Hello adventurers and dreamers! Have you been considering doing a Working Holiday in South Korea? Korea is an incredibly interesting country where you can find a blend of traditional and modern culture everywhere you go. If you are curious about this destination, here’s 10 facts about South Korea you may not know.
Rich cultural heritage
South Korea is home to 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. World Heritage Sites are landmarks that are protected and preserved because of their historical value to civilization. Consider visiting one of these historic treasures as it can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Try the historic city of Gyeongju or the Changdeokgung Palace Complex in Jongno-gu.
K-Pop and hallyu wave
The “Korean wave” is also known as its Korean word “Hallyu”. It refers to the worldwide impact of Korean culture that started in the 1990s and grew with the rise of social media. This includes Korean TV shows, movies, and of course music. By now, almost everyone has heard of K-pop thanks to bands like BTS, or of Korean movies thanks to Parasite. When you visit Korea, you will see many stores blast K-pop to attract people!
Innovative technology
Did you know Korean companies Samsung and LG actually supply Apple with some technology for their world-famous iPhones? Korea ranks high in innovation according to the Global Innovation Index and Bloomberg’s Innovation Index. If you are into the latest technology innovations, you will love exploring Korea’s cities and stores.
Traditional Cuisine
Maybe you have heard of Korea’s world-famous kimchi. Kimchi is fermented cabbage, and Koreans include it with almost every meal. You should make sure to enjoy the wide range of offerings, from famous Kimbap (veggie rolls) and Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), to Kalkuksu (knife cut noodle soup), and Ssamgyeobsal (pork bbq). If you are adventurous, try San-nakji, a raw octopus dish!
Unique Festivals
During spring, university festivals are in full bloom. Big universities hold extravagant events with fun activities, food stalls, and of course a fun concert! If you are lucky, big-name celebrities like BLACKPINK will perform at your university’s festival! Other annual festivals are also staples in Korea, such as Busan’s WATERBOMB to cool off the summer heat, and PSY’s Summer Swag tour.
Landmarks
You can’t miss some of the most beautiful and historic landmarks when you visit Korea. Seoul is home to Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of the most well-known historical palaces. You can also see the statue of Sejong the Great, the scholar who invented the Korean alphabet. More modern landmarks are the N-Seoul tower and the Lotte tower near Lotte World. If you want something different, visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone (or DMZ) where you can see the military troops guarding the border with North Korea.
Hierarchical language and society
Korean language has different levels of speech ingrained in the form of verb endings and unique words. You would not use the same words when talking to you grandparents or a stranger than you would talking to your older siblings or even your friends. While Koreans don’t expect foreigners that don’t speak Korean fluently to know all these rules, they appreciate it when you take the time and interest in learning them and applying it to your everyday interactions with locals.
Korean Age vs. International Age
Up until very recently, Koreans had a different age system than the rest of the world. When Koreans were born, they already counted 1 year. Additionally, they added an extra year after each New Year’s Day. This made most Koreans an average of 2 years older than their international age. However, by June 2023 the government declared this system would not be used in official documents anymore, making their age system the same as the rest of the world. If you ask some older Koreans however, they might still tell you their Korean age instead!
Gaming culture and PC Bang
Have you heard of the term “PC Bang” before? These are really popular “internet rooms” or “PC clubs” where people go enjoy computer games and cheap meals while they play. They are particularly popular among middle school and high school students, but Koreans of all ages love to spend some hours at a PC Bang every now and then. If you like video games, you can’t miss this experience!
Cross country daytrips
Did you know the distance between Seoul and Busan is only about 4 hours by car? You can visit multiple cities in one day if you want, with many roads boasting of scenic routes that are as attractive as the destination. Road trips allow you to explore at your own pace and create special memories of the places you visit. Consider renting a car and planning a road trip if you have any time off while in Korea and you won’t regret it!
Learn more about our South Korea program, or contact us if you have any questions!