45 Facts About South Korea

South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is an East Asian country.

South Korea, an East Asian country on the Korean Peninsula's southern half, shares one of the world's most heavily militarised borders with North Korea.

It's also known for its green, hilly countryside dotted with cherry trees and centuries-old Buddhist temples, as well as its coastal fishing villages, subtropical islands, and high-tech cities like the capital, Seoul.

Blood type questions are common in Korea. One of the fascinating facts about blood types in South Korea is that they are thought to influence one's personality and characteristics. Because your partner's blood type may not be a good match for yours, blood types can be used to help you choose a spouse.

In South Korea, a newborn baby is considered one year old.

Years ago, an urban legend began in South Korea that electric fans left on while sleeping in a room with the windows and door closed could cause death. The fan is thought to lower body temperature and cause hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature).

Koreans also believe that the fan's fast-moving air makes it difficult to breathe, causing people to choke. Because of these beliefs, automatic shutoff timers on fans are regarded as a life-saving feature in South Korea.

Koreans are Asia's biggest drinkers. Koreans consume an average of 12.3L of alcohol per year, ranking #17 in the world, according to the World Health Organization!

The DMZ is a haven for wildlife. The Demilitarized Zone is a 4km wide by 248km long stretch of land on the Korean peninsula that separates North Korea from South Korea.

Titles are preferred over names by Koreans.

WiFi is practically everywhere in South Korea.

South Korea is known as the world's plastic surgery capital.

South Korea is made up of over 4000 islands.

Jeju Island is the largest island in South Korea.

The Han River, the Kim River, and the Naktong River are South Korea's three major rivers.

South Korea is home to the world's largest department store.

In South Korea's Haesindang Park, penis statues abound.

Between the ages of 18 and 28, all Korean males are required to join the military. They must serve for at least 18 months.

Valentine's Day is for men in South Korea. Women expressing their love for men is normal and customary in their culture. They usually do this by providing gifts such as chocolate.

In South Korea, 20% of the population has the surname Kim.

Kimchi is a must-have in any Korean meal. The most common type of Kimchi is napa cabbage Kimchi. It goes well with almost any food, including ramen and sweet potatoes.

Psy's Gangnam Style was one of the first pieces of K-pop music to gain popularity. It was released in 2013, and now everyone who hears it knows how to dance to the chorus. The song is about a way of life in Seoul's Gangnam District.

In South Korea, video games are considered a legitimate sport.

The film Parasite was the first foreign film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Korean BBQ and fried chicken are best enjoyed with Soju, a South Korean alcoholic beverage.

Taxis in South Korea have a colour code. A white or grey taxi is a straightforward vehicle driven by a qualified but inexperienced driver. Black cabs, on the other hand, are high-end vehicles driven by professional drivers.

The country's national animal is the Siberian tiger.

South Korea's national flower is the Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon).

"Aegukga," also known as "The Patriotic Song," is the Republic of Korea's national anthem.

The world's first astronomical laboratory is located in South Korea.

South Korea has used robotic prison guards for the first time.

On March 14th, South Korea observes White Day.

In South Korea, same-sex touching is common among friends.

A man with a beard is considered filthy and untidy, regardless of how well-groomed it appears.

Suspects accused of murder or rape may be forced to reenact their crimes in public.

Around 14% of South Korean teenagers are internet addicts.

South Koreans have the highest estimated IQ in the world.

Those who reach the age of 60 must throw a lavish party known as a 'hwangap.'

Yuna Kim, also known as "Queen Yuna," made history in 2010 when she became the first Korean woman to win a gold medal in Figure Skating at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada.

The number four is thought to be unlucky.

South Korea harvests more than 90% of the seaweed consumed worldwide.

On Jeju Island, it is customary for women to work while their husbands stay at home.

Almost every 14th of the month is a romantic holiday.

If you see a name written in red in South Korea, it's a bad omen; it means the person is dead or near death.

Hyundai KIA is the fifth-largest automaker in the world and the second-largest in Asia.