Korea – Land of the Morning Calm
Sweet Potatoes
Apparently South Koreans are crazy about sweet potato flavoured delicacies
They love it to such an extent that there is
every possible dish flavoured with sweet potato.
There’re main courses, desserts, chips, latte, bread and salads, just to name a few
The Hangul Language
You know why there’s still such a strong bond among the Koreans
Because they speak and write the same language.
The Hangul language consists of 14 consonants and 10 vowels.
These alphabets can be combined to form various syllables.
And it’s considered one of the standard scientific writing systems.
Always Use Blue Ink
Every society has its own strange superstitions including Koreans… they can’t stand red ink
Why?
Because when a Korean passes on from this life
The name is usually written in red ink in the family register and funeral banners to ward off evil and to protect the dead
So they believe that if you write the name of a living person in red
bad things will happen that might even result in death
So in your dealings with Koreans, whether it’s signing a contract, writing a letter, or grading a paper
play it safe, use blue instead.
Toilet-themed Amusement Park
There are many bizarre theme parks across the world
but i think South Korea beats them hands down
The city of Suwon is home to the first toilet-themed amusement park
And even though this theme park has no rides
it’s complete with all sorts of toilet paraphernalia such as medieval bedpans, Korean squat toilets
a urinal sculpture and bronze statues of people in the process of relieving themselves
the best part?
The Restroom Cultural Park is free
So make a pit stop… the next time you’re in the city of Suwon
Shopping!!!
Today is Dongdamon Day Doota Doota
You know South Koreans love to shop… ooh I like…
The country has some of the biggest shopping malls in the world.
The stores are open until 4 in the morning while restaurants, bars, and cafes are open till 11 in the night.
So that means you can literally shop till you drop
The Korean Flag
We celebrate the Republic of Korea’s National Day this coming Friday and it’s interesting to note the symbols on its flag
Apparently the flag has a whole lot of philosophy behind it.
You see the flag has a white background with a yin – yang symbol in the centre and four trigrams in the four corners of the flag.
The Yin yang symbol is in blue and red representing balance and harmony.
While the trigrams on each corner symbolize universal elements like heaven, earth, fire and water.
Avoid Black Cabs
One of my girlfriends told me never get into a black cab when you’re in Seoul
You know why?
The taxis in South Korea are colour coded according to the level of service offered.
So if you hail a grey or white taxi, it’ll probably be a basic car with a fully qualified but not so experienced driver.
As opposed to when you jump into a black cab, it’s usually a luxury car with a more experienced driver.
SO it really depends on what you prefer
Smiling Roofs
You’re gonna like this one
It put a smile on my face, I hope it does yours too
Apparently all Korean roofs are curved upwards at the ends
giving them an appearance of a smile
So do check out those smiling roofs the next time you’re in Seoul
Two New Years?
South Korea celebrates two New Years around Feb; one for the western calendar and one for the lunar calendar
Then apart from these two New Year celebrations
There are several other interesting holidays such as Korean Alphabet Day on Oct 9th
which is to mark the creation of the Korean language.
What’s your blood type?
Blood type is a big thing in Korea
It’s even more popular than horoscopes and the Zodiac
Koreans believe that a person’s personality, temperament and compatibility with others
both romantic and platonic
Can be determined by their blood type
Blood types and their personality
Still on the topic of blood types
Koreans believe that they can figure out a person’s personality based on their Blood type
Like those with Blood Type A are often called farmers
Those with Blood type B are NOmads
Blood type AB are Humanists
and Blood type O are Warriors
For a more detailed description, log on to http://beyondhallyu.com/culture/its-in-your-blood-the-link-between-blood-types-and-personalities/
How old are you, really?
Interestingly, age is counted differently in Korea
When you are born, you are considered to be one.
On your first New Years, you are two years old.
Then you go back to adding a year on the date of your birthday.
So with this Korean style of counting, most Koreans are a year or two older than they actually are.
If you have a sweet tooth
It’s desserts galore in Seoul City, Korea
If you thought sweet treats couldn’t get any sweeter
You must try the famous green tiramisu from tart café Duex Cremes in Sinsa-dong.
It’s both rich and creamy with just a hint of green tea
And remember to head to the café way before it closes cuz most of the tarts are sold out by that time
Hangover Stew?
Have you heard of the Hangover stew?
Apparently over in Korea, drinking and partying is such a staple that an entire cuisine has sprung up around curing the hangover.
Nope! Forget the banana… and go straight for that steaming bowl of haejangguk instead – spicy beef broth with bean sprouts… ooh… Yummy!
Best Airport!
For nine years in a row from 2005 till today, the Incheon International Airport has been rated the best airport worldwide by Airports Council International.
You know why?
The airport has a golf course, spa, private sleeping rooms, ice skating rink, a casino, indoor gardens and a Museum of Korean Culture.
Plus high-end restaurants whipping up just about any kind of pre-flight meal you’d fancy, now how’s that for great service?
Study, study, study
Interestingly, about 15 per cent of the average Korean household income is spent on tuition
And 24 hour study rooms are very popular among students
These study rooms provide an intense and quiet atmosphere and are divided into rows of cubicles that can be rented for as little as ₩7,000 won or $8 Singapore dollars a day
