Top 10 Interesting Facts About South Korea You Might Not Know

Few countries in the world share such a high frequency of common surnames as South Korea. A 1985 report revealed that 46% of the population shared a common surname, with the most common being 'Kim', followed by 'Lee', 'Park', 'Choi', and 'Chung'. Historically, only royals and aristocrats were allowed to have surnames, while slaves and commoners were excluded. This meant that surnames like Kim, Park, and Lee were associated with noble families, and many of these clans still exist today. In the 18th century, the rules around surnames were relaxed, allowing people to purchase noble family names, making shared surnames more common. As a result, many families share the same surname without being related by blood.

To distinguish family lines and origins, Koreans often ask about someone's 'ban-gwan', or ancestral hometown. Every surname has multiple ban-gwan, and the largest clan for the Kim surname, according to 2015 census data, is from the Kim-Hae region. This tradition dates back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), where surnames were a privilege reserved for the royal family and a few noble families.

Kimchi, a beloved national dish, is one of South Korea's most iconic exports, known worldwide for its unique flavors. While often seen as a simple side dish, kimchi represents over 250 different varieties, each with its own twist on this flavorful dish. In fact, South Korea even has a Kimchi Museum dedicated to showcasing the many variations of this fermented delicacy. The government has declared kimchi a national treasure, and it is an essential part of every Korean meal. Due to the cold climate, spicy and salty foods became a traditional way to stay warm, and kimchi is the perfect example of this. While many vegetables can be used to make kimchi, napa cabbage is the most common base. The ingredients vary widely, incorporating vegetables, spices, and even seafood. Despite the variety, most types of kimchi share a bold, spicy, and aromatic flavor, much like the vibrant and warm-hearted nature of the Korean people themselves.

Religion holds a significant place in South Korean society, with two main beliefs being practiced: Falun Gong and Christianity. Early mornings in parks are often filled with practitioners of Falun Gong meditating, while in the evenings, churchgoers gather in churches with lit crosses for prayers and confession. Traditional Korean beliefs also feature a wide array of gods and spirits. Each famous mountain is believed to be protected by the mountain god, Sansin. Other deities include Seongjusin, the protector of families, Teojusin, the guardian of homes, Samsin, the goddess of children, Jowangsin, the kitchen god, Umulsin, the well god, Munsin, the door god, and even Cheuksin, the bathroom god.

In addition to these gods, Koreans believe that their ancestors, even those who have passed away, continue to watch over and bless their descendants. In fact, even smallpox, once a deadly disease, is revered as a deity. This belief emphasizes that divine protection exists from birth until death. Therefore, during special occasions like holidays or birthdays, families often prepare offerings for the gods to seek blessings and good fortune. Today, South Korea is home to many different religions coexisting peacefully, with respect for religious freedom. Religious conflicts are rare, largely due to Korea's traditional culture of tolerance after the major religions were introduced to the country.

Smart home technology has been a part of Korean culture since the Bronze Age, around 1000 BCE, and it has remained an essential feature of traditional homes to this day. The heating system is ingeniously designed, with underfloor heating that transmits warmth through thick layers of tiles, ensuring that the floors stay warm during cold winter months. Wood must be regularly fed into the stove to prevent the fire from going out. The traditional Korean

The Ondol system works by heating pipes or copper tubes beneath the floor. As the temperature rises, heat spreads through the rooms and is retained until the pipes cool down, rather than losing heat immediately. Moreover, the air warms up because hot air expands. Thanks to the Ondol system, Koreans have been able to keep their homes warm throughout the harsh winter weather.

Marriage has always been an important aspect of human life, especially since people began living in social communities. It is a union between a man and a woman, defined by gender. Along with family, marriage is one of the most vital social values in East Asian culture. South Korea, deeply influenced by Confucianism for thousands of years, shares many marriage customs and beliefs with other Confucian-influenced cultures like Vietnam and China.

This tradition dates back to the Joseon Dynasty and is rooted in Confucian teachings. The purpose was to preserve purity within familial relationships, as it was feared that marriages between individuals with the same surname could lead to unknown blood relations. Therefore, it was considered inappropriate for people with the same last name to marry, as it was believed to prevent incest and maintain the family's integrity. While many people with the same surname have no direct blood relation, this old custom still prevails, causing difficulties for couples who wish to marry but share a last name.

