South Korea’s Oddities and Commonalities

In 1945, after Japan’s surrender, the peninsula was divided into North and South, giving birth to modern South Korea. Since then, the South has advanced in unique ways—balancing tradition, innovation, and a distinct lifestyle. Interestingly, one in three Koreans now live alone, reflecting an increasingly independent (and sometimes solitary) way of life.

Oddities and Cultural Quirks

• Tipping: Unheard of in South Korea.
• Red ink: Writing someone’s name in red is taboo, as it symbolizes death.
• Blue blocks on cars: Seen on new or imported vehicles, these protect cars during shipping & parking due to constricted spaces.
• The number 4: Strongly associated with death, and often avoided in building floors or addresses.
• Umbrella etiquette: With crowded streets, it’s easy to be poked on a rainy day—though little fuss is made about it.

Fascinating Facts

• Fruit: Considered a luxury, often beautifully packaged but very expensive.
• Baking flavours: Walnut and sweet red bean are popular, unexpected ingredients in desserts.
• Weddings: Rooted in tradition, with cash-filled envelopes as the most common gift.
• Apologies: In public settings, bumping into someone rarely warrants a “sorry.”
• Crime: Theft and violent crime are minimal; weapons are tightly controlled.
• Photography: A national obsession—almost anything is worth capturing.
• Internet: Home to the fastest speeds in the world.

Beauty, Perfection, and Aesthetics

South Korea is renowned for its high standards of beauty. Clinics for dermatology, dentistry, and plastic surgery are widespread. The V-shaped jawline is especially admired. Men and women alike pursue beauty with equal intensity, making South Korea one of the world’s leaders in cosmetic procedures.

• Over 1,200 beauty stores each stock more than 20,000 skincare and makeup items.
• The nation takes pride in being perfectionist in physical appearance, with an emphasis on flawless skin and symmetry.

Everyday Life & Mysteries

• Deodorant scarcity: In hot, humid summers, tourists often struggle to find it—one even visited 35 stores before success.
• Names: Last names often come first (e.g., “Kim / Misi”), reminiscent of naming conventions in India.
• Silence: Despite dense populations, public chatter is surprisingly muted—whether in open spaces or on the phone.

Philosophical Note

From a cosmic perspective, South Koreans often embrace the belief that “all comes from nothing” and live by a mindset that every day should feel fresh and happy.