We’re so used to our culture that when we look at other places around the world, it might feel like a bit of a surprise. We get so caught up in our own ways that when we see something being done differently, our minds are absolutely blown!
After doing some major research on South Korea, one of the most innovative places in the world, it feels like it might just be one of the biggest culture shocks ever. But a lot of these things are actually really cool and interesting, and they even make us wish that we were there.
Check out some of the wild South Korea things we found!
It turns out that the people in South Korea are very honest. This person took to Reddit to share that he had accidentally left his wallet and all of his cards by one of the ATMs and when he went back to go get it, it was still there. People aren’t always so lucky!
An apartment complex in the area was being painted, so you know what the painters did? They covered all of the cars to protect them from splatter. Now that is some true kindness.
3. This actually happens all the time
And trying to avoid splatter on cars is more than a one-time thing. If they are ever painting in public, there’s a great chance your car will be covered. For them, it’s typical protocol.
4. Best nursing room ever
This nursing room was found in a mall, if you can even believe it. It came equipped with a water cooler, a fridge, a microwave, and even beds and chairs. Such amazing treatment!
Beauty shops will give you all the free samples you need. Seriously, a lot of free samples. No judgment here!
There is plenty of eating to be done in South Korea. Even if you order just one thing at a restaurant, it will come with several dishes. Another great thing about eating out there is that you will usually get plenty of free food before what you ordered even arrives to the table.
Housewarming gifts tend to always be the same in Korea. They all have meaning as well. “Detergent and soap signify the more foam, the bigger the income. And toilet paper symbolizes all the life difficulties that unwrap just like a toilet paper roll.”
Small electric cars tend to be very popular in Korea. Just as popular as bicycles are in European countries, in fact. They’re so cute!
Sometimes they are so busy, they simply don’t have time for regular things like doing their hair. If that means having to get ready on the train, then so be it!
10. Subway station library
Their subway stations are cool
and they encourage reading! There is a library in the station where you can actually register with your ID and choose a book to read on the way to wherever you’re going.
Oftentimes, you’ll see garage doors that are half open. This is because there isn’t a whole lot of space so cars are too big and don’t fit in the garage.
12. Safe and innovative parking spaces
There are parking spaces that are marked by gender. Additionally, they are very well-lit and have more cameras to ensure safety for women.
There are transparent pockets on the back of bus seats so that you can watch movies or TV on your phone during your ride. It’s little details like these that really make it feel like Korea thinks of everything!
14. A strange product, for good measure…
Okay, Korea has definitely been proving to us just how innovative they are. But there is one thing: these black head nose strips made for babies… Not sure why these were ever made but hey, it makes for a good laugh!
15. Local laundry station
“I’ve lived in four cities over 10 years and this is the first I have seen of these,” this person wrote via Reddit. “It has been around for a very very long time but was renovated in the last two years. Apparently it is used quite a lot by the elderly especially.”
“Koreans love stretching and they can do it anywhere: in the office, at a bus stop, or even on the plane — anywhere they can sit for a long time while getting better blood circulation. They love massages and do it in different ways. They also use trees very often for this.”
“I love these public stone foot massage areas. After a long walk it refreshes your body and seoul. We found it after going for a walk on a nearby hill.”
Korea even has little candy holders for when you don’t finish the whole thing. Only want to eat half of your Twix? That’s totally fine! Put the other half away in this handy little container.
“In South Korea, men are very close and supportive of one another. For example, they often put their hands on the shoulders of their colleagues. They may even massage each other and it’s perfectly normal.”
“A home is a requirement for getting married. Real estate is very expensive and young couples can’t always afford a house. Many people refuse to have a family and live alone.”
Bosses tend to have their own hobbies and invite their employees to join them on the weekends. It’s important that their employees join them but if they can’t, they need to tell them what their plan is and what time it is happening in order to decline.
“Jeju city has this refreshing site: a pay parking area that works on an honor-system: you just insert your 500 coin per hour you plan to park. No electronics, no worker, no tickets, no receipts, just mutual interest in supporting the city.”
23. They’re obsessed with… poop
It’s true — they love poop-shaped cookies and phone charms. They even have an entire museum dedicated to poop. Toilets also come with pleasant music, flushing sounds, and colored water.
24. Korean men love makeup
“South Korean men love makeup, spending close to US $900 million a year, or a quarter of the world’s men’s cosmetics,” according to
Fact Retriever. Makeup is for everyone!
It’s totally legal to drink public outside in public in South Korea. People carry open containers with their beverage around, and they’ll even get a couple of drinks.
Red ink actually has significant meaning. If a person’s name is written in red ink, it means that they have passed away or they are about to.
Group blind dating a thing, and it’s called “meeting” or “so-getting.” It’s especially popular for younger university students who are looking to meet each other over drinks.
Couples love PDA there. You can see plenty of couples showing each other affection when out in public. They hold hands, kiss, and even wear matching outfits.
South Koreans love Honey Butter Cups. What are those, you ask? They are potato chips flavored with honey and butter from France. Shops run out of them so fast, raffles are drawn for a chance to win a bag. They also go for $100 on eBay.
30. Robotic prison guards
In 2012, the city of Pohang received the world’s first-ever robotic prison guards. The country also uses robots as teachers and to guard the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea.
Is South Korea not the most progressive country ever? It’s definitely worth paying a visit to after hearing about all of the cool stuff it has to offer!
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
We’re so used to our culture that when we look at other places around the world, it might feel like a bit of a surprise. We get so caught up in our own ways that when we see something being done differently, our minds are absolutely blown!
After doing some major research on South Korea, one of the most innovative places in the world, it feels like it might just be one of the biggest culture shocks ever. But a lot of these things are actually really cool and interesting, and they even make us wish that we were there.
Check out some of the wild South Korea things we found!
