The Korean language is spoken by more than 70 million people living on the Korean peninsula and its outlying islands (the Republic of Korea in the south and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the north) and it is ranked the 13th largest language group in the world.
While Seoul is the modern capital city of South Korea, many locals aren't fluent in English. It's generally not a very widely spoken language in South Korea. However, you'll have better luck finding a local who can speak English in main tourist neighborhoods, such as Myeongdong, Dongdaemun and Hongdae.
It's at this point where most foreigners jump off the “learn Korean” train and begin to live life without the ability to speak Korean well, which can be done quite easily. There are apps to help you translate, and loads of friendly English-speaking Koreans to assist you.
What are the differences in speaking between North and South Korea? | Radio Free Asia (RFA)
What is the main religion in Korea?
While much of the population is irreligious, Protestants make up the largest religious group. The latter half of the population that are religious, are split in the following way: 20% believe in Protestantism, 16% believe in Buddhism, 13% believe in Catholicism, and 1% believe in other religions or cults.
Yes, South Korea has universal healthcare — but it isn't free. The South Korean healthcare system is administered through the National Health Insurance Service. A combination of employee taxes, government subsidies, tobacco surcharges and outside contributions fund the system.
South Koreans are avid sports and outdoors enthusiasts. The martial art tae kwon do and the traditional belt-wrestling style called ssireum (which is similar to Japanese sumo and Mongolian wrestling) are widely practiced national sports. South Korean skaters dominate the short-track speed skating circuit.
English is growing in importance in South Korea, particularly as the country gains international recognition due to the global popularity of K-pop, drama, and cinema. English has become a crucial tool for South Koreans to engage with the global community in entertainment and areas like trade, diplomacy, and technology.
Avoid making physical contact, such as bumping into others or standing too close, especially in queues or on public transportation. On the subway or bus, avoid sitting in the designated seating for elderly, disabled, and pregnant passengers, even if no other seats are available. This is seen as a sign of respect.
Some important laws to be aware of include the strict anti-drug policy, with severe penalties for possession or use of illegal substances. Smoking is prohibited in many public places, including restaurants, bars, and public transportation. It's also illegal to take photographs of military installations or personnel.
The practice of Christianity is marginal in North Korea, but significant in South Korea, which has a population of 8.6 million Protestants, mostly Presbyterians, and 5.8 million Catholics.
South Korea's climate is characterized by a cold, relatively dry winter and a hot, humid summer. The coldest average monthly temperatures in winter drop below freezing except along the southern coast.
Islam (Korean: 이슬람교) is a minor religion in South Korea and North Korea. The Muslim community is centered in Seoul and Busan and there are a few mosques around the country. According to the Korea Muslim Federation, there are about 200,000 Muslims living in South Korea, and about 70 to 80 percent are foreigners.
Korean verbs go at the end of sentences and are conjugated based on politeness. The ending used for announcements or when speaking to a large group is imnida (입니다).
What is it called when you mix Korean and English?
Konglish is a unique blend of Korean and English found throughout South Korea. In its simplest definition, Konglish refers to English loanwords that have been adapted into Korean, including many English words that are used in ways not readily understandable to native English speakers.
Starting with a series of governmental policies in the early 1990s, the traditional 'education fever' has adopted a new face called 'English fever. ' Korean parents have sent their children to English-speaking countries for the acquisition of English while they are still young, even under the age of ten.
Writing one's name in red ink. This is traditionally taboo because the color red to Koreans used to symbolize death. The belief was that if a person's name was written in red, death or bad luck would come soon.
The number 4 is considered very unlucky in South Korea, as the words for 'death' and 'four' sound similar in Korean. When you get in a lift the button for the fourth floor will often be F, instead of 4, or sometimes skipped altogether, and you should never give sets of 4 as a gift!
In Korea, there is no discrimination based on clothing. You are free to wear any clothes as long as they are not very revealing. Under Korean law, there are no regulations governing clothing except for extremely revealing clothing.
