Interesting Facts About South Korean Culture

updated on 28-03-2025

Over the past few years, South Korea has been a trending international travel destination. However, even though tourism has been on the rise and the country is welcoming more and more foreign visitors each year, there is a lot we still do not know or understand about South Korea’s cultural traditions and unique customs.

We did a bit of scouting around to come up with our own top 5 cool facts and quirks about South Korean culture, so you are better prepared on what to expect when you visit the country. Knowing these cultural facts is not only fun and fascinating, it can help you to better understand South Korea and conduct yourself in a socially acceptable manner during your visit.

15 Interesting Facts About South Korea

Here are 15 interesting facts that you should know before visiting South Korea-

Fact #1: A lot of South Korean Men Use Makeup Daily

Beauty and external appearance is a big deal in South Korean society. Both women and men are super conscious of their looks and go to great lengths to maintain what is considered a perfect appearance. Cosmetic surgery is quite common and some stats suggest that South Korea is the hub of cosmetic surgery in the world. It is also reported that eyelid surgery is the most common cosmetic procedure that most South Korean women go in for. As for many South Korean men, using makeup as part of their daily routine is not uncommon at all.    

 Fact #2: South Korea Has the Lowest Number of Overweight People in the World

Whether it is their healthy diet or genetics, South Korea along with Japan can be proud of the fact that the majority of its citizens are fit. These are the only two countries in the world with the least number of obese people.

Fact #3: Soju is South Korea’s National Drink

A clear drink that is somewhat similar to vodka, soju is the national drink of South Korea. Public consumption of alcohol is totally permitted in South Korea so don’t be surprised to find many South Koreans carrying cans of their favorite alcoholic drink and sipping it while on the go. 

Fact #4: Shops Remain Open Longer Than Restaurants and Cafes

South Koreans are crazy about shopping and it is something of a national past time. Testimony to this is the fact that the country has some of the largest shopping malls in the world. This also explains why bars, cafes, and restaurants in South Korea close by 11 pm whereas shops and stores stay open until 4 am for the convenience of die-hard shopaholics!

Fact #5: Taekwondo is South Korea’s Contribution to the Olympic Games

Taekwondo is a roughly 2000-year-old martial art that originated in South Korea and is even today the country’s most popular sport. In 2002 taekwondo was officially adopted and recognised as an Olympic sport. This martial art form is believed to have come about because of an ancient Korean warrior who developed a weapon-free style of combat using his bare hands and feet. Hence the name taekwondo which translates literally means “way of the fist and foot”. 

Fact#6: Kimchi is a National Treasure

Kimchi, the fermented vegetable dish popular worldwide, is integral to South Korean tradition. While in the country don’t forget to try some other authentic South Korean dishes such as tteokbokki which is a dish of red rice cakes, japchae or stir-fried glass noodles, gimbap or Korean-style sushi rolls, and South Korea’s famous iced desserts. A visit to South Korea will help you discover that there is so much more to traditional South Korean food than the national dish, kimchi.  

Fact#7: Korea Has a National Snack Day

Pepero Day, a festival that falls on 11^th November every year, is the National Snack Day of Korea. As 11/11 (November 11) looks like the Pepro sticks, a popular snack in the country, the day is dedicated to sharing Pepro among family, friends, and loved ones. Starting from 1997, the day is a warm celebration of food and personal bonds and is one of the most famous and unique festivals in Korea. 

Fact#8: Korea Has a Culture of Solitude

1 in every 3 people in Korea live alone. This cultural trend is on the rise and is labelled “honjok” (honja-solo, jok-people) and is embraced by youngsters and older people alike. People enjoy the isolation and indulge in solo trips, solo dining, and social media. Due to the popularity of single living, travel companies offer special packages known as “hon-cance” (solo vacation) to tourists travelling alone.

Fact#9: Korea is the Home to the Fastest Internet

South Korea is famous in the tech world for the blazing speed of its internet services, ranking at the top in the list of countries for best internet connectivity.  No wonder Korea is a haven for lovers of digital services and technology.

Fact#10: Education is a Priority

The education system in Korea is renowned for its competitiveness and rigour. Students are encouraged to take part in after-class academic activities known as hagwons. Academic excellence is a virtue instilled in children from an early age.

