17 Interesting Facts About South Korea That'll Surprise You

Think you know South Korea? Think again. Beyond the dazzling world of K-pop and kimchi lies a treasure trove of unexpected customs and fascinating traditions. Did you know that red ink is taboo? Or that tipping can be considered rude? Get to know these and other mind-blowing interesting facts about South Korea that will challenge your perceptions and ignite your curiosity. Get ready to dive deep into a culture that's both ancient and avant-garde, and discover a side of Korea you never knew existed! Let’s read on with TravelThru!

Fun Facts About South Korea

1. Everyone's Age Gains a Year on New Year’s Day

Get ready to feel a little younger (or older!). In South Korea, they have a unique way of calculating age that differs from the international standard.

In the traditional Korean age system, everyone is considered one year old at birth. This is because they consider the time spent in the womb as part of a person's life. But it gets even more interesting: everyone gains another year on New Year's Day, regardless of their actual birthdate. So, a baby born on December 31st would turn two years old on January 1st!

This means that Koreans can be one or two years older than their international age, depending on their birthday.

While this traditional system was widely used in everyday life, South Korea officially adopted the international age-counting system in June 2023. However, the Korean age system is still deeply ingrained in the culture and continues to be used in social interactions.

2. “Did You Eat Rice?”

In South Korea, you might be surprised to be greeted with "밥 먹었어요?" (Bap meogeosseoyo?), meaning "Did you eat rice?" While seemingly unusual, this question reveals a lot about Korean culture. Rice is a staple food and is deeply ingrained in their identity, so asking about someone's rice consumption expresses care and concern for their well-being.

In this collectivist society, this question acts as a social check-in, similar to asking, "Are you taking care of yourself?" It demonstrates genuine interest in the other person's overall well-being. "Did you eat rice?" can also function as a casual greeting, like "How are you?" but encourages a more personal response and deeper interaction.

3. DJs at Buddha's Birthday Festivals

While many countries observe Buddha's Birthday with solemn rituals such as meditation and chanting, South Korea transforms this occasion into a lively, carnival-like atmosphere. The highlight of the festivities is the Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeondeunghoe), where thousands of colorful lanterns shaped like lotus flowers illuminate the streets and temples.

What sets South Korea apart is its embrace of contemporary culture during this traditional event. In addition to the customary offerings of free meals and tea at temples, many celebrations feature DJs and live music performances. This fusion of traditional Buddhist practices with modern entertainment attracts a diverse crowd, including younger generations who may not typically engage in religious events.

4. Quirky Museums

South Korea is home to some truly unusual museums. For example, there's Poopoo Land, a museum entirely dedicated to the subject of poop, where you can even attend a "poo party"! If that's not strange enough, consider the Haewoojae Museum, a house shaped like a toilet. This quirky museum was once the home of a mayor obsessed with toilets, and now it's a free attraction for anyone curious enough to visit.

5. Hangul Is Very Easy to Learn

Created by King Sejong the Great in the 15th century, Hangul was designed to increase literacy among his people. Unlike many alphabets that evolved organically, Hangul was scientifically crafted with simple consonant and vowel symbols representing the shape of the mouth when making those sounds.

These visual phonetics make it incredibly easy to learn. With just 24 basic letters and a few simple rules, anyone can master the basics of Hangul in a short amount of time.

You might be surprised when you know that Hangul Day, celebrated on October 9th, is even a national holiday!

>>> Read also: South Korea Travel Cost: A Comprehensive Guide for Your Trip

Interesting Facts About South Korea’s Culture

6. No Tipping Culture

If you're dining out in South Korea, especially if you're used to tipping in the US, remember that tipping isn't expected or even desired. It can actually be seen as rude! Unlike in the US, service staff in South Korea earn a fair wage and don't rely on tips. So, just pay the amount on your bill – no need to add anything extra.

7. Public Drinking is A-OK

One of the most surprising things for visitors to South Korea might be the relaxed attitude towards public drinking. It's perfectly legal to enjoy alcoholic beverages outdoors, whether you're having a picnic in a park, relaxing by the Han River, or simply walking down the street. This might seem unusual to people from countries with strict open-container laws, but it's a normal part of Korean culture.

Alcohol often acts as a social lubricant in South Korea, facilitating conversation and bonding among friends and colleagues. The abundance of convenience stores selling a wide variety of alcoholic beverages makes it incredibly easy to grab a drink and enjoy it wherever you like. While public drinking is permitted, it's generally expected that people drink responsibly and avoid excessive intoxication or disruptive behavior.

However, it's worth noting that some local governments have started implementing restrictions in specific public areas, like parks near children's playgrounds. It's always a good idea to be mindful of your surroundings and avoid drinking excessively in public, especially around families or elderly people.

8. MBTI Holds an Important Role in South Korean

While personality tests are popular worldwide, South Korea takes it to another level. People readily share their MBTI type as a way to understand themselves and others, and it's often a key topic of conversation when meeting new people. You might even find MBTI compatibility charts in cafes or see them mentioned in dating profiles.

​​While MBTI is popular globally, its prevalence in South Korea is on another level. Koreans frequently use MBTI to understand themselves, navigate relationships, and even make decisions. It's common to see MBTI types listed on social media profiles and dating app bios, and they are even discussed in TV shows.

