South Korea

 South Korea

The Republic of Korea known as South Korea, is a country in East Asia, located in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. It is bordered to the north by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea, or North Korea), with which it formed a single country until 1945. To the east is the Sea of ​​Japan or the East Sea, to the south the Korea Strait, that separates it from Japan, and to the west the Yellow Sea. Its territory comprises the southern half of the Korean peninsula encompassing some three thousand islands that surround it, among which Jeju, Ulleungdo and Dokdo stand out. Approximately half of the country's population lives in its capital, Seoul, or in its metropolitan area, which is one of them. Korea is one of the oldest civilizations in the world.

Culture.

South Korea shares its traditional culture with North Korea, but the two Koreas have developed distinct contemporary forms of culture, especially since the peninsula was partitioned in 1945. Historically, although Korea's culture has been influenced by that of its neighbor closer to China, it has managed to develop a unique cultural identity different from that of other countries.187 The South Korean Ministry of Culture and Tourism actively promotes traditional arts, as well as modern forms, through funding programs and education.188189

Industrialization and urbanization have brought many changes to the customs of the Korean people. The changing economy and lifestyles have led to a concentration of the population in large cities, especially in the capital Seoul, where typical multi-generational households split up to accommodate the living conditions of a nuclear family. Currently, there are nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites on South Korean territory.190

In addition to the classic cultural expressions, the new South Korean culture, which encompasses other forms such as soap operas, movies and popular music, has begun to assimilate significantly in various parts of the world. Often called Hallyu or the "Korean Wave," this phenomenon has spread to other Asian countries such as Japan, Vietnam, and China.

Food.

Korean cuisine, hanguk yori has evolved through centuries of social and political change. 216 Ingredients and dishes vary by province. There are many significant regional dishes that have proliferated in different variations throughout the country. The cuisine of the Korean royal court once brought together all the regional specialties unique to the royal family. For a long time, the consumption of food has been regulated by a series of manners and etiquette, both for members of the royal family and for Korean peasants.216

Korean cuisine relies heavily on noodles, rice, tofu, vegetables, fish, and meats. Traditional Korean food is characterized by a number of side dishes, banchan (반찬), served alongside rice. boiled short grain Each meal is accompanied by numerous banchan. Among the most consumed traditional South Korean dishes are bulgogi, bibimbap and galbi.217

Tea is an important part of the national gastronomy, and the tea ceremony is one of the most deeply rooted traditions of the current population. Korean teas are made from grains, seeds, fruits, and medicinal herbs. Alcoholic beverages have been made from grains since before the 4th century. Major South Korean liquors include "Takju" (unrefined liquor), "Cheongju" (medicinal liquor), and "Soju" (distilled liquor). Takju is the base for the elaboration of other regional drinks, increasing or decreasing the fermentation time.

Korean regions.

Gwandong: Gangwon and Kangwŏn Provinces

Haesŏ: Hwanghae Region, North Korea

Honam: Jeolla Region, South Korea

Hoseo: Chungcheong Region, South Korea

Kwanbuk: North Hamgyŏng Province (or generally Hamgyŏng Region), North Korea

Kwannam: South Hamgyŏng Province, North Korea

Kwansŏ: P'yŏngan Region, North Korea

Gyeonggi: Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province, South Korea

Yeongdong: Eastern Gangwon and Kangwŏn Provinces

Yeongnam: Gyeongsang Region, South Korea

Yeongseo: Western Gangwon and Kangwŏn Provinces

Interesting data.

Koreans will always take a year out of you

As long as each one counts the years as they do in their country, of course. In Korea, people are born one year old and the whole country turns one older on New Year's Day. In fact, a Korean can be two years older than they would be in the rest of the world!

Education is his top priority.

In studies that evaluate the quality of the educational system, such as the PISA report or the World Top 20, South Korea always occupies the first positions. In addition, 68% of the population has university studies; the highest percentage of all OECD countries. Considering that their students spend up to 16 hours a day in schools, it is not surprising that the sector carries so much weight!

Its entertainment industry is already one of the most powerful in the world

K-Pop, K-Movies, K-Drama… you will find everything with the initial K! Korean girl and boy bands have become a truly global phenomenon, while the country's film industry has carved a niche for itself even in traditionally Western awards shows and festivals like the Oscars.

Everything revolves around food

They call it “the Italy of the East” for a reason; Gastronomy is fundamental in the country's culture and there are no words to express HOW DELICIOUS IT IS. In addition to the famous kimchi (which deserves a separate article), Korean cuisine is very varied, although spicy flavors tend to predominate. Whether it's home-cooked food or street food, whether you're in Seoul or Busan, food is always linked to well-being, which is why they always ask questions about what has been eaten when someone has a health problem.

Cosmetic surgery is booming

In South Korea, physical appearance is everything, and several studies reveal that more than 25% of the population admits to having undergone surgery. Aesthetic tastes are different from Western ones, since they modify, above all, their facial features and men also succumb to the pressure to resort to the scalpel to resemble the standards of male beauty imposed by the stars of K-Pop and Korean soap operas .

Seoul is very, very cool

With more than 25 million inhabitants, Seoul is the third largest metropolitan area in the world. Enjoy its futuristic architecture, its impressive (and huge) shopping centers and the endless proof that you are in an innovative, modern and, above all, smart city. However, Seoul also has a lot of history and, although it is a very large city, it has an orderly structure that is easy to navigate. Also, Koreans have a reputation for following the rules, which makes traffic, for example, more manageable.

It is one of the great technological capitals

The country has the fastest internet and the best 4G in the world, so you don't have to worry about getting stranded while traveling in Korea. The impressive technological display also includes video games and e-sports, so you will find plenty of game rooms… and not just indoors, as some e-sports tournaments are held on the beach!

Alcohol is a very serious matter

It may surprise you, but Koreans are the biggest drinkers in Asia by far. In fact, they are ranked 17th in the world, ahead of countries that we usually associate with high alcohol consumption, such as Ireland or Germany. Soju may have a lot to do with this, as it is often drunk with meals and has an alcohol content of around 19%. Fortunately, Koreans also know how to treat the effects of alcohol. If you end a night out in Korea at a restaurant, order their anti-hangover soup (해장국).

Titles are the most important

Korean society is very hierarchical and age is a factor that largely determines one's position. Thus, referring to someone by name is only ok in very specific situations; normally, you have to do it using some courtesy treatment. However, it can lead to confusion in the workplace (if you're the boss of someone older than you, for example) or even at home, as there can be friction if family members don't recognize ranks.

There are more than 4,000 islands in South Korea.

And it would take nine years to spend a day in each one! This does not mean that you should not visit some other island if you travel to South Korea… on the contrary! Life on the Korean islands has nothing to do with that of their cities, since traditional fishing and seaweed farming remain the main economic activity there. Nothing to do with the modern and technological lifestyle that we have mentioned before!