It is well known that the rules of conduct are a rather arbitrary thing. What is considered indecent in one country is completely normal in another, and vice versa. This, of course, also applies to Korea. Differences in the rules of conduct between Russia and Korea often lead to rather ridiculous or funny situations which I want to talk about today.
remember funny story. One of my smart friends, a Korean, arrived two years ago in St. Petersburg, where he was to spend a couple of years on an internship. He studied Russian a little before the trip, but did not speak it very well, and decided (quite reasonably) that he would need some kind of tutor. I recommended to him my friend, a university teacher, for whom it would be a useful income. Then the following happened. The Korean called this teacher, introduced himself, and immediately began to ask such questions: "What is your name?" "Are you married?" "And how old are you?" The teacher, who, for reference, was 29 years old and who had recently divorced her husband, took these questions as a sign of ambiguous intentions, and did not want to deal with the new trainee anymore. How was she to know that direct questions about age and marital status are just a normal part of the Korean dating ritual! In Korea, it is not considered shameful to ask a woman (as well as a man) how old she is, whether she is married, where she lives. For Koreans, when talking with each other, it is important to know the answers to these questions in order to properly build relationships with the interlocutor, but for Russians they often make an unpleasant impression, and sometimes lead to embarrassment, like the one I just talked about. By the way, it is perfectly normal to ask an acquaintance you meet on the street, including someone older in age or position, about where he is going. For Koreans, this question is not perceived as a manifestation of some kind of curiosity, which may be unpleasant for the interlocutor. The question "where are you going?" - - is just a substitute for a greeting, and it should be answered in passing (as well as, by the way, to another Korean question, the greeting "did you eat?").
Funny misunderstandings often arise at the table. Almost all Koreans are now fluent with a knife and fork, but a Russian who could handle chopsticks is extremely rare (by the way, Americans have learned to use chopsticks in recent decades - the exceptional spread of Chinese cuisine in America has affected). However, in this case, the restaurant will always find a spare plug for you. However, there are other problems as well. For example, it is not customary for Koreans to eat with closed mouth, which is often not liked by the Russians, who are annoyed by the champing of their neighbors. Koreans, on the other hand, are disgusted when they blow their noses at the table, even very quietly. It’s not that blowing your nose at the table is the norm among Russians, but this, in any case, is not a crime, but for Koreans, the sight of an interlocutor blowing his nose while eating is quite capable of spoiling his appetite until the end of dinner. I must say that this problem does not occur so rarely. Korean cuisine is phenomenally spicy, and in an unaccustomed Westerner, it causes severe irritation of the nasal mucosa. According to Korean rules at the table, you can lightly wipe your nose, but not blow your nose. And, by the way, God forbid you in Korea to wipe your nose in public (no matter at the table or, say, in the subway) with a handkerchief familiar to us. For Koreans, the very idea that a handkerchief soaked in... you know what... can easily be put in a pocket seems terribly unhygienic. Instead of a scarf, Koreans themselves use special disposable paper napkins, packages of which can be bought cheaply (10-20 cents) in any store or even just in a vending machine.
And another feature that catches the eye of a Russian who knows Korean in Korea is how calmly Koreans talk about ... the toilet. In Russia, as in many (but not all!) Western countries, on topics related to the toilet, it is customary to speak, mysteriously rolling your eyes and lowering your voice. In Korea, on a date, a young man on a date can complain to his lover about the diarrhea that happened to him with the same ease with which his Russian peer can complain about, say, a headache. I remember how it struck me from the very out of my habit when in my classes the students did not “ask to leave”, as it is vaguely and evasively formulated in Russia, but directly and clearly explained where (or even why) they, in fact, need to . On the other hand, the Koreans themselves often do not understand the conventions that the Russians have twisted around such an ordinary and natural thing as going to the bathroom.
Advantages of South Korea - healing mineral springs and clean sandy beaches, magnificent monuments of ancient dynasties and excellent ski resorts. Modern Seoul, colorful Incheon and Jeju resort islands - all about South Korea: visa, map, tours, photos.
