Want to Live in Korea? 13 Things You’ll Have to Get Used to!
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Living in Korea will change who you are. Many of the daily habits you pick up are because of that fact. And that means the longer you stay, the more you’ll change. See our list right here:
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Hanging out Late
Korea is a very night-centric place, and hanging out into the AM hours even on a weeknight is very common. Go to any major Seoul hot spot and you’ll see 24 hour cafes, BBQ restaurants open till late and convenience stores on every block that never close. Heck, even shopping at Dongdaemun Market starts around 7PM and goes until 7AM. If you’re an early bird, the only things to do in Seoul during the morning hours is go to work or visit tourist attractions. Everything else (eating, playing and hanging out) all really start after the sun goes down.
Check out why hanging out with Koreans goes late!
Pictures
When you’re in Korea, taking pictures is a part of daily life. Most of the time it is the usual culprits of food porn pics as well as top quality Korean style selfies. Of course not everyone is so picture crazed, but if you find yourself around Korea’s young smartphone wielding female demographic, you’ll end up throwing up automatic V-signs and smiles more often than you’ve ever thought you would. It’s part of the great big feeding frenzy that goes on in our Facecbook and Kakaotalk apps. For most Korean women, taking as many pictures as it takes to get the perfect shot is a part of everyday life.
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Coffee Shops
Coffee is a part of morning routines for many people around the world. For most, coffee is their preferred beverage for its quick caffeine jolt. The sleepiest of us can’t go without a few cups throughout the day. And while Koreans drink coffee as liquid defibrillators, too, most Koreans go to coffee shops because it’s now a part of the culture. During lunch hours, coffee shops will have office workers looking for a place to relax before heading back in. Couples who have no where else to go will grab their favorite espresso-based drink and stay chatting well past what’s considered loitering in other parts of the world. And of course, they’re the number one place for girl talk. Coffee shops are everywhere in Korea, and they have become such a part of the culture that you’ll find it impossible to escape.
Want more than coffee? Here’s 15 Unique and Interesting Theme Cafes in Seoul!
Kimchi
Kimchi is literally everywhere in Korea because it’s a part of every meal. Even many non-Korean restaurants will also have secret stashes.Part-time workers at a Gangnam Burger King will bring a stash of their own kimchi to chow down on Whoppers with a side of the good stuff. If your stomach gives you a scary sound every time you eat kimchi, you might be in trouble. We suggest getting used to eating kimchi; it’s something that would make living in Korea much easier. Plus it’s healthy, delicious and free with most meals đ
Find out why Koreans eat so much kimchi!
Metal Chopsticks
Tons of people throughout the world have Mr. Miyagi level chopstick skills. But that’s usually with well-gripping wooden chopsticks. In Korea, metal chopsticks are more common, making japchae glass noodles extra slippery. These metal ones are harder to grip as they’re usually quite narrow as well. Bottom line is, the metal ones are generally tougher to use than wooden chopsticks. So, if your chopstick skills aren’t so great, get used to eating food off the table (5 second rule!).
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I do love korn and mayonnaise mixed up together and sometimes I ad can tuna ! It is common in France.
For greeting and parting in France, we can shake hands, “kiss” on cheeks, just wave hand or tilt head.
1. Shaking hands : more used in formal situations. For example, when we have a job interview, or with someone we don’t really know. And between males (acquaintance, friends and family) who consider kissing on cheeks between male absolutely not manly.
2. Kissing on cheeks : is not a real kiss on the cheek like when we kiss our lover. Actually, mouth never touches the cheek. We need to press one cheek against the opposite cheek of the other guy. It is commonly used between female friends/family/acquaintance, between man and female that know each other to a certain degree in a casual situation, or between men who haven’t seen for sooo long that they are so happy to meet again (!) and when someone is introducing us to another one, the newly became acquaintances have to kiss on their cheeks.
3. Waving hands : more used when parting. But we can use it to greet friends or ppl the same age or younger.
4. Tilting head : to greet people you don’t personally know but you meet ofter such as neighbors, building manager, or when you get in a close place such in a bank, in a shop or something… but not in trains or subway. We can tilt our head when there are so many people in the room that you can personnally greet them each. French poeple like greeting people around them except in trains when people mind their own business…
5. Bow : used in ancient times when a socially lower person meet a higher up.
I have a story about it. When I was student I used to live in a student residence where there were students from all over the world. One day, I got in the elevator and there was an asian guy and while I got in I said to him ‘hello’. The guy was astonished and asked me if we had to say ‘hello’ each time we meet a person. And I explained to him that in France, in close places such as elevators, waiting rooms… especially in places when people are close to each other and will spend (a little) time together we have to say ‘hello’ or people will think you look down on them.
I think greeting is a complex matter in every country…. !
PS : in France we don’t hug as American people do. Or, only between very very close friends or lovers of course.
I am currently living in Seoul, and I couldn’t help but smile while I read this list. It is truly accurate! We’re moving back to American this year, and I will miss every single thing on this list. Only thing I would add is the great transportation system! I also love the IPark Mall theater, where you can pick where you sit in the movie. Oh, and… you can’t forget the heated floors!! Korea is an awesome place to live!
