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Han River photo By Bikepacking Adventure CC0

35 Best Facts About South Korea

South Korea is a country in East Asia. As of 2022, the country has approximately 51, 844, 834 million people and half of the people live in Seoul city, the fourth most populous metropolitan area in the world.

This country is a regional power and a highly developed country. Its economy was ranked as the world’s thirteenth-largest by nominal GDP. It is sad to know that the country has been facing the lowest fertility rate and an ageing population recently and it is affecting the growth of the country big time.

South Korean citizens enjoy one of the world’s fastest internet connection speeds. It is also known for exporting and importing and it is ranked as the ninth-largest exporter and ninth-largest importer in the world. In this article, we have looked at the best facts about south Korea. They include the following:

1. Babies in South Korea are One Year Old When Born

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In South Korea, babies are considered one year old when born, unlike in other countries. There are many theories explaining the reason South Koreans consider a newborn baby one year old. One of the reasons is that people think it’s because the baby stays in the mother’s womb for nine months, which is close to one year.

The method of calculating the age of people in South Korea is unique and tricky and it varies depending on the solar calendar, your birthday and the lunar calendar. The simple way to calculate age in Korea is to take the current year subtract it from your birth year then add one.

2. The Korean Language is the Official Language of South Korea

Koreans have embraced their language and love their culture. It is interesting to know that South Korea uses the Korean language as the country’s official language. This is not practiced in many countries, hence showing the love Korea has for their language.

Here are the Top 10 Most Famous Singers From Korea.

3. The Population is Over 51 Million people

South Korea’s population is above 51 million people. At the end of the year 2016, the population was said to be about 51 million people. However, over recent years the population of the country has been growing slowly due to the total fertility rate (TFR).

For an instant, in 2018 fertility in south Korea affected the growth of the population big time since only 26,500 babies were born in October and it is said only about 325,000 babies were born for the year.

4. South Korea has a High-income Economy

The economy of South Korea is a highly developed mixed economy. It has the 4^th largest economy in Asia and the 13^th largest in the world.

 South Korea is famously known for its rapid economic development from an underdeveloped nation to a developed country to high- income country in a short period. This country is one of the fastest-growing developed countries in the world.

5. Home to Some of the World’s Largest Companies

South Korea is home to some of the largest companies in the world in terms of their net profit, total assets and revenue according to the American business magazines Forbes and Fortune.

Some of these big companies located in South Korea include Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor, POSCO, LG Electronics, Korea Electric Power Corporation, Hyundai Mobis, Hanwha, Samsung Life Insurance and Samsung C&T among others.

6. Buddhism and Christianity are the Most Practiced Religions in South Korea

In South Korea, the most practised religion is Buddhism, also known as Buddha Dharma, an Indian religion or philosophical tradition based on teachings attributed to the Buddha and Christianity classified as Protestantism and Catholicism.

Buddhism arrived in Korea back in 372 AD and since then it has tens of thousands of temples built across the country. 23% of people in Korea are Buddhism while Christians are 29 %. A big number of people in Korea have no religious affiliation (46%).

Here are the Top 5 Korean Investors.

7. South Korea has One of the Highest Internet Penetration Rates

The internet in South Korea was introduced by Kilnam Chon, a South Korean computer scientist. This country is one of the many with the highest internet penetration rates in the world.

Approximately 46 million people, which is equivalent to 95.1% of the population in South Korea use the Internet. The internet in South Korea is the fastest average internet connection speed in the world.

8. K- pop Music in South Korea has Gained Popularity Worldwide

K-pop music simply means Korean popular music, popular music that originated in South Korea as part of the country’s culture. The music has gained popularity worldwide making Korea popular.

This music includes styles and genres from around the world such as rock, jazz, hip-hop, electronic dance, folk, disco, reggae, gospel, pop, and R&B among others.

9. It’s Common in Korea to Ask About Blood Types

Koreans think there is some significance to their blood type so it is normal to be asked about Blood type. Everybody in South Korea knows their blood group which is not common in other countries they may or may not know their blood type.

The interesting fact about blood types in South Korea is that they can be used to help you choose a spouse and it is believed it contributes to a person’s personality and characteristics.

10. Valentine’s Day in South Korea is For Guys

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It is interesting to Note that in South Korea valentine’s Day is made for men. On that day men receive chocolates from females.

However, they have created and introduced ‘White Day’ basically another valentine’s day held a month later, on March 14^th. The White day is set for women and is when girls receive sweets from men.

Read also Top 5 Most Famous South Korean People.

11. In South Korea Christmas Days are For Couples While New Year is for Families

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In many countries worldwide Christmas days are made for families and are the time for people to return to their home village and have time with family while New years are times to spend with friends celebrate and have fun.

