But an international driver’s license is a good to have on hand when exploring the countryside, or even taking a trip outside the country. Fun tips, lessons, and articles on Korean language and culture, ©2013-2020 90 Day Languages LLC - All Rights Reserved. The Demilitarized Zone is a 4km wide by 248km long stretch of land that separates the North from the South on the Korean peninsula. This is not unusual at all for both children and adults. "South Korea." An easy word to learn is 아파트 (apateu | apartment), which also sounds like the word “apartment.”. One of the most interesting South Korea history facts tells that the country was founded in the year 1945. That means that unique species of plants and wild animals have been able to flourish, unharmed by the hand of man. The number of foreign nationals in South Korea is increasing rapidly. The food delivery in South Korea can be considered as one of the best in the world. Cost of Living > Compare Countries > South Korea vs India. Only in specific situations are you allowed to call someone by their first name. 916 West Diversey ParkwayChicago, IL 60614Local 773-634-9900U.K. While teaching was familiar territory for me, TEFL was not, and living in East Asia was, well…totally foreign to me. The Korean word for “fan death” is 선풍기사망설 (seonpunggisamangseol), a good word to know if you want to ask about this South Korean phenomenon! One of my elementary girls had a Boston Red Sox hat on. South Korea proudly maintains its rich cultural roots – evident through its festivals and celebrations. It’s hard to walk down the street in a major city like Seoul in South Korea and not see a sign for 성형외과 (seonghyeongoegwa), which means “plastic surgery”. One explanation is that people think it’s because the baby is in the mother’s womb for 9 months, which is about 1 year. The country has a population of ~51.5 million. Around this time, a large percentage of Koreans travel to their hometowns to visit family. One thing to start with is by getting to know their culture, lifestyle, and etiquette. He had no idea what it meant. Shortly after the Korean War, there were few refrigerators or protein-dense foods. It also lets many people that are insecure with parts of their appearance feel more comfortable in their skin on a day to day basis. Amongst all, Jeju island is the largest island. What Are The Basic Requirements to Teach English in Japan? With soaring house pricing in Seoul, it’s a possibility that the area would be demolished to build more apartment complexes. It is not meant in rudeness, simply curiosity. One of the interesting facts about South Korea is that Valentine’s Day is a day where the males receive chocolate from females, while girls receive sweets on White Day. The national household debt recently topped US $971.6 billion, or 81% of the South Korean GDP. It is almost impossible to walk down any street without seeing at least one restaurant – or market – with live octopus or any number of sea creatures waiting to be eaten. Teach English in South Korea, Teach English in Asia, Busan. ), “Teacher, did your boyfriend have a six pack?” (Definitely pass.). 27. One of the unique facts about South Koreans is that when they are born, they’re automatically one year old. Therefore, in elevators, you’ll often see floors 1, 2, 3, and F. 4 is the Scariest Number Apartments in South Korea that have numbers with multiple 4s (ex. What are the Requirements to Teach English in Taiwan? Westerners visiting South Korea rarely resist a visit to Haesindang Park – or, as Westerners like to call it ‘Penis Park’. Rent in South Korea is, on average, 44.47% lower than in United States. This can be rooted in their tradition and culture where most holidays are celebrated with alcohol. What I was not quite prepared for was how hard it can be at some places to find a single dish without some kind of tentacle… or intestines. If you’re a fan of ordering food to be delivered, you’ll fall in love with the way South Korea handles food delivery. Below, we’ve compiled a list of the most interesting facts about South Korea. Learning about a new country can be exciting, especially if you’re learning some fun and interesting facts along the way! This policy has since greatly contributed to substandard living conditions for the nation’s people. While you may need to clear out some space in your house to stockpile all the extra household supplies, the great thing about this tradition is that it makes picking out housewarming presents a piece of cake. One of the interesting facts about blood types in South Korea is that they are thought to contribute to a person’s personality and characteristics. Maybe this list will help someone come to Korea at least a little more prepared than I was… and, while you can never quite prepare your nostrils for what you are about to experience, maybe you won’t be quite so shocked by some of the sights and questions. 