- Hot tours to South Korea
- Tours for May Worldwide
The country of morning freshness has long and firmly entered the top five most popular holiday destinations among the inhabitants of our country. Far East. Every week, charters full of Russian tourists rush from Primorsky Krai to first-class beach and ski resorts in South Korea with occasional flights to Seoul. The rest of Russia exhales enviously, because for them this is the same expensive exotic as Japan, Australia or the Philippines. However, when choosing a vacation from such countries, it is worth thinking about Korea 10 times.
A skyscraper tinted with 24-carat gold, a two-headed turtle, drunken bullfights, 50 varieties of tangerines, an old woman-divers for pearls, toilets with remote controls, ubiquitous Wi-Fi and sauerkraut ... No, this is not a wish list of a madman, but an everyday reality this small, but surprisingly picturesque and diverse country. But do not be afraid: the 22nd century that has come for them does not mean at all that there will be nothing to do in South Korea for tourists who are used to more conservative entertainment. They are waiting for the luxurious beaches of Jeju Island, the well-equipped slopes of the South Korean Alps, ancient monasteries and pagodas.
Regions and resorts of South Korea
It is Gangnam that the song Gangnam Style is dedicated to, the video for which was included in the Guinness Book of Records for an unprecedented number of views and "likes" on YouTube.
Insadong Street is famous for its antique and handicraft shops, where you can buy everything from ceramic dishes to antique clocks. Open in Hongdae art galleries, vintage shops and trendy nightclubs, Itaewon is a gourmet paradise with a string of colorful restaurants. The Apgujeong district is home to expensive boutiques and department stores, and on the bustling Myeongdong Street is Korea's first Catholic cathedral.
The second largest after the capital - Busan with magnificent beaches. They are sandy, well-groomed and very picturesque here, the most popular is Haeundae with classic resort entertainment and a large aquarium. It is better to go on an excursion to the Geumjong-gu area, where the impressive Pomosa temple complex is located, for shopping - in central Busanjing-gu, and for recovery - in Dongne-gu with its famous spas.
Time difference with Moscow
6 hours
- with Kaliningrad
- with Samara
- with Yekaterinburg
- with Omsk
- with Krasnoyarsk
- with Irkutsk
- with Yakutsk
- with Vladivostok
- with Severo-Kurilsk
- with Kamchatka
Climate of South Korea
Most of the country is located in the temperate zone, where the seasons are clearly felt. Spring and autumn are quite short and warm, most of all sunny days falls between March and May. Summers are hot and humid, temperatures can reach up to +35 °C. The monsoon rainy season ("chanma") usually starts in late June and lasts until mid or late July. August is hot and humid. Autumn in late September brings continental winds and clear, dry weather, making it the most pleasant time of the year. Winters are cold (up to −10 °C) and dry, with occasional precipitation in the form of snow or rain. Best time to visit the country - the period from late April to October. The ski season in Korea opens at the end of November and lasts until April.
Visa and customs
Citizens of Russia do not need a visa to enter South Korea for up to 60 days. But it is still worthwhile to issue a medical insurance policy for the entire duration of the trip in advance.
Import and export of national and foreign currency is not limited, cash over 10,000 USD must be declared. The amounts allowed for export are not exceeding those indicated in the declaration, which must be kept until leaving the country. The limit for the import and export of local currency is 8,000,000 KRW. When leaving, unspent funds can be exchanged for dollars, but only if there is a receipt from a local bank confirming the previous exchange for won. If there is none, a maximum of 100 USD will be exchanged at the border. Prices on the page are for November 2018.
Also subject to declaration jewelry, expensive watches, photographic equipment, fur, firearms, knives and expensive foreign-made items. Persons over 19 are allowed to import duty-free one liter bottle of alcohol, 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco, 60 ml of perfume, gifts worth up to 400 USD.
Coins, seeds, fresh fruits, walnuts, soil, potted plants, as well as pornography, political materials and any printed, audio and video products from communist countries are prohibited from being imported.
Pets require an international veterinary certificate issued no earlier than 30 days before entering South Korea, and a certificate of vaccination against rabies.
Export of antiques precious metals And archaeological finds prohibited without special permission.
tax free
South Korea has a Tax-free system: for purchases in the amount of 30,000 KRW, 10% VAT is returned. If the store is marked with the Global Blue logo, it is enough to ask at the checkout for a special form, enter your personal data and stamp it at customs upon exit, presenting the purchased goods in undamaged packages.
