South Korea’s everyday customs that sweep the rest of the world

South Korea is a country of contrasts, where new technologies and the continuation of centuries-old Asian traditions combine in peace and harmony. Each trip to this incredible place reveals countless new secrets and mysteries worth knowing.

At Incrível.club we have chosen for you the most unexpected facts about South Korea that are sure to surprise you.

All pregnant women in South Korea receive a special government credit card with $500 at their disposal. The expectant mother can spend this money just to visit the doctors and buy the necessary medicines. In addition, they can obtain a special key fob (of a social nature) that allows comfortable use of public transport. Seats for pregnant women on the subway are painted pink. The device activates this symbol so that all passengers know that there is a future mother there. This is especially useful, both for shy girls and for those who are in early pregnancy and the belly is not as evident. There are also special parking spaces for them.

All buses are new and equipped with air conditioning. Drivers wear uniforms, white gloves and sunglasses. Transport operates practically 24 hours a day, every day. At the same time, a taxi ride can be taken for almost the same price, as long as 3-4 people get together to board the same car.

In most local supermarkets, food for tasting is available to customers and without restrictions, almost unlimited. Nobody controls how many times a person tastes it, and after eating a little, they decide whether to buy the product or not.

A traditional gift at a housewarming party is usually a package of toilet paper rolls. Koreans believe that the length of the role suggests the longevity of their lives. They really love practical gifts, especially food-related ones. For example, the management of a South Korean company gave food baskets to its employees. The different combinations of these baskets can be purchased at any supermarket before big holidays.

Several times a quarter, large parishes organize free visits to dentists and hairdressers for their members. On the streets of South Korea, there are many representatives of different religions who actively recruit people. The most popular way to do this is by handing out baby wipes with the church address on them. In fact, this country has the most visited cathedral in the world: a parish that receives more than a million people a year.

Korean children study hard. Elementary students have classes from 9 am to 6 pm. High school students return to their homes at 10 pm, while seniors study until 1 am. School libraries are open 24 hours a day specifically for this group of people. But despite this intense learning, Korean children do not become geniuses, quite the opposite. Many of them lose interest in hobbies simply because they don’t have time to have a personal life. They study, sleep while traveling on public transport and spend their free time on social media.

Each Korean couple lets everyone around them know that they are together wearing similar outfits. You can find a lot of matching clothes and shoes at local stores for lovers who want to show off.

Large gifts for teachers or public officials are considered bribes. Parents and children who want to show their gratitude to a professional often give candy or a cup of coffee instead of expensive items.

There are many themed cars in the South Korean subway, dedicated to certain cartoon characters. The seasons are announced with their voices and puppets of these characters are placed on the seats.

If you ask a Korean to tell you the name of the most popular singer in the world, he will hardly know the answer. They hardly know anything about other countries. They don’t watch Western movies or listen to their music. They do not know their traditions, nor do they study geography at school. Any foreigner, to them, is generally considered an American. At the same time, they will be happy to tell you who their idols are in their country’s pop industry. The most popular music group among young people in South Korea is a boy band call BTS.

Despite popular myths, young Koreans have never tasted dog meat. However, it is still possible to try this dish there, but it is extremely expensive. Modern Korean cuisine is very healthy. They usually eat grilled meat (no oil), lots of vegetables and of course rice. Lots of rice. But more than that, they love coffee.

There are no trash cans in this country because Koreans are very orderly, but there are public restrooms in every subway station and in every park. They are very clean and have separate cabins for people with disabilities. Women’s restrooms have special tables for changing diapers.

Have you ever been to South Korea? If your answer is yes, share your impressions of this amazing country in the comments section. And if you haven’t, let us know what you think of the facts mentioned above.