Haha, all of this is soo true especially staying out all night!
When I was in Korea my friend and I went to Dongdaemun and shopped from 10 pm to 3:30 am. That was definitely a first for me!
Will like to live in Korea, can you help?
So true. And don’t forgot loud voices
I was in Korea and I really enjoyed living there .. I hope I can travel back to Korea
I have never been to korea before but i’d wish to. I even came across your blog when i was trying to know more about korea.
Hi; would non-Korean people be misunderstood for disrespecting if they don’t bow (during living in Korea)?
I think I can get used to these but my biggest fear is spicy food there. I can’t even eat kimchi properly cause I find it too spicy><
I like corn and mayonaise but seperately. never tasted them together but will try it for sure!
Thats my dream!!! đ make a good trip to korea ! By the way i wanna make friends from korea,,,,,,
I lived in South Korea for 3 years, as a woman of color I had to get used to people touching my HAIR and BREAST!!!!! On the train, at the bus stop, at the spa,. I love South Korea but at times it got old. Oh dont expect people to give you a seat if your on crouches! Broken my ankle & had to fight people to get a seat sometimes!
Lolz
I’ve read so much about korean life that it just makes me wanna move there, I could get used to the food, the city life, culture and language(I am a fast learner) but the biggest problem would be finding a job … still I can’t quit dreaming, I absolutely love South Korea!! thank you for sharing with us Keith!
Im half korean half african..never been in korea..looking foward to moving there..thanks for the comment..really helpful..i think im already used to all those stuffs..
And i love korean food esp kimchi đ
Hey Nikkie, I am planning to visit and hopefully move to Korea but i only know how to say grandma and hello in Korean. I was wondering if you have any tips for me to learn the language without breaking my bank. I am on a big budget so that I can afford to go there
Hi there
I have a question, and may seem somehow not related to the post.but I’ve fond no better place than here to ask. you said “Hanging out Late” is something usual up there…but(I’m so sorry to mentioning this) I’ve heard that Korea is not safe at nights,specially for a foreigner girl đ and also I’ve seen in Arirang news that some alleys can be unsafe for ladies at night đ
please say something positive about nights up there… :'(
is it safe for university students?
p.s I really don’t want to underestimate the Korean culture or safety…I DO respect Korean people….but this is what I’ve read in a KPop website and I really want to find out why such things is said about Korea??
I really appreciate you kind help on this question….
thank you…
I think if you use common sense lie usual you will be fine.
Would you normally hang out in a dark alley late at night?
If somewhere does not feel safe then move to somewhere well lit with more people around.
I think korea is perfectly safe for a woman if you dont put yourself in obviously vulnerable situations.
I hope you move to Korea and enjoy late nights out! <3
i like koreans, because my firs idol is lee-min ho
What if you want to go to Seoul but don’t know Korean
I’ve been interested in Korea for a few months now, but honestly the more I learn the more terrifying and just straight up horrible it sounds.
Pushing people? Uhh, no. If anyone pushes me they will get pushed back. I don’t care if you’re 70 years old, you have NO RIGHT to physically move my person. F that crap. Ahjumma’s can kiss my @ss. No one pushes me.
No noise laws? So if my neighbors are being insanely loud and keeping me up during the night and I have to go to work the next day, I just have to live with it?
Koreans are known for their politeness, but I’ve been told that’s only shown to people they’ve been introduced to/know. If you’re someone they’ve never met, you basically don’t exist. You’re a non-person. What the hell is that all about?
What kind of civilization is this? A backwards one.
Creative suggestions ! Speaking of which , if your business needs to fill out a a form , my business partner discovered a sample version here
http://goo.gl/vXgMi7I love the place but don’t know how to get there.
To live and work in Seoul
How about finding job? Of course in order to survive korean living one needs work. Is it easy to find work for a foreign migrants?
I really want to visit Korea.
Hello there i really wish to travel to South korea
I’M retired military ,living in Hawaii for the last 30 yrs.I’m married to a Korean we have been marriedfor 32 yrs.and would like to move and retired there.My wife has family over there,so I’m not worried about finding a place to stay.My problem is it’s so dam hard getting the new spousel visa.The Korean consualt offer little to no information and what information that is on the net is out of date.I have put together what I hope is what I need,my wife has gone to Korea to get what papers needed,I’m hope everything is ok .I was station in korea when I was in the army from 1973-1975,1979-1980and my last tour 1981-1983. II hope to buy land with a small home.My question is about the banking.
Iam an Indian. It’s my dream to settle in south Korea
Wow nice
I will like to come over..
I need a guide..
Am a Nigerian
I am in Asia for a while now… Heritage and Modern culture blend is awesome here.
Hello. I’m korean and ask if you have any questions about korea. korea is a small country. You don’t have to worry too much about adapting
is it easy to find a job as a foreigner?
Hello, I am planning to visit and hopefully move to South Korea. I need to learn Korean but the only words I know are grandma and hello. I w was wondering if you have any tips or any advice at all that i could use. I would love to do something to learn that is cheap because i must save to make it to Korea.