Tax-free refund counters are located at the capital's Incheon and Gimpo airports, as well as at the airport in Daegu. If the tax amount does not exceed 3,000,000 KRW (in Gimpo - 177,000 KRW), cash will be issued directly at the counter. Otherwise, the stamped Tax-free receipts will have to be sent to the Global Blue office by mail and wait for the funds to be credited to the bank card.
How to get to South Korea
shopping
Traditional souvenirs: embroidery, porcelain, textiles and macrame, costume jewelry, paintings, masks, woodwork and shells, dolls in traditional costumes, fans. In the country they sell very beautiful lacquerware inlaid with mother-of-pearl (caskets, snuff boxes, etc.). Korea is the only country in the world where women have been pulling shells and other valuables from the bottom of the sea for centuries. "Hene", or "women of the sea" - stocky and broad-shouldered skuas, every day in any weather sinking to the bottom of the sea without any scuba gear. As you might guess, absolute matriarchy reigns in the families of these ladies: fragile Korean men have no chance to withstand the psychological pressure from their mighty swimmers.
Korea is the only country in the world where women have been pulling shells and other valuables from the bottom of the sea for centuries.
Korean pottery is a very elegant gift. When buying it, you should consider color, sound (we did not seal) and workmanship. If the ceramic has a transparent, smooth surface and clear sound, it is considered to be of high quality. We should not forget about ginseng. It can be bought at different types: tea, tinctures and extracts, dried, dried in honey, ginseng in syrup, in alcohol, there is even ginseng chocolate and lollipops.
Another worthy souvenir from Korea - traditional costume"hanbok". It can be bought at Dongdaemun, Gwangjang, Namdaemun and Insadong markets. These markets are good for their moderate prices, and at Insadong, on top of that, you can pick up hanbok of the most fashionable design.
It is worth paying attention to Korean antiques: interior items, calligraphy, ceramics, books, etc. The largest accumulation of valuable goods is observed in the Seoul Changanpyong market. But it should be remembered that it is forbidden to export items older than 50 years from the country.
Large department stores are open from 10:30 to 20:00, small shops open earlier and close later on any day of the week. in Seoul and others major cities Korea has the widest opportunities for shopping: many arcades, department stores, duty-free shops, specialized shopping areas, and markets (where most purchases are made) are open.
South Korea
Cuisine and restaurants of South Korea
In Korea, 4 are presented at once national cuisines: actually Korean, Chinese, Japanese and European. In all settlements country - many restaurants, canteens and eateries of the most different profile. Japanese restaurants are the most expensive and prestigious. Chinese - simpler, the dishes there are divided into two categories: "siksa" and "eri". "Sixa" - relatively cheap (3000-6000 KRW) and easy to prepare, "eri" - noticeably more expensive (10,000-40,000 KRW), complex, prepared only in large portions - enough for at least two.
European restaurant in Korea - the place where a man is walking middle-class when he wants to eat something unusual. The menu in most of these meals is not very diverse: the main and often the only dish is "tonkasy", a kind of schnitzel baked in a thin layer of dough.
In Korea, they eat a lot of rice: they make chhaltok bread, pabi porridge, spicy pilaf with vegetables bibimbap, gimbap rolls and other goodies. They are most often served as a side dish "kimchi" - all kinds of pickled, salted and pickled, spicy seasoned vegetables. The most popular soups are soy "sundubu-chige" with clams and eggs, spicy "hemulthan" with seafood, rich "galbithan" with beef ribs and burning fish soup "meunthan".
The main extreme of Korean cuisine is Posintang dog meat soup. True, now it is prepared extremely rarely - the indignation of the West has yielded results.
Of the meat treats, you should try marinated beef "bulgogi" in sesame oil And soy sauce, grilled beef ribs "kalbi", chicken stew "takkalbi" and dumplings "mandu". Seafood dishes are also held in high esteem: raw hwe fish, fried sanseong gui, hemul jeongol stew, bajeon flatbread, odjino bokkeum squid and nakji octopus.
For dessert, fruits are usually served, and instead of tea, they drink a variety of decoctions and tinctures. Of the drinks with a degree, the most popular are McCory rice wine and Soju rice liquor.
