Fact 1: Blossoming Beauty
South Korea takes on a delicate blanket of color every April as cherry blossoms cover the country. The Yeouido Spring Flower Festival is devoted to the incredible spectacle and attracts visitors from around the world. The fleeting nature of these blossoms, which usually peak for just two weeks, is seen as a metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life itself.
Fact 2: A Nation of Gamers
South Korea is a powerhouse in the world of online gaming and even boasts its own dedicated television channels for gaming, such as Ongamenet and MBC Game. In fact, professional gamers are treated like celebrities, and some of the top players can earn over $200,000 a year.
Fact 3: Love Locks at N Seoul Tower
There's an unexpected sight at N Seoul Tower: thousands of locks attached to the fence by couples, signifying their unbreakable love. Each lock carries a story of lovers or friends, who then throw the keys away as a symbol of everlasting love or friendship.
Fact 4: The Miracle on the Han River
The "Miracle on the Han River" refers to the rapid industrialization and economic growth of South Korea following the Korean War. This transformation vaulted the country into the realm of developed nations, and is a testament to its resilience and tenacity.
Fact 5: Kimchi is Integral to the Culture
Kimchi, a fermented vegetable dish rich in vitamins and probiotics, is a staple on South Korean dining tables. So significant is kimchi to Korean cuisine that the word 'kimchi' was added to the Oxford English Dictionary in 1997.
Fact 6: World’s Fastest Internet
South Korea boasts the fastest average internet connection speed in the world. The government's commitment to digital infrastructure has paid off, creating a technologically advanced society where most homes are connected to the internet via high-speed broadband.
Fact 7: World Leaders in Cosmetic Surgery
South Korea has the highest global per capita rate of cosmetic surgery. Nearly one in three South Korean women between 19 and 29 has had a cosmetic procedure according to various reports.
Fact 8: A Caffeine Powered Nation
Coffee culture is huge in South Korea. In fact, the city of Seoul alone has more Starbucks locations than any other city in the world. Cafes aren't just for coffee, though; they serve as popular social gathering spaces.
Fact 9: Soju, the National Drink
Soju, a clear distilled liquor, is the most popular alcoholic beverage in South Korea. This spirit is deeply embedded in Korean social and dining culture and has been a constant even through changing times and western influences.
Fact 10: The World's Most Innovative Country
South Korea is ranked as the most innovative country in the world, according to Bloomberg's 2019 Innovation Index. This can be attributed to its high-tech infrastructure, advanced research and development, and a highly skilled workforce.
Fact 11: Technological Titans
Samsung, LG, and Hyundai - these behemoth companies with global reach are all South Korean and have played a significant role in positioning South Korea as a major player in the global economy.
Fact 12: The Dynamic K-Pop Phenomenon
Originating in South Korea, K-pop is a music genre that has become a global phenomenon. The music, characterized by its vibrant visuals and synchronized dance moves, has catapulted groups like BTS and Blackpink to international fame.
Fact 13: A Lifeline for Seafood
The Jagalchi Fish Market in Busan, the largest fish market in South Korea, provides a fascinating look into the country's seafood industry. Visitors can buy fresh seafood and have it cooked on the spot.
Fact 14: The Korean Alphabet “Hangul”
The Korean alphabet, Hangul, was invented in the 15th century by King Sejong the Great to improve literacy. Hangul is unique as it's the only alphabet in the world made by an individual, as opposed to evolving naturally over time.
Fact 15: Love for Hiking
Hiking is a national pastime in South Korea, with nearly one-fifth of the country's land area covered in mountains. There's a saying in Korea that implies a deep-rooted love for mountains: "Even when wearing silk clothes, one longs for the mountains."
Fact 16: Breakwater Marvel
The Saemangeum Seawall is the world's longest man-made sea dyke, measuring approximately 33.9 kilometers. The structure was built with the aim of creating more agricultural land and freshwater resources.
Fact 17: Top Quality Education
South Korea takes education seriously, spending a higher proportion of its GDP on education than any other OECD country. South Korea's high school graduation rate is also the highest among OECD nations.
Fact 18: Eco-Friendly Green Strips
Highways in South Korea aren't just meant for commuting - they're eco-friendly too. Numerous highways have bike paths along them, complete with solar panels on overhead structures that provide shelter and generate electricity.
Fact 19: World's Most Fermented Cabbage Consumption
South Koreans consume more kimchi per capita than any other nation in the world, to the tune of almost 40 pounds per person per year.
Fact 20: Fascinating Demilitarized Zone
The Korean DMZ, a buffer between North and South Korea, is ironically one of the most heavily militarized areas in the world. It's a surreal and allegedly safe tourist destination, with an abundance of wildlife due to its status as a no-man's land.