it to a hairdresser, salons or any other place, you will be offered hand warmers.

13. They have parent patrol in schools

2 parents inspect the school on an everyday basis. They see the education process if things are going correctly, and they also taste the food from the school to see what they are fed on an everyday basis.

14. Korean parents always follow their children

It is kind of fixed that the father goes to work and the mother usually takes care of the children. Once a blogger shared a story- that she allowed her daughter to go everywhere on her own so the kid was asked- Are you sure you are not adopted? From then she had to follow everywhere wherever she goes because according to Koreans a real mother can’t let her children go alone anywhere.

15. They do not need complete silence or dark to sleep

From childhood, they are kept in a habit of not letting them sleep in complete silence and dark because this way they make their nervous system strong. And it actually works, and honestly, Koreans can sleep literally anywhere.

16. You don’t have to stay inside when it rains

Rain starts there in July-August. Even if it is flooded, people still drive cars and still walk, even though the water level reaches their knee with an umbrella.

Also read: 29 Unbelievable Facts about North Korea That Will Make Your Jaw Drop to the Floor