The cheapest food is sold on the streets: tortillas for 500-1000 KRW, dumplings for 2000-3000 KRW, octopus "buns" for 2000 KRW, battered shrimp for 4000 KRW - tasty, satisfying and safe. In unpretentious cafes, it is also inexpensive for locals: 5,000-10,000 KRW for lunch for two. A burger in a Western fast food restaurant will cost 9000 KRW, a coffee in a coffee shop - 4000-5000 KRW. Dinner with alcohol in a good restaurant - 30,000-50,000 KRW per person.
Korean restaurants are the most versatile and democratic, both in terms of prices and audience. Man and designer Artemy Lebedev tells doubting tourists: if you want to dine in a guaranteed good restaurant, look for the official sign with a white flower on the facade of the institution, where it says: Good Restaurant.
Guides in South Korea
Entertainment and attractions
Multifaceted South Korea is an incredible mix of ancient sights and modern monuments. It is better to start acquaintance with them in Seoul - the impressions will definitely last for a long time.
The most spectacular architectural structures- Royal residences in the traditional Korean style, united in the group "Five Grand Palaces". The largest is Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in 1395, almost immediately after the ascension to the throne of the Joseon Dynasty. exactly preserved the original appearance in spite of all wars and disasters. Jongmyo of the 14th century, dedicated to memory kings of the Joseon Dynasty.
Another iconic location is the Demilitarized Zone, a sad memorial to the split of the peninsula. Its most visible symbol is sculptural group with the image of two families, personifying the South and the North, and trying to connect the halves of a large ball. The main points of the tour are the Unification Park, an underground tunnel and an empty border station.
Thermal springs and water parks in South Korea
Koreans take care of their own health and love to combine business with pleasure. Proof of this is the unique water parks, where there are baths in healing thermal springs, and all kinds of attractions. For example, "Seorak Waterpia" (off. site in English) at the foot of the Seoraksan Mountains is famous for its 49-degree water with alkaline components and negative ions, useful for arthritis, geriatric and neuralgic diseases. And after soaking up in hot fonts, you can have fun on steep slides, seething waterfalls, playgrounds and in wave pools.
The pride of the water park "Danyang Aquaworld" (off. site in English) - outdoor baths with magnificent views of the mountains. For children there is a separate swimming pool, for couples in love - special spas and saunas, for those who want to improve their health - baths with mineralized water, hydromassage and other procedures.
Asan Spavis Water Park (Chungcheongnam-do Province) offers relaxation in saunas with yellow clay and aroma baths with jasmine.
The famous “SpaPlus” was opened in Incheon (official website in English), where traditional Korean saunas (amethyst, jade, oxygen, clay, coal) and unusual pools (herbal, fruit, pine and even wine) are equipped. In the park "Bugok Hawaiian Island" (Gyeongsangnam-do province) they relax in the caves, and in the "Greenland" (Gwangju) - in the baths with healer fish.
Holidays and events
Holidays in South Korea are celebrated noisily and brightly. On the 8th day of the 4th month lunar calendar happy birthday to Buddha: hang paper lanterns symbolizing enlightenment, decorate houses with flowers, arrange theatrical processions. And be sure to water the Buddha figurines with sweet flower tea, washing away all the bad things that happened during the year.
Seollal, Korean New Year in late January - mid-February, until it became an official holiday, but is celebrated with love and respect for traditions. Families get together and hold a "sebe" ceremony: young people in national costumes bow to older relatives as a sign of honor, and they, in turn, encourage their descendants with money.
Traditional New Year's dishes- tteok glutinous rice cakes and tteokguk soup with these dumplings.
On August 1, the Busan Sea Festival starts: a week of general fun on city beaches. Concerts, exhibitions, sports, master classes, free lessons rowing, snorkeling and kayaking - interesting activities there are for everyone. On April 5, trees are planted, on October 3, the birth of the state is remembered, and on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar (usually in September-October), celebrations are held in the royal palaces of Seoul in honor of the Chuseok harvest festival.
North Korea is a very interesting and at the same time closed country, about which not much is known. However, we periodically receive information about it, from which most often the hair stands on end. Especially frightening is the fact that a huge number of people live this way. We present to your attention the strangest things that are known about this country fenced off from the whole world.
