Russian girls through the eyes of Koreans. Korean guys (what is it like to date a Korean)

South Korea - beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage. Today, the centuries-old wisdom of Taoism coexists with innovation. And, despite their love for the Western way of life, its inhabitants have retained many customs that are incomprehensible to us.

10 facts about South Korea: interesting and downright strange

She was once named one of the most promising in the field of innovation by a Boston consulting group. Agree, not bad for a state that has been on the world stage since 1948. It is curious that with such results the country does not lose its “interesting” traditions.

Alcohol. Interesting fact about South Korea associated with drinking alcohol - for them this is a fairly important part of culture, helping to get to know each other better. Therefore, at least once a week, residents of the country always get together with friends to have a glass. Such gatherings even have their own name - hoesik. However, when it comes to alcoholic beverages, there are rules. For example, if the person pouring the drink is older, then you should hold the glass with both hands.
Red ink. Each society has its own superstitions: if Europeans bypass black cats, then residents of the Land of Morning Freshness hate red ink. They believe that a name written in this color will bring misfortune and even death to its owner. This unusual fact about South Korea is associated with ancient tradition. Previously, the name of the deceased was written in red on the tombstone, believing that this would scare away demons.
Proper handshake. When Bill Gates met with President Park Geun-hye, the country's residents were shocked by the American's behavior and gesture. The fact is that during the handshake, Bill's hand was in his pocket, which is unacceptable. Good manners and respect for the traditions of another country, despite the financial status, have always been held in high esteem. Therefore, if you encounter a Korean older than you, do it with both hands.
Education. Students and schoolchildren in Korea are very smart. According to statistics, 93% of students graduate from university, which puts the quality of education in the country second in the world. What is this connected with? Thanks to private institutions (hagwons), children have the opportunity to study many subjects, ranging from mathematics to belly dancing or taekwondo. On average, the country's parents spend up to $17 billion a year on their children's education. But this technique also has its drawbacks. Firstly, only rich families can afford education, while the poor are content with little. Secondly, classes at hagwons are held in the afternoon, which means that children attend school twice and come home tired.
Which is better: Japan or Korea? If there are many examples of friendly rivalry in the world (Australia - New Zealand) or bellicose (India - Pakistan), then these Asian countries are the “golden mean”. Even if they don't point nuclear weapons at each other, relations between them are always tense. This fact about South Korea and Japan is due to the fact that in the past the latter had a bad habit of infiltrating the territory of the former. Decades later, the situation has, of course, changed, but Koreans believe that the Japanese have still not officially apologized.
Discussions about skirts. It's strange to see so many bare legs in a conservative country. But miniskirts are the norm in South Korea. Even a business woman can wear an outfit that barely covers her butt to a business meeting, and no one will regard this as vulgarity.
An amusement park with a toilet theme. There are many strange attractions in the world, but this place in South Korea literally outdoes them all. A park with an "interesting" theme located in the city of Suwanee has been opened in honor of the beloved ex-mayor, nicknamed Mr. Toilet. The official was obsessed with sanitation and his main goal was to provide the population with good toilets and teach them how to properly maintain them.
Plastic surgery. Everyone wants to be beautiful, especially South Koreans. According to the results of a survey conducted back in 2009, every fifth woman in the country has gone under the knife. Basically the requests are the same: V-shaped chin, small nose And big eyes.
Bullfights. No, we are not talking about a red rag or a bullfighter. Cattle Fight in Korea Ranchers are constantly on the lookout for good "fighters." More often they choose massive ones, with a thick neck and long horns. The fight ends when one bull leaves the arena. The winner receives a cash prize, and the loser goes to drown his sorrows in rice wine.
Terminator jellyfish. Perhaps the most interesting fact about South Korea, more reminiscent of a science fiction film script. The oceans are teeming with jellyfish, so a group of scientists created a robot specifically to combat them. Due to the invasion of marine animals, the country lost 300 million dollars, and in Sweden it was necessary to close a nuclear power plant. In this regard, the Koreans have created and are actively using terminator jellyfish that destroy real ones. Now the robot is capable of exterminating up to 900 kg of marine animals, but soon, according to scientists, the figure will reach 2000 kg.