However, in Korea, things are different, Christmas day is for couples and it is not necessary to visit their families while new year’s it’s not a big celebration in South Korea and a big percentage of people travel to their hometowns to visit family.

12. South Koreans Prefer Titles Over Names

People in Korea prefer titles over names. In South Korea, only in limited situations, you are allowed to call someone by their name. If you need to address someone you have to refer to them by title. However, this is somehow confusing at work where you manage someone older than you.

13. In South Korea Toilet Paper and Laundry Detergent are Mostly Given as Housewarming Gifts

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If you are moving to a new house in South Korea and you have organized to have a housewarming party never bother to buy toilet paper or laundry detergent.

 You will get them in big bulk, since Korean gifts toilet paper and laundry detergent as housewarming gifts, which is interesting and unique right?

Find the Top 10 Most Famous South Korean People.

14. South Korean Cuisine Stands Out

South Korea Cuisine photo by Kwangmo Choi

South Korea is famously known for its cuisine which has gained so much attention worldwide. Korean cuisine is popular and highly rated due to its rich flavours, wide variety and Korean love for freshness.

The cuisine is largely based on rice, seafood, vegetables and meats. However, it is good to note that dairy is largely absent from the traditional Korean diet. There are many ingredients used in Korea, however, the most used include soy sauce, salt, ginger, garlic, gochujang, doenjang, sesame oil, and gochugaru among others.

15. It is a Popular Destination for Medical Tourism

One of the best facts about South Korea is that it is famously known as a destination for medical tourism, specifically cosmetic surgery, one of the world’s highest plastic surgeries done per capita.

People from different parts of the world come to South Korea to enhance their looks. The people of Korea are obsessed with some form of cosmetic surgery. Plastic surgery signs are all over South Korea. It is difficult to walk in the street of Korea without seeing the signs.

16. South Korea is One of The Places with the Highest Credit Card Usage

It is interesting to know that South Korea allows the usage of credit cards almost everywhere. If you live in South Korea and you don’t have a credit card, then get one and it will save you a lot.

It is almost impossible to find a place where credit cards are not accepted in South Korea. In Taxis, almost all restaurants and food deliveries accept credit cards. Anytime you are in South Korea always feel free to ask any store whether they accept credit cards since is almost impossible to find a store that does not accept them.

18. The Third Largest City, Seoul, in the World is Located in South Korea

Seoul City Hall photo by LWY

Seoul is officially known as Seoul Specific City. It is the largest city and capital city of South Korea. Seoul was the capital of various Korean states such as Joseon, the Korean Empire, Baekje, and Goryeo.

This city was the birthplace of popular South Korean music, K-pop and the Korean wave, a cultural phenomenon in which the global popularity of South Korean popular culture has dramatically risen since the 1990s.

19. Food Delivery is Taken Very Seriously

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In South Korea, food delivery is taken seriously. If you love ordering food and you visit South Korea, I promise you will fall in love with south Korean food delivery services.

If I say food delivery in South Korea is one of the best globally I will be right. They deliver food by motorcycle via an employee. The importance of using a motorcycle is to save time and in case of a traffic jam, it can squeeze in between cars.

The most interesting part about Korean food delivery is that when you finish enjoying your meal, you just put the dishes outside of your front door, and the employee who delivered your food will pass by to pick them up.

20. In South Korea Both Men and Women are Obsessed with Makeup

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South Korea is a land of beauty. People in this country value their looks so much both women and men. In this country, makeup is used by all genders, unlike in other countries where is seen as taboo for a man to use make.

Korea is known as one of the makeup capitals of the world. When you visit Seoul city, the capital city of South Korea you will find cosmetics shops all over.\

Here are the Top 5 Cities to Visit in South Korea.

21. It Gives Its Citizens Freedom to Drink Anywhere They Want

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South Korean government has given its citizens the right to drink anywhere and anytime they want. As we all know most Western countries have strict rules and regulations on where you can drink and can’t drink in public.

However, South Korea does not follow those rules and believes in the freedom to drink where you want. May it be on a public bus, or in the street name them as long as you are comfortable.

22. Schooling is Compulsory Till Age 15

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This is one of the best facts about South Korea. Education in South Korea is taken seriously since it is an important part of the culture. Schooling is compulsory till the age of fifteen. This leaves teenagers with no option rather than going to school.

Some students in Korea are hardworking and you will find them multitasking, going to school (high school) and working at the same time. This is the reason some students can dictate the hours in which they will attend classes in high school to create time for the job.

23. South Koreans Have One of the Highest IQs Worldwide

When we talk of people with high IQs then count South Koreans in. Korean are intelligent people in the world. The country was ranked third in terms of IQ and the average IQ in the country is said to be 111.33, which is impressive.

If you are planning to visit South Korea be ready to mingle with intelligent people and have intellectually stimulating conversations.

