5 Fascinating Facts To Know About South Korea

Usually its northern neighbor tends to grab the spotlight, but South Korea is a place all its own. Over the years the country has had to survive Soviet meddling, Japanese colonization, and of course, North Korean threats. However, South Korea has persevered, and is slowly taking the world by storm. From age to fashion, you won’t want to miss these 5 fascinating facts about South Korea.

1. At Birth, You Are 1 Year Old

In South Korea, you’re born at age one. Therefore, you will always be one year older for your Korean age. However, instead of changing your age on your birthday, all Koreans add the additional year on New Years.

2. Cleavage Is Not Allowed

Although skirts and shorts are often so short you’re surprised the clothing can actually cover the person all the way, shirts are an entirely different matter. Cleavage of any kind is considered vilely inappropriate. In fact, if you show even the slightest bit of your chest, you could receive disapproving glares/stares, or even be yelled at by strangers.

3. Toilet Paper Is Thrown in the Trash

Over the years, South Korea has made a variety of technological and structural advances. However, their waste disposal system isn’t one of them. Due to the fact, many older buildings are unable to flush toilet paper without clogging the toilet; instead of flushing it, you’re supposed to throw it in the trashcan next to the toilet.

4. Koreans Love Plastic Surgery

South Korea has one of the highest plastic surgery rates per capita in the entire world. Typically, 1 out of every 5 Koreans opts for an elective procedure, with eyelid surgery being the most common.

5. Korean’s Are Superstitious

Similar to the Asian number 4 superstition, Koreans also avoid using red ink. In Korea red is the color that symbolizes death. Therefore, if you write someone’s name in red, you either want them to die or you think the person will die soon. So before you sign your next birthday card, make sure to use the correct color of ink.