Traditions and customs

Home is a sacred place, so Special attention is given to cleanliness, where dirt and especially disorder are completely unacceptable. It is customary to be indoors without shoes (barefoot) or, in as a last resort, in socks. If in summer period usually does not cause discomfort, then in winter additional heating is required. Therefore, when building houses they use modern technologies in the form of a heated floor.

Another interesting fact and custom of South Korea is associated with the ceremony of remembrance of ancestors - Chere. According to Korean belief, the soul does not leave immediately, but remains with the descendants for another 4 generations. Therefore, the deceased is also considered a member of the family and the Chere ceremony is performed on New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day and death anniversary. Koreans also sincerely believe that if their ancestors bless them, then life will be happy.

The next interesting fact about South Korea is related to gestures. When you call someone over, raise your hand, palm down, and wave, moving your fingers. Never make this gesture with your palm up, much less with your index finger - only dogs are called that way in the country.

Facts that prove South Korea is beyond our understanding

Residents of the country are especially careful about oral hygiene, since dental services are very expensive. It is customary here to brush your teeth after every meal, and you can often find a brush in your handbag. In addition, in the restrooms of some establishments there is always a free disposable device for brushing teeth.

The next interesting fact about South Korea and Koreans is based on statistics. Many residents are myopic, so they wear glasses or contacts since childhood. This fact gives the impression that they are all born with poor eyesight. But that's not true. As mentioned earlier, Koreans are very smart and spend most of their time studying, immersed in their favorite gadgets. It is worth noting that not everyone is concerned about the disease. For example, Lim Dong Hyun (two-time Olympic champion) sees only 20% of normal. But the irony is that a man is participating in an archery competition!

Korean cosmetics have long captivated Western and domestic fashionistas, but here everyone uses it, regardless of gender or age. Korean women carefully monitor appearance hair and skin, so they buy an incredible amount of products. They never go out without makeup. Young Koreans also care about their appearance. It is almost impossible to see a man with a sloppy or disheveled hairstyle on the street.

Contrary to popular belief, few people in South Korea have tried dog meat. Moreover, the movement to abandon traditional dish. There was widespread support from young people who had been brought up to treat animals as friends. By the way, public policy also discourages the consumption of dog meat.

Now about In any city in the world, there are cafes, bars and restaurants at every turn, but the speed of service in Korea is simply amazing. The order is delivered literally within 10 minutes, and some establishments even send delivery people again to pick up dirty dishes. Here, instead of the usual “How are you?” They will ask you, “Did you eat well?”, and skipping any meal for a Korean is akin to a sin.

Let's talk about sexual touching. If in Europe two men holding hands are considered representatives of the LGBT movement, then in Korea everything is different. Society is extremely disapproving of a couple of opposite sexes demonstrating feelings in public. But playing with hair or sitting on a friend's lap is quite acceptable for men.

Korea is the cradle of eSports. Early 2000s computer game Star Craft has become a real cult. Esports players are real stars. Thousands of fans come to meet them, and stadiums with large screens are allocated for the games. And this, in turn, is another interesting fact about South Korea: the computer game - real sport, for which players spend many sleepless nights training.

And a few words about compulsory military service. According to the law, every Korean must undergo 21 months of military training. This iron rule is observed regardless of social status resident. Only those who are incompetent and those who defend the honor of the country in the international arena can excuse themselves. For example, from military service Footballers Ki Sun-young (Swansea) and Park Ji-sung (Manchester United) were released.

Start of a relationship

If in Russia and in many other countries first love is most often met at school, then in the Land of Morning Freshness this is more difficult. An interesting fact about life in South Korea is that for every child, school always comes first. And if hyperactive children manage to start relationships at school, then for the rest there is simply no time for amorous affairs - from 9 to 5 classes, then electives, tutors, classes... When to fall in love?

