4 Fun Facts You Would Love about South Korea While Teaching English

Posted by Lily James on August 23rd, 2021

Many of those who teach English in South Korea are getting a chance to enjoy the fascinated things about South Korea. Here are some facts you would love about South Korea while teaching English.

1. It’s common to ask about blood types

One of the common fun facts about South Korea is that South Koreans think there is some significance to their blood type. Their neighbors in Japan are also similar in that way. While people in other countries may or may not know their blood type, every South Korean certainly does know his or her!

One of the interesting facts about blood types in South Korea is that they are thought to contribute to a person’s personality and characteristics. Blood types can be used to help choose a spouse since your partner’s blood type may not be a good match for yours. For example, Type B females should look for Type O males. Type AB males will also do, but stay away from Type A’s! While not everyone believes in this, expect to hear about it while you’re in South Korea.

2. South Koreans are one year old when born

One of the unique facts about South Koreans is that they’re automatically one year old at birth.  This means that a newborn baby is considered one year old in South Korea. There are different schools of thought as to why this is. One explanation is that people think it’s because the baby is in the mother’s womb for 9 months, which is about 1 year. Therefore in South Korea, the baby is 1 year old when born.

3. Fan death is a superstition

There is an urban legend in South Korea that started years ago that electric fans left on while you are sleeping in a room with the windows and door closed can cause death. It is believed that the fan can lower body temperature and cause hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature).

Koreans also believe that the fast-moving air caused by the fan makes it difficult to breathe, causing people to choke. Because of these beliefs, automatic shutoff timers on fans in South Korea are seen as a life-saving feature. Not all people is South Korea believe this, but it’s best not to try to sway them for the ones that do. Even if you can scientifically prove your point, you’re still likely to be doubted by superstitious people in South Korea.

4. Largest Drinkers in Asia

It’s said that when South Koreans try something, they go hard at it. Football (soccer), spicy food, and definitely drinking! Many are surprised to see that Koreans are considered one of the top drinkers in Asia by far. South Korea actually has a strong drinking culture compared to its neighboring countries in Asia. This can be rooted in their tradition and culture, where most holidays are celebrated with alcohol.

South Koreans drink more alcohol per person per year than Germany, the U.S., Ireland, Canada, and Australia, which is considered one of the world’s top consumers! A big contributor to this esteemed award is the consumption of soju. Soju is usually around 19% alcohol content and is commonly drunk with main meals in South Korea.