Korea is full of surprises! From unique traditions to cutting-edge technology, there’s always something fascinating about this country.
Whether you’re a K-drama lover, a K-pop fan, or just someone curious about different cultures, these five fun facts about Korea will amaze you!
And who knows? You might even find some unexpected similarities with India!
1. Red Ink = Bad Luck? No Thanks!
In Korea, writing someone’s name in red ink is a big no-no!
Traditionally, red ink was used to write the names of the deceased on family records or tombstones. So, if you write someone’s name in red, Koreans might think you’re wishing them bad luck—or worse!
Traditionally, red ink was used to write the names of the deceased on family records or tombstones. So, if you write someone’s name in red, Koreans might think you’re wishing them bad luck—or worse!
Indian Connection: Ever heard the belief that writing someone’s name in black ink is bad luck? While not as strict as Korea’s red ink rule, many Indian families also have cultural beliefs about colors and their meanings in writing.
Fun Fact: In old Korean historical dramas (sageuks), royal decrees and death sentences were often written in red ink. So, if you ever visit Korea, better stick to blue or black pens!
Fun Fact: In old Korean historical dramas (sageuks), royal decrees and death sentences were often written in red ink. So, if you ever visit Korea, better stick to blue or black pens!
2. No Four, Please! It’s the Number of Death!
In Korea, the number four (4) is considered unlucky because it sounds like the word for “death” (사 / sa in Korean). Many buildings skip the 4th floor, similar to how some hotels or apartments in India avoid the 13th floor. Instead of labeling it “4,” elevators in Korea often show “F” instead!
Indian Connection: In India, the number 13 is often considered unlucky. Many people avoid buying houses, cars, or even getting married on the 13th date!
Fun Fact: Some hospitals in Korea also skip room number 44, since it sounds even more unlucky ("double death"). Imagine an Indian hospital avoiding Room 13 and 44 together—it would feel like a haunted house!
3. Don’t Gift Shoes to Someone!
In Korea, gifting shoes to someone—especially a loved one—is considered bad luck! There’s a popular belief that if you give shoes as a gift, the person will "run away" from you. This superstition is so common that many Koreans avoid gifting footwear to their partners, friends, or family members.
Indian Connection: In India, it’s believed that gifting sharp objects like knives or scissors can "cut ties" between people. Similarly, Koreans think giving shoes could lead to separation!
Fun Fact: If you really want to gift someone shoes in Korea, there’s a way to cancel the bad luck—ask the recipient to give you a small amount of money (even a single coin) in return. This turns the "gift" into a "purchase," breaking the superstition!
4. South Korea Has the Fastest Internet in the World!
Korea is famous for having one of the fastest internet speeds in the world. Whether it’s streaming K-dramas, gaming, or working online, Koreans enjoy super-speed internet that rarely lags. Even subway stations and public buses have free Wi-Fi that's faster than home broadband in many countries!
Indian Connection: India’s internet speed is improving fast, especially with Jio, Airtel Fiber, and 5G services. But if you’ve ever struggled with buffering while watching a K-drama, just imagine downloading an entire season in seconds—that’s Korea for you!
Fun Fact: Even in remote mountain villages, Koreans still get blazing-fast internet. Meanwhile, in India, sometimes we struggle with one signal bar in the middle of a big city!
5. Free Side Dishes? Yes, Please!
When you eat at a Korean restaurant, you don’t just get one dish—you get a whole spread of free side dishes, called banchan (반찬). These include kimchi, pickled radish, stir-fried veggies, and more! The best part? You can get unlimited refills for free!
Indian Connection: This is similar to how Indian restaurants serve complimentary papad, chutneys, or even small snacks before a meal. But imagine getting unlimited dal tadka or extra paneer butter masala for free—that would be a dream!
Fun Fact: Koreans don’t waste food, so if you take too many refills and leave leftovers, some restaurants might charge you extra. So, don’t go overboard!
Bonus Fact: Korea Uses Metal Chopsticks!
Most Asian countries use wooden chopsticks, but Korea is unique because they use metal chopsticks. Why? Historically, Korean royals used silver chopsticks to detect poison in their food.
If the silver turned black, it meant someone was trying to poison them! Metal chopsticks are more hygienic and eco-friendly than disposable wooden ones.
They’re harder to use, making Koreans expert chopstick users!
If the silver turned black, it meant someone was trying to poison them! Metal chopsticks are more hygienic and eco-friendly than disposable wooden ones.
They’re harder to use, making Koreans expert chopstick users!
Fun Fact: Korean metal chopsticks are often flat, not round, making them even harder to hold for beginners!
If you’re struggling, don’t worry—even some foreigners living in Korea never master them!
If you’re struggling, don’t worry—even some foreigners living in Korea never master them!