1. International calls
The penalty for communicating with the outside world is death. Several people were shot for trying to contact their relatives in South Korea.
2. Have your own opinion
The only opinion you should have is the one approved by the government.
3. Have an iPhone
Or Android, or even just a computer. In general, you can’t have any electronics from the West here!
4. Listen to music
All music should "glorify political regime countries". Listening foreign music is punishable by death.
5. Promote
According to information received from a student from the United States, Otto Vambier, for any propaganda in North Korea You can get 10 years hard labor.
6. Insulting the leader of the DPRK
Never speak ill of the President... ever.
7. Call the country "North Korea"
Considering the fact that the government considers itself the only true Korea, official name that country is the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. And if you are in a country, then you should call it that way.
8. Take pictures
This one is for tourists. Here you can not take pictures of everything you want.
9. Drive a car
It is forbidden to move freely around the country. According to statistics, there is only 1 car for every 1,000 people.
10. Joking
According to emigrants, you can't joke in North Korea. Everything is taken seriously here... Be careful.
11. Speak negatively about the state
The violator is threatened with a "reformatory camp".
12. Ask about Kim Jong-un's date of birth
Do not do that. Just don't. (No one knows the exact answer anyway.)
13. Drink alcohol
There are only certain days when citizens are allowed to drink. In 2012, an army officer was executed for drinking alcohol during Kim Jong Il's 100 days of mourning.
14. Wear a Mohawk
Any hairstyle must be approved by the government. (Only 28 hairstyles are allowed in total.)
15. Leave the country
If you leave the country and are caught, you will certainly be returned to North Korea to be shot. And yes, most likely, your family will be shot along with you.
16. Live in Pyongyang
The government decides who deserves to live in the capital. And it is not surprising that most often these are people with good connections.
17. Pornography
For watching pornography you will die. ex girlfriend Kim Jong Un was shot dead in front of her family for making a sex video.
18. Religion
Since North Korea is an atheist country, religion is treated unkindly there. In 2013, 80 Christians were publicly executed for reading the Bible.
19. Use the Internet
People have access to websites that are sponsored by the state. An attempt to access other sites is punishable ... Well, you already understood what.
20. Don't vote
21. Wear jeans
Wearing jeans is prohibited, as they are associated with the enemy of North Korea - the United States.
22. Watch TV
North Koreans can only watch channels promoting their government. Several hundred people have been sentenced to death for watching South Korean channels.
23. Escape from prison
North Korea even stood out here. If you try to escape, four generations of your family will be punished.
24. Read books
If you use a travel guide to get around in North Korea, then be prepared for problems. They do not perceive "foreign propaganda" from the word at all.
25. Make mistakes
Recently, a journalist was executed there for a typo in an article.
Each country has its own values, features, customs. Therefore, when you go on a trip, be sure to check it out. Then you can avoid uncomfortable situations, sidelong glances and pointing fingers.
Let's talk about what not to do in Korea. TOP - 5 "NO":
Deep neckline
In South Korea, it is not customary to wear a blouse with a deep neckline, bare shoulders, and back. The neckline is considered vulgar, even if it is not to the navel. The girl who put on this “disgrace” will be looked askance, some champions of morality will point a finger, say that it is indecent. In general, unwanted attention is guaranteed to you.
At the same time, if the neckline is “horror how bad”, then the skirt-belt, mini-shorts are sexy. It is believed that "shreds of fabric" make the legs visually longer, and this is very attractive. But even here, not without a reservation, under the maximum mini Korean women put on textile shorts. So that no one sees their underwear.
Informal vocabulary
This item mainly concerns people who study Korean. In Korea, elders are honored and respected. Age means a lot in this country. Therefore, local residents carefully monitor how they behave and what they say.
Even if the person is only a year older than you, you should address them in a respectful way.
A foreigner can be forgiven for many things (ignorance of grammar, words), but not 반말 (“panmal” is an impolite, informal address). You can switch to "you" after an older friend suggested it to you.
Places for the disabled
There are few places in Russia where you can see that places for disabled people are occupied only by people with disabilities. In South Korea, this is strictly. Even at rush hour, no one will sit in the seats intended for the elderly, pregnant women and the disabled.
"Special" seats are signed and highlighted in colors. If you just sit on them, then they will look at you with mute reproach, and someone will say that you are poorly educated.
