While being in South Korea for 4 months now, I have come across a lot of strange, weird and funny things. Things that can be good to know and good to remember, things that can be considered weird and funny, but they actually occur in everyday life.
Obviously the first thing you will come across is the koreans way of greeting. They will wave their hands at you with a big smile on their faces. Shaking hands is not that common, so don't expect to be greeted that way. Body contact is also not common, but if you know the person, korean girls tend to hold each others hands while greeting and talking to each other. Bowing is also very common. It's unnatural in the beginning, but after a while you will realize that you are bowing aswell. Bowging as a non-korean, is something that Koreans will find this very funny.
Obviously the first thing you will come across is the koreans way of greeting. They will wave their hands at you with a big smile on their faces. Shaking hands is not that common, so don't expect to be greeted that way. Body contact is also not common, but if you know the person, korean girls tend to hold each others hands while greeting and talking to each other. Bowing is also very common. It's unnatural in the beginning, but after a while you will realize that you are bowing aswell. Bowging as a non-korean, is something that Koreans will find this very funny.
Boys and girls are not supposed to hang out. Sure, in a big group it's okay, but if you walk alone with a person of the opposite sex by your side, people will think that you are a couple. Yes, even though you are not korean, and hang out with a korean guy/girl, as friends, you might get some angry looks, especially from the older generation.
Women in Korea are supposed to be innocent, beautiful and weak? I can't understand this, and there is a lot of pressure on women all the time. One funny thing though, is that every month you can get a free pass. While having your period every month, visit the doc and you are allowed a day off from school! This is a good thing, for women, but what image does that give about a woman? Weak? I don't want people to think I am weak at least, but sure, If I feel like having a day off, this could be a good way to get it!
Speaking about innocent, the way of clothing is important. It has to be sophisticated and girls are not supposed to show that much chest. It not often you find a shirt or dress with a V neck or cleavage while shopping in Seoul. Since the dress code is "innocent", what about the skirts? Oh lord, the skirts can be really short and are definitely not innocent in my opinion!
Speaking about innocent, the way of clothing is important. It has to be sophisticated and girls are not supposed to show that much chest. It not often you find a shirt or dress with a V neck or cleavage while shopping in Seoul. Since the dress code is "innocent", what about the skirts? Oh lord, the skirts can be really short and are definitely not innocent in my opinion!
The word "no" is a powerful word. The first time I saw the hand gesture when koreans are saying no, I got really chocked and almost a bit scared. If you are being kind and asks someone a question, expect to get two arms crossed like an X in front of you.
People don't talk in the subway. Everybody is using their smartphones for watching TV, or then they are sleeping. That's why it's extremely important to not say anything extra in the subway, otherwise an old grandpa or grandma will scream SHUT UP in Korean, and that's pretty embarrassing (Oh yes, it happened to me). But it's okay to sleep in the subway, no one will think it's weird. Don't be surprised if you realize that the person next to you wants to use your shoulder as a pillow, that happens too.
Students won't speak in class. Koreans are mostly used to just sit, listen and take notes in class. Asking a question or start a discussion can be considered rude for (at least) Korean professors. Since many Koreans are attending english courses with english professors, the professor expects participation, which is hard for them. Even though the professor asks them a simple question, like their name for example, that can even be hard to say out loud. I don't want to say that all Koreans are like this, but most of them behave this way what I have experienced so far.
Koreans sleep everywhere. In the subway, metro station, on the streets and in parks. You will see people sleeping almost everywhere. The main reason for this is probably, that the most Koreans travel many hours back and fourth when they are going somewhere, so the subway is the perfect place for a nap. In Korea, the working hours are insane. It's common that Koreans work for 16 hours a day, so I can understand if they fall asleep. In general, people are not sleeping, they have just passed out because of koreas "national beverage" - Soju! One of the most funny sights in Korea, to see people passing out and I can understand why. Soju is cheaper than water and milk, so of course people will drink Soju instead! You want to see some of this? Go to this awesome blog!
Remember your toothbrush! When entering the ladies room in the university, it's packed! Girls are applying more make up, watching themselves in the mirror - and brushing their teeths. I mean, it's a good thing, but yeah it's different. The reason why they do this, is usually because people live far away from the university and tend to stay around the campus for the whole day. To keep the breath fresh, don't forget your toothbrush!
Men use BB-cream - and make-up in general. There is a BB-cream for men only and yes, men use it. They won't tell you, but they do!
Men carry their girlfriends bags - and they have to, even though they don't want to. The boyfriends will automatically grab their girls bag and carry it around like a girl. If the guy won't do it of his own will, the girl will make sure that he is carrying it anyway! I must say, a lot of Korean men appear very feminine in my opinion. Men wear tighter jeans than some girls. Skinny jeans is the thing!
Students won't speak in class. Koreans are mostly used to just sit, listen and take notes in class. Asking a question or start a discussion can be considered rude for (at least) Korean professors. Since many Koreans are attending english courses with english professors, the professor expects participation, which is hard for them. Even though the professor asks them a simple question, like their name for example, that can even be hard to say out loud. I don't want to say that all Koreans are like this, but most of them behave this way what I have experienced so far.
Koreans sleep everywhere. In the subway, metro station, on the streets and in parks. You will see people sleeping almost everywhere. The main reason for this is probably, that the most Koreans travel many hours back and fourth when they are going somewhere, so the subway is the perfect place for a nap. In Korea, the working hours are insane. It's common that Koreans work for 16 hours a day, so I can understand if they fall asleep. In general, people are not sleeping, they have just passed out because of koreas "national beverage" - Soju! One of the most funny sights in Korea, to see people passing out and I can understand why. Soju is cheaper than water and milk, so of course people will drink Soju instead! You want to see some of this? Go to this awesome blog!
