10 Fun Facts from South Korea
June 15th, 2009

To contrast to my more serious blog about the feeling in South Korea during this difficult time, I wanted to express some of my more light-hearted observances from the trip. Though some are a bit silly, they might come in handier than you think!  I have facts in quotation marks because they are personal notes – not from any written factual resource. 

 

1.  Korean women wear dresses, skirts and very high heels for just about every occasion. It’s truly amazing.

2. Busan’s live fish market is one of the most incredible markets I have ever encountered. I can’t honestly say if that’s a good incredible or a bad incredible (being a vegetarian) but it’s definitely worth checking out. I’d be impressed with anyone that can identify more than 50 percent of the creatures in there.

3. If you can learn one Korean phrase, learn to say “thank you”. I have seen various spellings, though my Korean book lists it as Gamsa hamnida with the “G” pronounced as a “K”. Your effort will be appreciated. 

4. Many Koreans are humble and explain they know very little English. In fact, I was overly impressed with their English, especially compared to my one word of Korean. Luckily, Korean’s seem quite good at guessing charades.

5. Korean toilets have the most intricate seat I’ve ever seen, which include but are not limited to two different “spray” buttons and button that simply makes a flushing noise (does not flush the toilet) – in one bathroom, I saw this last one labelled as an “etiquette button”. 

6. On a slightly more serious note, most places in Korea are tip free and it can sometimes be an insult to tip. Size up the situation before you attempt to do so. 

7. City maps (Seoul, Busan) may be detailed, but the scales are not accurate. Several walks given the distance of a mile or two took several hours! Fortunately, Koreans do know the word taxi! 

8. Simply put, if you are a karaoke fan, Korea is the place for you! 

9. There is a wonderful vegetarian restaurant in the Insan-dong area of Seoul. They even have a wall of famous vegetarians, though I slightly doubted their listing of “Jesus Christ”. 

10. Many Korean meals are served more or less as a feast. Your entree itself often comes with about ten (no exaggeration) appetizer-size portions. Bring your appetite!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If  you’ve been to Korea, feel free to add your own. I would love to hear your insights! 

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