People who managed to visit South Korea consider it a separate world, so it is not like other states. Indeed, this country is able to surprise. It uniquely combines traditional and modern culture.
The Republic of Korea was founded in 1948. In a relatively short time, the country has come a long way in the development of almost all areas. In the early 60s, it was the poorest in the region, now it is considered a developed industrial state.
Since the 90s, Korean music and cinema have been very popular not only in Asia, but throughout the world.
If you are also interested in this country or you just like to learn new things, pay attention to our article. Below is a ranking of interesting and amazing facts about South Korea.
10. Cult of education
In South Korea, education is given great importance. The “working day” of schoolchildren and students lasts 12 to 13 hours. Moreover, they normally relate to the fact that most of the time you have to devote to training. Education for them is an opportunity to arrange their life.
Attitude towards a person is largely determined by what university he graduated from. All of them are distributed according to the level of prestige.
Korean students are very well-read, smart. That's just not always good for it. The country has a high mortality rate among youth (suicides). The reason is poor performance, the inability to get into a good educational institution.
9. The most popular sports: baseball and golf
Most of the country's inhabitants are fond of sports. There are all conditions for this: stadiums, gyms and sections. One of the most popular sports is called baseball. There is a professional league, which at the moment even purchases foreign players.
Korean teams have repeatedly won international competitions. They love not only to play, but also to watch: the number of fans in the stadium increases times by fold.
Also in South Korea love golf. This is a kind of litmus test of financial situation. The game is status, and not everyone can enter the club. By the way, the membership fee here is not as high as in America, so the game is preferred by the middle class.
8. One of the safest countries in the world
South Korea leads in the ranking of the safest countries. When compiling it, the crime rate in the country, the number of prisoners, military spending and other factors are taken into account.
This was not always the case, in the 80s crime flourished in the state, many groups were organized. After some time, the authorities declared war on them.
By the year 2000, the situation had returned to normal. Today's security is the result of the painstaking work of Korean society and the police in particular.
7. Camping in the mountains
Residents of the Republic of Korea prefer to relax in the country, as they simply do not have time for long trips. They love to go to the mountains..
Of course, on vacation you will see much more tourists than locals. Now South Korea has become one of the popular tourist destinations. When people want exotic, they go here. Travelers' favorite spots include Seoraksan National Park, which has 30 mountain peaks.
The most popular route is climbing the Ulsanbavi ridge. Guests of the country are advised to visit the most popular places on weekdays, on weekends there are too many people, as local residents join tourists.
6. Try not to go on vacation
Koreans work a lot. For them, a 30-day vacation is an unacceptable luxury, such a concept simply does not exist. It is customary to take time off in the country - a few days that you can spend with your family or arrange personal affairs.
Koreans are afraid to show their lack of professionalism, so there are unspoken rules in force in the country that are respected by everyone. For example, men cannot go home earlier than the boss, even if the working day is already over.
If the holiday falls on a weekend, it is not postponed to Friday or Monday, as it is done in Russia.
5. Buddha's birthday is the main holiday
The most important holiday is Buddha’s birthday. It is celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, not only in Korea, but also in other countries of East Asia. On this day they even give an official day off. It was first celebrated in 1975.
On Buddha’s Birthday, Koreans go to temples and also participate in holiday processions. The streets are decorated with lanterns in the form of a lotus, in churches they arrange charity dinners, treat everyone who wants it.
4. A huge number of coffee houses
Here you will not find confirmation of the stereotype: “Favorite drink in the East - tea». In Korea, they love coffee, and the country has a huge number of establishments where you can enjoy it. Coffee houses are located on every corner, they work both day and night.
What is the secret of such a great love for this invigorating drink? It's simple, Koreans have a fast pace of life. They need to do too much. They work and study a lot, and a cup of coffee is the best way to cheer up.
The big plus of Korean coffee houses is that you can order only one drink there, and none of the discussion staff will make a “disappointed face” and ask: “It's all? Can you order something else?". In Korea, you can enjoy coffee without guilt.
3. Particular attitude to food
A real food cult reigns in Korea. For them, food is something more. Koreans eat a lot of different foods, they like to gather in big companies, they like to discuss the taste of certain dishes. Surprisingly, there are very few overweight people.
Family dinner is an important business. During the meal, hierarchy should be respected. The younger members of the family do not start eating until the elder has tried the dish. Also he put the best pieces. Sharing meals is the best way to resolve a conflict or to thank a person for a favor.
2. Their idols
Koreans are not crazy about American or European stars. They have their idols - these are local actors and musicians.. Recently, the K-pop genre is gaining great popularity. By the way, Korean music groups in this direction are loved not only in their native country, but also around the world, including in Russia.
The main idol of Koreans is their president. He is considered the very first person in the state, they take an example from him.
1. Against natural beauty
Natural beauty not appreciated in South Korea. A woman cannot go outside without makeup even if her goal is to throw out the trash.
The country has a large number of beauty salons. Self-respecting girls change their image once every two months. Of course, not everyone can afford it. Tons of cosmetics are sold in South Korea. It is considered the best all over the world, but Koreans dream of L’Oréal cans. Cosmetics from abroad are very expensive.
In South Korea, plastic surgery is a common occurrence. The first interventions occur in youth. On their 16th birthday, parents give girls large amounts of money so that they can correct their shortcomings. Russian people will find this unusual, wrong.
But in South Korea there are a lot of beautiful people. The streets are full of well-groomed women with beautiful hairstyles. Yes, in this country even men use cosmetics. About 20% of the stronger sex also do makeup.