Unique aspects of Korea (?)

Long long ago I was thrilled when I discovered this list of “10 Unique Korean Customs and Practices (1950-2007)” as I thought it was great classroom material. It was good, but what ended up being just as interesting was asking students to predict what might be on the list. This spring I asked a few different groups of Korean students to say what they thought might be unique to Korea or surprising to non-Koreans.

Please note that I am not offering this up as a list of things I think are unique to Korea. I am merely sharing the results of my question. I think these answers are quite interesting and telling regardless of how unique to Korea they may or may not be. I also thought it might be a nice starting point for a lesson.

If you don’t live in Korea and are curious about something here please let me know and perhaps I can get a student to answer your query. If you do live in Korea…ask someone else then. 🙂

Here is the list:

• The subway system
• Seats for the elderly on buses and the subway
• Plastic surgery
• Neon crosses
• 24 hour bars/restaurants
• Filial piety
• Showing respect for elders
• Photos on job applications
• Friends holding hands
• Spicy food
• Shoe/bag washing business
• Public baths
• Scrubbing in public baths
• Bumping on the street without apologies
• Eating dog meat
• Spitting on the street
• Toilet paper outside of the bathroom
• Trashcans in the bathroom
• Scissors in the kitchen
• Taking off shoes at home
• Wearing slippers at home
• Asking strangers their age
• Greeting people with the question, “Have you had lunch?”
• Texting on the subway
• “Paid designated drivers”
  (hired drivers to bring you home after you’ve been drinking)
• Smoking in many places
• Stores open later
• “Couple clothes”  and “Couple rings”
• Students getting (very) dressed up for school.
• “Go-stop”(game)
• Traffic during holidays
• Being a divided nation
• Drinking culture