24. You Can Never Find Jaywalking in South Korea

Jaywalking is the act of crossing or walking in the street or road unlawfully or without regard for approaching traffic. Jaywalking is common in many parts of the world and most of us have violated the traffic rules.

However, it is interesting to know that South Koreans do not jaywalk they adhere to the traffic rules. They will wait for a visual indication that they’re allowed to cross the street every time even when the streets are clear.

25. South Korea Doesn’t Flash Toilet Paper

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South Korea is a developed country and its technology is far ahead. When it comes to its waste disposal systems they are far ahead and maintains its environment at all cost.

To protect their sewage system, Koreans do not flush toilet paper as we are used to. Their norm is to throw used toilet paper away in trash bins rather than flushing it.

Find the Top 5 Korean Actresses.

26. It is Divided into Nine Provinces

South Korea is made up of nine provinces. Many people may have heard of some of them while watching k-dramas. The following are South Korean provinces Jeju, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, North Chungcheong, South Chungcheong, Gangwon, Gyeonggi, North Gyeongsang and South Gyeongsang among others.

27. South Korea Has Multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites

UNESCO World Heritage Sites are places of importance to cultural or natural heritage. World Heritage Sites in simple terms is an area with legal protection by an international convention administered by UNESCO.

South Korea has multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Changdeokgung Palace Complex (1997), Gochang, Hwasun And Ganghwa Dolmen Sites (2000), Gyeongju Historic Areas (2000), Hwaseong Fortress (1997), Jongmyo Shrine (1995), Namhansanseong (2014) and Seokguram Grotto And Bulguksa Temple (1995) among others.

28. The Beauty of Nature and City Can Co-Exist

South Korea is a place to be for tourists. Whether you are a city lover or a fan of adventuring around the outdoors all are sorted. Anytime you get a chance to visit South Korea, make sure to explore the natural beauty with a trip down to the beach or up the mountains.

Don’t forget to visit the biggest city Seoul which has a lot to offer, it is a city full of culture, and good food.

29. South Korea Consists of More Than 4000 Islands

Jeju Island photo By Lizwanishak

South Korea is made up of more than 4000 islands. South Korea has opened its country and developed its islands. Jeju Island is one of the most known islands in South Korea and is most visited by tourists.

Some of the other Islands include Jido, Jukdo, Mado, Jangdo, Jindo, Hauido, Imjado, Hauido, Hodo, Hyojado, Bingdo, Ando, docdo, Woodo and Daejodo among others.

30. It has Three Major Rivers

Han River photo By Bikepacking Adventure CC0

One of the many best facts about South Korea is that it has three major rivers. Water is important and helps in the growth of any country. The source of water help in irrigation and acts as a mode of transport and habitat for animals which are a source of food for humans.

The three major rivers in South Korea are the GeumRiver, Han River and Nakdong River. These rivers come from the Taebaek Mountains. Nakdong is said to be the longest river in South Korea.

31. It is a Mountainous Country

South Korea is a mountainous country. It is surrounded by mountains which are a source of tourist attraction. For lovers of hiking then South Korea is the place to be.

The country has the Taebaek Mountains that extend north-south along the eastern coast of South Korea. The interesting fact about the mountains in South Korea is that they do not reach particularly high altitudes.

32. Shinsegae, World’s Largest Department Store is Located in South Korea

Shinsegae is a South Korean department store franchise. It is said to be the world’s largest department store. It is interesting to see the largest department store located in South Korea.

This store was founded on December 9, 1955. It was the first credit card company in South Korea. They issued their own charge card from 1967 to 2000. However, they later sold their credit card division to KorAm Bank which was later acquired by Citibank Korea.

Read also the 5 Famous Korean Actors.

33. There is a Wide Variety of Kimchi

Dubu Kimchi photo By by benghan

One of the famously known Korean cuisines is kimchi. It is one of the staples in every Korean meal. However, it is good to know that kimchi comes in many different types.

The following are the top types of kimchi in Korea, Baechu Kimchi, Kkakdugi, Nabak Kimchi, Oi Sobagi, Yeolmu Kimchi, Bossam Kimchi, Pa Kimchi, Gat Kimchi, Dongchimi and Chonggak Kimchi among others.

34. About 20% of people in South Korea Shares The Same Surname

South Korea has several unique and surprising things. It is amazing to know that 20% of the people in South Korea share the same surname. The most common surname is Kim, Park and Lee.

During ancient Korean civilization, these surnames were only for the royals and elite. However, after a long time of ruling Joseon, Korean people started using the last name and mostly used these three major last names due o their royal roots.

35. All Males in South Korea Are Required To Serve In The Military

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It is interesting to know that in South Korea, all men must serve in the military. The government is always serious about that and there is no exception.

 At age of 18 to 28 is when the men join the military and are required to serve for at least 18 months. It is good to note all men who refuse to serve in the military are put in jail.