20% of Kore These questions are usually simply a way for Koreans to find out how to relate to you. 4. In 2019, Seoul ranked 4th out of 209 cities in the Mercer Cost of Living Survey. What is TEFL and What is TEFL Certification? The country has a total area of 38,690 square miles. Many of my lower level students cheerfully shout “Hello teacher! Both holidays are well-celebrated by many countries in the world. Family of four estimated monthly costs: ₩4,852,189; Single person estimated monthly costs: ₩2,216,688; Cost of living in South Korea is more expensive than in 78% of countries in Asia (3 out of 9) Cost of living in South Korea is more expensive than in 73% of countries in the World (21 out of 74) Overall, Korea has been a crazy rollercoaster of adventures and learning experiences. Despite their obsession with American/English speaking culture. [3] Hallyu (Korean Wave) is the word for the South Korean wave of popular culture. These animals depict the twelve Zodiac signs. The hardest decision you’ll have to make is whether to buy Kleenex brand or 깨끗한나라 (kkaekkeuthannara) brand. Some will cut up the octopus and put it in a bowl. South Koreans work hard, are paid well and enjoy a stable currency and a high standard of living. In 2018 the government refused to grant asylum to many refugees who came from the war-torn of Yemen; these refugees had to settle for limited, one-year humanitarian permits. South Korea is one of the most developed countries today. South Korea has become a popular destination for young South Africans who want to teach English, have an adventure, save some money and experience an entirely different culture. Therefore in South Korea, the baby is 1 year old when born. However, South Korea boasts competitive salaries. Last accessed 27 May 2020; Russell Holloway. South Korea Facts | Resources. Yes, people care about looks in America, but every single surface is not made up of mirrors. 1. "Cultural Spotlight." Just when you thought there were enough Hallmark holidays, South Korea upped the ante and introduced “White Day”. 404) are often avoided, and the property values are lower. See our, Teaching English to Young Learners Specialty Class, Teaching Business English Specialty Class, 4-Week Intensive Online Course Dates & Tuition, Teach English Online Employer Comparison Chart, Non-Native English Speakers Teaching Abroad, Buy TEFL Course & Specialty Class Textbooks. In Korea, as in many Asian societies, citizens tend to enter a job and stay with that one company until retirement. The most common target for plastic surgery is their eyes, their nose, and their chin in an attempt to pursue a “Caucasian look” popularized by celebrities. Korean Language. Some things you just can’t prepare yourself for and have to see and experience for yourself. Feel free to leave a comment about your experiences; we’d love to hear from you! The Korean word for blood type is 혈액형 (hyeoraekyeong | blood type). One of the interesting facts about South Korea is that 4 is an unlucky number. 10 English-Speaking Dermatologists In South Korea. Living and Teaching in South Korea. If you can’t read 한글 (hangeul | Korean alphabet) yet, you can learn it for free in about one hour by downloading a free guide here. First, let’s start with some interesting facts and things to know about South Korea.. Feel like drinking on a public bus? According to the World Health Organization, South Koreans consume an average of 12.3L of alcohol per year, and are ranked #17 in the world! This one of the fun cum interesting facts about South Korea: This country is one that permits drinking in public and the act is considered perfectly legal. Although navigating a city that densely populated can be a little daunting if you haven’t done it before, the city is actually very approachable and intuitive once you’ve been there for a couple of days. Clothing for big and tall. The subways can also get quite packed, so be prepared. Don’t end up feeling like a fish out of water when you land in Korea! Food Delivery is Taken VERY Seriously, 22. It’s said that when South Koreans try something, they go hard at it. Cost of living in South Korea + PRO Cheap basic amenities. Its capital, Seoul, is one of its largest cities with a population of over 10 million. The word for “Spam” is 스팸 (seupaem), look for it the next time you visit a local South Korean grocery store! This often contributes to some of the more unpleasant smells you’ll encounter in Korea. Public trash cans are few and far between in Korea. Now that’s what we call amazing service! Wherever you are in the world, you’ve probably experienced the frustration of slow internet at some point — whether it’s from being in a remote location or having periodic issues with your internet service provider, internet connectivity problems can be a serious inconvenience and put anybody in a bad mood. In those articles that was of significant help surface is not a bad thing beers,. International age ) eater, this makes for safer streets and much fewer traffic incidents I am.! 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