6 Unique and Interesting Fun Facts About South Korea

Did you know that the obesity rating for South Korea is the second lowest in the world? They are second to Japan only — clocking in at the low number of 5.3%. This is a far cry from the 38.2% of the obese population in the U.S.!

That’s only one of many interesting and unique facts about South Korea. And trust us — there’s lots more where that came from.

So let’s brush up on some trivia info and give you six more!

1. South Koreans Are Superstitious 

There are a lot of superstitions in South Korea. For example, one we came across was fear of death by electric fan. But there’s another that stands out.

Do not write a South Korean person’s name in red — unless they’ve already passed. Otherwise, writing a name in red ink is taboo. Since South Koreans wrote the deceased names’ in red in their family register, it’s never lost its scary stigma.

2. It’s the Plastic Surgery Capital of the World

South Korea has the largest rate of plastic surgeries per capita in the entire world!

From skin whitening, to nose jobs, to double-eyelid surgery and more, South Koreans are constantly adapting their appearances to fit Asian beauty standards.

Nearly 1 million plastic surgeries get performed each year in this country.

3. They Practice Crime Re-Creation

Think it’s bad to get arrested? Think again. Try getting arrested and then having to reenact your crime, bound by handcuffs, while everyone watches and commentates from the sidelines.

News sites like https://www.gotit.co.kr regularly post videos such as these to allow spectators to feel some “justice.”

4. Men Contribute Greatly to the Cosmetic Industry

At least 20% of South Korean men wear makeup on a regular base. This helps contribute to the $7.2 billion industry there. Korean men spend more per capita on makeup than anywhere else in the world!

We’re not talking about deep lipstick or contouring rouge. Rather, they’re going for the dewy, “natural” look.

5. Speaking of Superstitions. . . 

You know how some older U.S. buildings skip the 13th floor as it’s a sign of bad luck? 

Well, South Koreans feel the same way about the number 4. And like us Americans, they also skipped the 4th floor in many a building construction. 

Their fear is so real, in fact, that it has a name: tetraphobia, or “fear of four” in Greek.

The reason for their fear stems from the similarity between the words “death” and the number “four,” which are homophones. 

6. They Like Their Alcohol

No, they love their alcohol — even more than Russians or us Americans. South Koreans drink twice as much liquor as Russians and four times as much as Americans!

The average amount of liquor consumed by someone of legal drinking age is 13.7 shots per week of any spirit.

Want to Learn More Weird Stuff like These Facts About South Korea? 

They do things a little differently over there, huh?

That’s probably why we’re so intrigued to learn as many facts about South Korea as we can!

And don’t stop there. For more articles just like this, check out the Interesting Facts section of our blog now!

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