- 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.
- Burger King is the preferred “American” burger joint in Korea.
- 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.
- Cute Culture – Everything is cute, has a cute mascot, looks too cute to eat or is just the cutest thing you’ve ever seen.
- 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.
- Couples will dress alike, down to the same shoes. They are very affectionate with each other in public as well. You will often see men carrying purses for their significant others.
- Korea has the 4th largest number of Starbucks stores in the world (behind Japan, China and the US) and the official Korean drink is an Iced Americano, even in the dead of Winter. Ironically, cafes don’t open the morning in Korea, usually opening their doors around 10-11am. Everyone drinks coffee starting after lunch well into the evening.
- More strollers were purchased this year for dogs than children. Korea has ons of the lowest birth rates, but they love to spoil their dogs.
- Beige and Black are the clothing colors of choice. While you can find colored coloring, you won’t see much of it outside the foreigner neighborhoods or on children.
- 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.
- 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).
- On snowy days, you will find little ducks (or snowmen or gummy bears) all over the City. People use snowball makers and leave them all over.
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2 Responses
Interesting stuff, Meg! And most of your facts are happy differences.
Agree with all of the above!!