Remember your toothbrush! When entering the ladies room in the university, it's packed! Girls are applying more make up, watching themselves in the mirror - and brushing their teeths. I mean, it's a good thing, but yeah it's different. The reason why they do this, is usually because people live far away from the university and tend to stay around the campus for the whole day. To keep the breath fresh, don't forget your toothbrush!
Men use BB-cream - and make-up in general. There is a BB-cream for men only and yes, men use it. They won't tell you, but they do!
Men carry their girlfriends bags - and they have to, even though they don't want to. The boyfriends will automatically grab their girls bag and carry it around like a girl. If the guy won't do it of his own will, the girl will make sure that he is carrying it anyway! I must say, a lot of Korean men appear very feminine in my opinion. Men wear tighter jeans than some girls. Skinny jeans is the thing!
Welcome to the spit land - Oh yes, this is a speciality for Korean men and even women they do it all the time and the sound is just disgusting. Making horrible sounds in the subway and prepare their snot until they get out and spit out that snotty thing. I can admit, that I also spit sometimes, but I would never do it around thousands of people.
All holidays in Korea are for the couples - What is this? The only family holidays they have is Chuseok (Thanksgiving) and the Lunar new year in the end of January. In Korea there is a lot of holidays that doesn't exist in Finland and Europe in general. All these holidays are for all the lovely one billion couples you see in Korea. On these days, there is a lot of pressure. Some days, the men has to organize, buy gifts and so on, and other important "holidays" it's the women's turn. Now, when christmas is coming up (and yes, Christmas is a holiday for couples) the couples will be spending time together, and usually, those who are single in Korea, hates Christmas.
Koreans can't drive - Oh my goodness, how many times have I took a taxi here, and every single time, I feel like throwing up, even though the ride lasts for 10 minutes. Sometimes I just feel like asking the driver If I can drive instead. So my advice is, sleep in the cab or just take the subway instead.
Soju, the drink that will widen your belly - While having Korean bbq, you have to be prepared to eat a lot. During the dinner, a shot of Soju will be taken now and then, to make more space for more food. Does this work? That's what the Koreans say.
When it comes to posing, Koreans knows how to do it! In Korea, one billion "selfies" are taken everyday and pictures in general. This is their great opportunity to show off their great posing skills. You just lift your hand, show the peace-sign and you got it right. Even young children knows how to pose when their parents are taking photos of them. It's so adorable! There is also other ways of posing. "The flower" is also common. Just put both of your hands together and form a V under your cheek and smile.
Happy Birthday *SLAP*! In many countries, the birthday hero is supposed to get hugs and be treated really nice. In South Korea, you are supposed to hit the person who has its birthday. Some Koreans will even put up signs saying: "It's his birthday, hit him!", which will make random people hit this poor dude having his birthday.
Bump Bump! Koreans are very polite and friendly. How is that possible, when everybody keeps on bumping in to one another without apologizing. I can't count how many times I have got attacked by elbows and how many times a day a Korean bumps into me. The reason for this bumping-into-people thing, is because of he "Bballi Bballi" culture koreans have, which means "Hurry, Hurry". Koreans are consistently in a hurry somewhere.
South Korea - the country of Wifi and Smartphones! After speaking about bumping, the smartphones is one of the reasons why it occurs. First of all, smartphones in Korea are huge, "The bigger screen, the better" is the ultimate rule for the decision of purchasing a new smartphone. Koreans are stuck to their phones and walks around with them 24/7, which makes the koreans blind.
You got three options: sweet, spicy or tasteless. Talking about food, there is not that much variation in taste I must say. Myself, I'm used to add a lot of spices while cooking and I also prefer food that has some kind of taste. Not necessary spicy, but just some taste.
Everything has to be cute! The shops, cafés, clothes, desserts, the way of communicating, laughing, the phone cases - basically everything is cute. Cuteness overload!
So with this post, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year! Let's see how Korea and Koreans will surprise me this year!
Happy Birthday *SLAP*! In many countries, the birthday hero is supposed to get hugs and be treated really nice. In South Korea, you are supposed to hit the person who has its birthday. Some Koreans will even put up signs saying: "It's his birthday, hit him!", which will make random people hit this poor dude having his birthday.
Bump Bump! Koreans are very polite and friendly. How is that possible, when everybody keeps on bumping in to one another without apologizing. I can't count how many times I have got attacked by elbows and how many times a day a Korean bumps into me. The reason for this bumping-into-people thing, is because of he "Bballi Bballi" culture koreans have, which means "Hurry, Hurry". Koreans are consistently in a hurry somewhere.
South Korea - the country of Wifi and Smartphones! After speaking about bumping, the smartphones is one of the reasons why it occurs. First of all, smartphones in Korea are huge, "The bigger screen, the better" is the ultimate rule for the decision of purchasing a new smartphone. Koreans are stuck to their phones and walks around with them 24/7, which makes the koreans blind.
You got three options: sweet, spicy or tasteless. Talking about food, there is not that much variation in taste I must say. Myself, I'm used to add a lot of spices while cooking and I also prefer food that has some kind of taste. Not necessary spicy, but just some taste.
Everything has to be cute! The shops, cafés, clothes, desserts, the way of communicating, laughing, the phone cases - basically everything is cute. Cuteness overload!
So with this post, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year! Let's see how Korea and Koreans will surprise me this year!
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