Fact#11: Cash is the Best Wedding Gift

Cash placed in envelopes is a traditional wedding gift in Korea. It is called chug-ui-geum or congratulatory money; the amount depends on how close the guest is to the bride or groom.

Fact#12: Tipping is Not Allowed

Do not be surprised if your after-meal tip gets you a cold shoulder in Korea. Tipping is not appreciated in the country as great service and hospitality are considered the minimum the consumer deserves, and the service provider offers them without additional charges.

Fact#13: Number 4 is Considered Inauspicious

Number 4 and “hanja” (death) in Korea have the same pronunciation, leading people to see the digit as unlucky. Buildings avoid using the figure for their floor, and houses with the number 4 in their address have a considerably low market value.

Fact#14: Electric Fan Death is a Common Fear

Many Koreans believe that sleeping under an electric fan can shorten their life. Due to this shared belief, fans in the country are often equipped with timers that automatically turn off the ceiling fan after a set time.

Fact#15: Bowing is Important

Bowing your upper body forward to greet the other person is a traditional part of Korean culture. The angel at which one bends signals whether you are greeting, thanking, or apologising. This is why the rules of bowing are taught at an early age and followed by Koreans in personal and formal interactions.

15 Other Fascinating Facts About South Korea

Some other interesting facts about South Korea are-

1. The DMZ is a buffer zone between North and South Korea. It is a protected region with heavy fortification, which has transformed into a tourist attraction due to its natural and historical richness.

1. Age is important in Korea and is a determining factor behind one’s role, responsibilities, and social status. It is important to be respectful to the elders, which is why Koreans always ask for your age before engaging in a conversation.
2. South Korea produces over 90% of the world’s total seaweed, which is an important part of the Korean diet.
3. The coffee culture in Korea is vibrant, with several beautiful and uniquely themed cafes serving specialised recipes and brews.
4. Using red ink to write someone’s name is considered unlucky in Korea.
5. South Korea has over 3000 volcanic islands resulting in its diversified ecology.
6. Despite its urban landscape, the country has 21 national parks that are home to a wide range of flora and fauna.
7. Karaoke or Noraebang is a popular element in South Korean culture and is one of the most common pastimes for the people.
8. The country experiences all four seasons- spring, autumn, summer, and winter separately, resulting in its varied natural beauty.
9. Confucianism, an ancient philosophical system, has had a huge impact on the social and cultural aspects of Korea and many traditional households still follow the teachings of Confucious.
10. Hanok, or the traditional houses of rural South Korea, are a wonderful part of the country’s scenic beauty. The buildings blend architectural skills and natural charm, making them a heritage site in many villages.
11. The country has stringent laws for garbage disposal and waste management. This has created clean streets and helped with the sustainable development of its high-tech cities.
12. The work ethics of South Koreans are commendable and the workforce in the country functions for considerably longer hours per week compared to the rest of the world.
13. Korea is famous as the nation of “morning calm,” describing its serene early mornings enjoyed by the residents.
14. Hanbok, or the traditional Korean outfit with its plain fit and rich colours, is a representation of the country’s culture, worn during special festivals and ceremonies.

FAQs

1. What is South Korea famous for?

South Korea is famous for K-pop, tasty foods such as Kimchi, high-tech innovations, and rich heritage.

2. What is the best time to visit South Korea?

Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-November) are the best seasons to visit South Korea due to the pleasant weather and beautiful landscape.

3. Is South Korea safe for tourists?

Yes, with its low crime rate and robust public transportation network, South Korea is considered a safe destination for tourists.

4. Do South Koreans speak English?

Koreans, especially the younger generation, are learning to speak English in urban areas.

5. What makes Korean food unique?

Korean food is popular all over the globe due to the richness and variety of flavours, traditional ingredients, and techniques that are rooted in the country’s heritage.

6. Can I buy travel insurance online for my trip to South Korea?

Yes, several trusted insurance providers offer travel insurance for South Korea on their websites to ensure a hassle-free trip.

Conclusion

Before you pack your bags and set off on your South Korean adventure, make sure that you buy travel insurance. Having travel insurance for South Korea is essential. Overseas travel insurance is a necessary safeguard to protect you financially while travelling abroad. Just in case you find yourself in an emergency situation, such as being down with an illness, involved in an accident, or if your luggage or passport gets lost or misplaced or even if your trip itself gets cancelled, your travel insurance policy will kick in to cover the losses and cushion you from the financial impact.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.