But when you enter university, everything changes. Studying is not so hard, so many students live for their own pleasure: on Fridays they get together with a group and drink soju, join hobby groups and clubs. Exactly this best time, because after graduation almost all of them long years will work from morning until late evening.

That's why romantic relationship for young Koreans, it is during their university years that they begin.

What then

Continuing the story, here are a few facts about South Korea related to further development:

The first date is already the beginning of the relationship, and after the meeting ends, the guy and the girl “officially” become a couple. In addition, she always comes to the meeting with an older friend in order to look advantageous against her background.
After a while, "witnesses" are not needed and lovers can walk around holding hands, but kissing and hugging in public is inappropriate in Korea.
Another trend for couples is the same style. The phenomenon is called Couple Look - clothing stores make good money from it.
An important date for lovers is the hundredth day from the date of their meeting. Girls expect from guys not flowers and sweets, but designer jewelry, clothes, cosmetics, shoes, and bags. According to one Korean blogger, a gift costs an average of $800.
To move on to a closer relationship, the couple must date for at least a year.

Family matters

It's time to learn the facts about relationships in South Korea.

Home warms hearts, and every person should have a family. The opinion of the oldest family member is dominant. Create new family without the consent of the older generation and parental blessing no South Korean would dare. Of course, now freedom of action is much wider, but neither a boy nor a girl can do without the guidance of a mother and father. Excessive parental control, on the contrary, is welcome.

The main priorities are inextricably linked with the family hearth. Previously, several generations of relatives lived together in traditional small houses. But times are changing, and they have been replaced by spacious apartments. The only thing that has remained unchanged is the statutory rules.

When meeting parents, names are not mentioned - only “mom” and “dad”. This treatment is connected with another interesting fact about South Korea. According to the sign, the meaning of the name, having heavy weight, influences fate, making a person more vulnerable. Therefore, residents of the Asian country rarely give their names.

Family relationships in South Korea have always been characterized by mutual respect and understanding. Despite the fact that a woman has the same rights as a man, the responsibilities between spouses are clearly delineated.

The wife is responsible for coziness and comfort, keeps the hearth, resolves disagreements, and the man, being the head, ensures the existence of the family. However, despite his authority, he never interferes in home improvement issues and conflict resolution. Even in the most difficult situation, the husband always remains on the sidelines.

About children

Another interesting fact about South Korea is related to the birth of a child. Since the country has a unique calendar, the baby is born at the age of one. This is due to the fact that the child spends 9 months (almost a year) in the mother’s womb. But that's not all. On the first New Year (January 1), another one is added to the baby. Thus, the children here are as much as 2 years older than their actual age.

To combat discrimination, the government passed a law according to which both son and daughter are considered equal heirs, therefore the attitude towards the gender of the child is neutral. But Confucian traditions were still preserved. According to this, special attention is paid to the eldest.

The world of show business

For many years the country was famous for its "slave contracts". This fact about South Korea is related to the popular mainstream K-pop. For example, a former member of the group Super Junior said in 2009 that the owners of SM Entertainment did not allow him to go on sick leave when he was diagnosed with gastritis and kidney problems.

And that's not the only one similar case. Major labels justify their actions by saying that if a young performer really wants to become popular, he must overcome all difficulties - sleep no more than 4 hours a day, not start a relationship while the contract is valid, not go on sick leave, and much more.

Bad number "4"

An interesting fact about South Korea, based on superstition. Residents have a “special” attitude towards the four. The problem is that the transcription of the number 4 is consonant with the word death.

Superstition has reached the point that in buildings after the third floor there is immediately a fifth. It's not even in hospitals. Agree, few Koreans would want to be treated on a floor called “death,” especially if the disease is dangerous.

In some elevators the "4" button is replaced with English letter F (four). However, in everyday speech the number four sounds without exception.

Let's go back to the past

And finally, I would like to give a few historical facts about South Korea:

“Taehan Minguk” 대한 민국 - this is what the residents call the country, but most often the abbreviation Hanguk, and sometimes Namhan, is used in conversation.
The word "Korea" comes from the name of the state "Koryo", which existed in 918-1392.
The history of North and South Korea began in 1945, when the Soviet-American agreement was signed. According to the agreement, the first came under the jurisdiction of the USSR, and the second - the United States.
Although it lasted until 1953, there was no official announcement of the end of hostilities.
The older generation of Koreans does not like the Japanese, since the colonization policy of the Land of the Rising Sun has not yet been forgotten.