Refuse to drink
Any party in Korea is multi-stage. Koreans go from establishment to establishment and drink everywhere. You cannot refuse to drink with your colleagues, classmates - this is a manifestation of unfriendliness. If your boss poured it for you, you must drink everything to the bottom.
Getting drunk, walking until dawn, and then a shower, hangover soup and work - this is normal for South Korea.
bare feet
Koreans often go barefoot. In a restaurant, in a swimming pool, in a fitting room in a store, at home. Shoes are left at the entrance, then there is usually a wooden floor or just a small step. Walking barefoot is a long tradition due to the fact that Korea uses a floor heating system.
So wear socks. Bare feet are considered the height of indecency. On the street, very often there are people who even put on socks with sandals and this is not considered fashion terrorism.
Bonus
P.S. For the male part of the tourist population. Koreans almost never grow beards, well, if only they are very rare, so the beard there is terrible. If you wear a beard, don't be surprised when people recoil from you in the street. It is illegal to get a tattoo in Korea. Prohibited by law. But there are a lot of underground establishments. People with "sleeves" are perceived as a jerk, mafiosi. In Seoul, this is easier, however, if you go towards Busan, you will catch a lot of sidelong glances.
When we vacation abroad, people look at us and form an image about the country and its people. This is how stereotypes are born. With our ignorance, we can not make the most pleasant impression.
Earlier BABR wrote.
You can understand traditions and habits local residents, realize their significance for the culture, follow a certain code, but you will never accept them all with your heart, nor will you be accepted by this society. Born a foreigner - be patient. This is not America for you.
I decided to collect here a collection of manners and habits of Koreans that struck me. This material will be very useful for those who do not know anything about Korea and are coming here for the first time. The text below will save you from unnecessary fakapov and awkward moments with which my life in this original country is still full.
1. Barefoot
Koreans quite often go barefoot in places unexpected for a European. For example, in a restaurant, in a swimming pool, in a fitting room of a store. Shoes in all cases are left at the entrance, and then there is usually a wooden floor or just a small step. This tradition is connected with the fact that in Korea the heating system "on the floor" has been used for a long time.
I recommend that if you are going to a traditional restaurant, check the cleanliness of your socks or have spare ones with you (if you are squeamish). I never got used to walking barefoot in the shower pool. I carry slippers with me, which every time I cause shock among Koreans and catch a dozen condemningly curious looks. Well sorry!
2. On the floor
Be prepared to sit on the floor, lie on the floor, eat on the floor... Eastern tradition"sit in Turkish" is still the entrance here. Although European tables and chairs, under the influence of Americans, are replacing everything primordial, many Koreans still sleep on mattresses (sometimes heated) on the floor, and eat cross-legged at low tables. Provide comfortable clothing.
3. Aaapchi chrr ugh
It is considered the height of indecency to blow your nose in front of people, and even, God forbid, due to the fact that the food turned out to be too spicy. Foreigners, of course, are forgiven a lot. But if you can, hold on. In turn, sneezing and coughing, according to Koreans, should be done in such a way that all bad things come out of a person. This means that many do not cover their mouths, but sneeze as loudly as there is urine. Now imagine a Korean openspace type office.
4. Interior of restaurants
You rarely see a sophisticated interior in a Korean restaurant. Never judge the quality of the food or the prestige of a place by the furniture and renovations. Koreans are extremely practical people. In their opinion, all the efforts of the owner should be directed to the quality of food, and the design is all perishable and superficial. As a result, I have never been poisoned in Korea, but I was not always ready to pay $ 100 for a lobster on a plastic chair, as if I was sitting in the market. Look for a compromise and always ask for a menu to ask the price. Focus on the locals, they can, however, order pork intestines, but in general they eat what we like. Read more about dishes and behavior in the restaurant in the "Food" section.
5. No tips
But this is a nice feature! In Korea, no one expects you to tip. Well, except for maids in expensive hotels. In a restaurant, you only pay for the food and drinks you ordered. Water and all the snacks that were brought to you “in excess” are a service, that is, free treats in honor of the fact that you are a dear and respected client. The plumber and the one who came to set up the Internet for you also do not expect a couple of bucks for a tip.
