12 Interesting Things About Korea

There is so much to notice when moving to a new country, from the obvious changes in language and surroundings to the subtler details of everyday life. Some cultural differences stand out immediately, while others reveal themselves slowly through daily routines, social interactions, and small moments that catch you by surprise.

These differences can be fascinating, confusing, and often amusing all at once. Sometimes, the easiest—and most enjoyable—way to capture these early observations is with a simple, lighthearted list. So here it goes, 12 Interesting things about Korea:

1. Tipping culture. There is no tipping in Korea, a far cry from the overtipping that is being asked of people in the United States. Can’t say I miss it.
2. Burger King is the preferred “American” burger joint in Korea. Story goes that Burger King was the first American chain available on the Army Base and so Koreans grew to crave the fire grilled flavor over the ever-popular McDonalds.
3. Police drive with their lights on at all times, only sirens signal being pulled over – to which I have never seen someone getting pulled over. There are speed cameras everywhere that catch you and mail out tickets.
4. Cute Culture – Everything is cute, has a cute mascot, looks too cute to eat or is just the cutest thing you’ve ever seen. I will never get over how much I love this. If you eat with your eyes first, there is a reason no one can resist all the fun cafes, charms, and tchotchkes you find in every shop around Seoul.
5. The care of trees. Trees are expertly wrapped for winter months with burlap or similar fabric and are many times given IV drips that keep them healthy during the cold weather.
6. Couples will dress alike, down to the same shoes. It always makes me giggle, but I can appreciate the effort. Couples are also very affectionate with each other in public. You will often see men carrying purses for their significant others or sitting across from one another in cafes sharing treats. It’s all very sweet.
7. Korea has the 4th largest number of Starbucks stores in the world (behind Japan, China and the US). The official Korean drink is an Iced Americano, even in the dead of Winter. Ironically, cafes don’t open early in Korea, usually opening their doors around 10:00-11:00am. Everyone drinks coffee starting after lunch well into the evening. Check out my post about Seoul Cafe Culture to learn more about it.
8. More strollers were purchased this year for dogs than children. Korea has one of the lowest birth rates, but they love to spoil their dogs. Think multiple outfits and special dog cafes.
9. Beige and Black are the clothing colors of choice. While you can find colored clothing, you won’t see much of it outside the foreigner neighborhoods or on children.
10. The work week is 6 days long. Most businesses and doctors will work weekends and it is fairly easy to get medical appts same day or within a few days. There is no long waits and lengthy waiting rooms, efficiency is one of my favorite parts of Korean culture.
11. Movie theaters come with several viewing options, from standard seating to ultra lounge chairs to my personal favorite – Tempur Pedic beds (in your own cozy pod). Check out my post about Korean Cinemas and why they are so wonderful.
12. On snowy days, you will find little ducks (or snowmen or gummy bears) all over the City. People use these snowball makers and leave them all over. So very cute.

There you have it, 12 interesting things about Korea with more to come.