Think You Know Korea? Think Again.

  • Publish date: Sunday، 23 March 2025
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Here are some of the most common mistakes people make about Korea — especially when they're not familiar with the country or its culture:

🇰🇷 1. Confusing North Korea with South Korea

  • Reality: South Korea (Republic of Korea) is a democratic, technologically advanced country, while North Korea (DPRK) is a closed, authoritarian regime.

  • Mistake: Some people lump them together or think South Korea is unsafe due to North Korea’s actions — it’s not.

🗣️ 2. Thinking everyone speaks English

  • Reality: While many South Koreans study English, fluency varies, especially outside big cities. Cultural context is key in communication.

🍱 3. Assuming Korean food is only spicy or just BBQ

  • Reality: Korean cuisine is incredibly diverse — from mild dishes like samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) to fermented classics like kimchi, and street food like tteokbokki.

👘 4. Calling Korean traditional clothing “kimono”

  • Reality: That’s Japanese. In Korea, it’s called Hanbok — and it has a distinct design, history, and cultural significance.

🧍‍♂️🧍‍♀️ 5. Misunderstanding hierarchy and age importance

  • Reality: Age and seniority are very important in Korean culture — it influences how people speak (honorifics), behave, and even socialize.

💬 6. Thinking all Korean media is just K-pop and K-dramas

  • Reality: While K-pop and dramas are popular, Korea has a vibrant film, literature, gaming, and indie scene that goes beyond global hits like BTS or Squid Game.

🛐 7. Assuming Korea is a Buddhist country

  • Reality: Korea is religiously diverse — with significant populations of Christians, Buddhists, and non-religious people.

🏯 8. Expecting traditional architecture everywhere

  • Reality: While temples and palaces exist, modern Korean cities are full of high-rise apartments, neon-lit streets, and cutting-edge architecture.

📍9. Assuming Seoul is the only place to visit

  • Reality: Cities like Busan, Jeonju, Gyeongju, and Jeju Island offer very different vibes and rich cultural experiences.

🧖‍♂️ 10. Not knowing about Korean spa culture

  • Reality: Jjimjilbangs (Korean saunas) are a big part of the local lifestyle — communal, family-friendly, and full of wellness rituals.

This article was previously published on UAE Moments. To see the original article, click here

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