6. In transport
In public transport, it is not customary to sit in seats for the elderly, the disabled and children. Even at rush hour, when the metro is packed, you have no right to plop down on such a place and fall asleep. In buses, the rules are not so strict, however, if you are sitting in such a place, but entered old man get up immediately. Speaking of buses. As soon as you get on the Korean bus, run and get in as soon as possible, and if there are no seats, get into the snowboarder's position and get ready to balance on all the edges. Why? You will immediately understand when you try it. Public transport drivers here are all Formula 1 racers. They carry firewood. You won't change anything. Hold on tight. If you want to get off at the next stop, press the request button in advance and prepare an evacuation plan.
7. Short skirts
The style of Korean women is a story about taste and color. Korean women, for example, I like, but their clothes do not. They mostly wear sneakers, super-short cheerleader skirts, and shapeless blouses with ridiculous random English slogans. Refining legs so that the butt sticks out is considered completely normal, it is even fashionable. It doesn't matter what legs and how old you are. But if you put on a neckline or, even worse, go with a cutout on your back, then ... you are probably the most polite and educated ... prostitute in all of Korea! Foreigners - discounts. But just be aware.
Ultra "fashionable" Korean woman at fashion week
8. Beards and tattoos
And here is the answer of the male part of the tourist population. Due to the fact that Koreans almost never grow beards, well, or thin and thin goat beards, then all men with a beard are fear and horror. That is, if you wear a beard, people can actually recoil from you on the street.
It is illegal to get a tattoo in Korea. This is prohibited by law. People with "sleeves" are perceived as tear-offs, mafiosi, outside the law. You, too, will recoil. Don't be surprised, you're all right.
9. Two hands
Korean culture implies a strict adherence to the hierarchy when communicating with other people. Language is an excellent example of this. Separate words for sister, for example, from the position of the eldest or youngest of the girls. The mass of degrees of politeness that are used and have a meaning. Please note that in a supermarket, a saleswoman can give you a card by holding one hand with the other by the elbow or with both hands. This is a courtesy gesture. If you're drinking and chilling with older Koreans, amaze them! Pour them while holding the bottle with both hands. It will be cute and will definitely count.
10. On my mind
If you agreed on something with a Korean - double check. In Korean, there are so many degrees of agreement, expressions of intentions, and so on, that you can’t understand them. If a Korean invites you to his house next week, it probably doesn't mean anything. If you invited a Korean to go to the museum together, make sure that he is really going to do it, ask again several times.
11. Party stages
In a restaurant, they eat. In a coffee shop, they drink coffee. In the club they dance. Drinking at the bar. Clear? Do not ask for coffee in a bar, dessert in a restaurant, food in a club, dancing in a coffee shop. Clear?
Any sortie among the Koreans is multi-stage. They like to roam from establishment to establishment, meeting their needs in turn. Keep this in mind. Do it too!
12. Carry girls by the neck
We usually have couples walking by the handle, just nearby, well, or from Great love a man can hold a girl by the waist, for example. Pay attention to what the Koreans are doing. Especially in the party area in the evening. They hold their girls by the neck, lightly strangle and seem to lie on them :). Those go and have fun. It is accepted here that a woman should obey, carry bags from the store, children, please and respect her husband at home. In turn, a man must take care of his madam for the first time in such a way that she then agrees to all this. The vestiges of patriarchal culture are just felt in such trifles.
13. Line up
Please note that on all buses and before boarding the subway car, Koreans line up.
14. At sea
In Korea, tanning is considered the lot of poor field workers, and swimming is potentially extremely dangerous. dangerous entertainment. Korean swimwear is modest. Often these are suits that protect almost the entire body from the sun, such as wetsuits. There are many lifeguards along the entire swimming coast, and the swimming area is fenced off so as to protect you as much as possible. Many Russians are eager to swim up to the buoys. It ends with the fact that rescuers take them out of the water with a siren.
15.Internet Explorer
Koreans are ardent fans of Internet Explorer. All purchases on the Internet should be made only through it. Korean sites will frantically start installing their plugins on your device, and in the end they may even declare that payment is only possible with a card issued in Korea. We are still suffering. Be careful and don't waste your time.
I will continue to please you with Korean etiquette if I notice anything else. But this set should be enough to survive.