Unlike in other countries, where men are frantic about preparing gifts for their girlfriends or wives on Valentine's Day, in South Korea, Valentine's Day is actually a celebration for men. On this day, women give flowers, chocolates, and presents to the men they love. However, gentlemen, don't get too excited, because there’s a catch. On March 14, also known as White Day, men are expected to give back three times the value of what they received on February 14, in a reciprocal gesture of affection. And everything must be in white!

But why stop at just one Valentine's Day? In Korea, there are many other days dedicated to love, each with a unique way to express affection. For example, there's Kiss Day in June, Hug Day in December, and Photo Day in September. In May, there’s also Yellow Day and Rose Day, where couples dress in yellow tones and exchange roses. The saddest day, however, is April 14, also called Black Valentine’s Day, reserved for those still single. On this day, the 'single brigade' gathers to eat black Jajangmyeon noodles, hoping that next year they’ll be celebrating a different color of love, not the dark, sticky noodles they're eating now.

South Korea is known for its fast-paced lifestyle and widespread internet coverage. Major cities are equipped with extensive internet networks, and with rapid population growth and economic development, South Korea ranks among the countries with the fastest internet speeds worldwide. But there’s one surprising thing about South Korea’s internet usage. While many developed nations have practically abandoned Microsoft’s favorite browser, Internet Explorer continues to be widely used here. In fact, back in 1996, the country passed a law mandating the use of Internet Explorer.

In South Korea, many online transactions and banking procedures still require users to use this outdated browser. Most Koreans simply stick to Internet Explorer, either out of habit or lack of awareness of alternatives. Websites in Korea are designed specifically for Internet Explorer, so if you try to access them using a different browser, you’re likely to encounter numerous errors.

In Vietnam, astrology and horoscopes are commonly used to determine whether a couple is compatible or to learn more about someone's future. However, for South Koreans, blood type holds the key to understanding everything about a person, including their strengths and weaknesses. From birth, every child in Korea is tested for their blood type, and it’s recorded in their official records. Beyond its medical significance, blood type is also believed to reveal one's personality. Koreans believe that by knowing someone's blood type, they can predict both their character and their future.

Blood type is a frequent topic in Korean culture, appearing not only in literature but also in entertainment, such as music and films. The connection between personality and blood type is widely discussed and attracts significant public attention. People with blood type A are thought to be very independent, calm, serious, reliable, and intelligent. Those with blood type B are seen as lively, creative, unpredictable, and sometimes eccentric, leaving others puzzled. Meanwhile, individuals with blood type AB are considered highly intuitive but also have a few flaws. If you’re generous, open-minded, and carefree, you most likely belong to blood type O. In Korea, it’s believed that each blood type has its own unique strengths and weaknesses. Why not check if your personality matches your blood type?

In Vietnam, it's customary for families to celebrate birthdays with cakes, drinks, and sweets. However, in South Korea, a bowl of seaweed soup is an essential part of the celebration. Not only is seaweed soup rich in nutrients, but it also holds a deep cultural significance. It serves as a reminder to children of the hardships their mothers endured during pregnancy and childbirth, teaching them to appreciate the sacrifices their mothers made. This tradition of having seaweed soup on birthdays reflects a long-standing cultural value of honoring mothers and showing gratitude for their role in giving life.

Even today, this tradition is alive and well, and no Korean birthday celebration is complete without this symbolic dish. Seaweed soup is particularly beneficial for growing children, mothers, and breastfeeding women, as it's rich in calcium and iodine. Historically, seaweed soup has been an essential food for mothers in Korea. In Korean culture, it is also believed that eating this soup on one's birthday brings good luck for the coming year.

In some countries, adultery is considered illegal, but in South Korea, it has been classified as a criminal offense. Those who cheat on their spouses could face legal charges. This law, which was enacted in 1985, remained in place until February 2015, during which time over 53,000 individuals were prosecuted for this crime. South Korea's adultery law included a penalty of up to two years in prison for violators. For over six decades, South Korea was one of the few non-Muslim countries to criminalize adultery. In fact, nearly 5,500 people were charged with adultery in the past six years, including about 900 cases in 2014 alone.

South Korean society, which is deeply rooted in traditional values, places high importance on family, and the principle of monogamy is considered a fundamental societal contract. Additionally, in this conservative society, many young people—especially women—still cherish preserving their integrity until marriage. Fortunately, this law was repealed, sparing many individuals from facing imprisonment due to infidelity.