This fascination with MBTI stems from several factors, including a cultural emphasis on self-improvement, a desire for social harmony, and a growing interest in psychology. By understanding their MBTI type, Koreans believe they can gain insights into their strengths, weaknesses, and how they interact with others.

9. They Have More Than 150 Types of Kimchi

Think kimchi is just one thing? Think again! South Korea actually has over 150 different kinds of kimchi. It's not just spicy cabbage and radishes - there's a huge variety of flavors and ingredients. In fact, the Kimchi Field Museum has records of 187 different types! Kimchi is so important to Korean culture that it's even on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List.

10. High Beauty Standards

In South Korea, taking care of your appearance is considered very important. Many people regularly visit skin clinics to achieve the popular "glass skin" look, which is clear, smooth, and flawless.

It's easy to find skincare products in South Korea, as Olive Young stores are on almost every busy street. These stores offer a huge selection of beauty and lifestyle products from many different brands. Even international brands like Sephora have struggled to compete with the popularity of Korean cosmetics.

South Korea is also the world leader in plastic surgery. It's so common that many young people even get procedures like double eyelid surgery as a graduation gift.

11. Number 4 Brings Bad Luck

In Korean, the word for the number four sounds the same as the word for "death." Because of this, the number four is considered unlucky.
To avoid this association, some buildings in South Korea don't have a fourth floor! They might label it "F" instead. And if an address has a lot of fours in it (like apartment 404), the property value can actually be lower.

So, if you're ever in an elevator in South Korea and can't find the button for the fourth floor, try pressing "F" instead!

12. Fan Death

Many people in South Korea believe in "electric fan death," the idea that sleeping directly under a running fan all night can kill you. This is actually a common myth, and there's no evidence to support it. Even though the media has repeatedly said it's not true, lots of people still believe in this superstition. That explains why many Koreans sleep with windows open or use fan timers, even on hot nights.

13. Jjimjilbang Culture

In South Korea, the "jjimjilbang" takes relaxation and communal bathing to a whole new level. Imagine a sprawling complex filled with hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas, all designed to melt away stress and promote well-being.

But it's not just about soaking and sweating. Jjimjilbangs are social hubs where people gather to chat, unwind, and enjoy various amenities like massage rooms, restaurants, and even entertainment zones.

One of the most distinctive features of a jjimjilbang is the communal nudity in the bathing areas, separated by gender. While it might seem daunting to some, it's considered a natural part of the experience and reflects a cultural comfort with the human body.

Don't forget the fashion statement! Jjimjilbangs provide guests with matching outfits, usually a t-shirt and shorts, to wear in the common areas. And be sure to try the "yangmeori," a sheep's head towel hat that's become a quirky symbol of jjimjilbang culture.

14. Red Ink Taboo

In South Korea, writing someone's name in red ink is a major cultural faux pas. It's considered very disrespectful, like wishing bad luck or even death upon them. This belief stems from an old superstition, but it's still taken quite seriously by many Koreans today. So, if you're ever writing a Korean person's name, stick to blue or black ink to be safe!

Surprising Tech Facts About South Korea

15. Fastest Internet Speeds in the World

With an average download speed that's lightning-fast, it's a haven for online gamers, streamers, and anyone who relies on a quick connection.

This digital dominance is due to a combination of factors, including government investment in infrastructure, fierce competition among internet service providers, and a tech-savvy population that demands high-speed connectivity. South Korea was one of the first countries to adopt widespread broadband access, and they've continued to push the boundaries of internet technology ever since.

So, if you're ever in South Korea and need to download a movie in the blink of an eye, you'll be in the right place!

16. South Korea Has More Smartphones Than People

In South Korea, you're more likely to bump into a smartphone than another person! That's right, this tech-savvy nation has more smartphones than people. With a smartphone penetration rate exceeding 100%, it's not uncommon for individuals to own more than one device.

This high adoption rate is driven by South Korea's lightning-fast internet speeds, cutting-edge tech infrastructure, and a population that thrives on staying connected. Whether it’s streaming the latest K-drama, navigating Seoul’s complex subway system with apps, or making seamless mobile payments, smartphones are integral to daily life in South Korea.

17. ​​Gaming Nation

South Korea is a dream destination for dedicated gamers. They take E-Sports incredibly seriously there, so South Korea could be the place to be if you're passionate about gaming and want to make a career out of it.

Why? Because top players have the opportunity to be scouted by major corporations like SK Telecom and Samsung. These companies are heavily invested in E-Sports and actively search for talented gamers to represent them on their professional teams.

And when we say "professional," we mean it. E-sports in South Korea are huge! Competitions are held in massive stadiums filled with thousands of fans. The excitement and energy at these events rival the atmosphere at major sporting events in the US, like NFL, NBA, or MLB games. It's a whole different level of recognition and support for competitive gaming.

>>> More helpful information for your trip to South Korea:

South Korea Itinerary: 10 Days of Culture, Nature & Fun

15 Best Cities to Visit in South Korea (with Guide!)

20 Exciting Things to Do in Jeju You Won't Find Elsewhere

South Korea is a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern dynamism. Whether it's the vibrant celebration of Buddha's birthday, the taboo of red ink, or the unexpected etiquette around tipping, these interesting facts about South Korea offer a glimpse into a rich and complex culture. So, the next time you encounter South Korea, remember these fascinating insights – they might just change your perspective and deepen your appreciation for this beautiful country.