Thursday, July 25, 2013 18:30 + to quote book

There are many moments in Korean cinema that, in our opinion, seem strange, unusual, and funny. Much has been written on this topic (for example

I'm fine with such things. Another culture, laws of the genre. I’ll describe a few more moments that I noticed are repeated from film to film.:

With all the asexuality and puritanism of Korean cinema, a very common episode is a guy carrying a tired/asleep/drunk girl (often an unfamiliar one) on his back. In my opinion, a very intimate hug.
Often close-ups of faces. I love.

When a Korean wants to eat, but says that he doesn’t want to, his stomach begins to rumble loudly. Why purr if it's empty?
A common occurrence is a scene on the toilet/urinal with the corresponding accompanying sounds.
Farting is common.
A cell phone in your pocket/purse always sounds like it's on vibration.
The girl lives in poverty (she got a job and has not yet received her first salary), but she has a varied designer wardrobe.
At telephone conversation, if one turns off the phone/hangs up, the second one continues to shout like “yoboseyo, yoboseyo?”/Eun-seo na, Eun-seo na?”, then looks at the phone in surprise. Why aren’t there short beeps?
If one character is older than the other, then for the insolence of the younger one he kicks him below the knee. This is very painful.
The guy grabs the girl by the hand and sharply turns her around / drags her somewhere by the hand. Like he loves her.

If a girl kissed a guy or had sex, then even if she later falls in love with someone else, she will 99% return to the first. I know this from the very beginning, no matter how the plot is twisted.
If the heroine is 20 years old, then the actress is 20; if she is 34, the actress is 34.
Koreans come home and without undressing, in a coat, a scarf and with a bag on their back, they fall onto the bed under the blanket. Most often they sleep clothed.
All girls wear shorts.
Their passbooks are strange. Anyone can steal it (mostly from a girl), withdraw money and hide in an unknown direction.
Constantly hidden advertising of new car models, cell phones, etc.
If people get into a car in a film, it will be shown how they fasten their seat belts.
Whether intentionally or not, every series is teaching aid on the relationship between: parents and children, two lovers, the families of these lovers, etc. How to behave in difficult situations what not to do. Healthy.
If there is a school in the film, then there is always bullying of some students by others. I have not yet seen true friendship shown.
There is a feeling that in any company they are always happy to take advantage of a colleague’s mistake. Everything becomes known.
In the drama, the naive friend often becomes the talker, revealing the secret as if by accident. Well, this is rather one of the techniques of the genre.
Phones are constantly switched off, their owners are unavailable.
Men often say if something happens: “I will take full responsibility.” What does it mean? After all, nothing happens afterwards. He didn’t shoot himself, didn’t go to jail, and wasn’t fired.
How a character enters a room: opens the door - eyes look at the floor, walks in, raises his head and sees something or someone. He walks along the street in the same way - looks at the asphalt, raises his head - well, etc.
When asking for forgiveness or mercy, they fold their palms in front of them and rub one palm against the other.
Oath promises are almost always not kept (“You will never cry,” then “I’m sorry I made you cry”). This is the same as with responsibility (see above).
The girl always plays a subordinate role, a follower.
There aren't many TV shows where someone doesn't die in a car accident.
In classic drama, there is always a chaebol heir. Although marrying him means hard life in his family in a hostile environment. But there's always one in the family good man, who will support her, is usually a haraboji grandfather.
In order to get rid of small child, he needs to be taken to the station and left there. Guarantee that he will not be found in the next 15-20 years.
If there is separation, then for 2-3 years (He is leaving for America), or better yet, for 5. She will wait.
Marriage - closer to 30 years old.
In Korea, it seems to me, very good experience using popular singers/musicians as actors. And this is massive. It’s not always successful, but the charisma of the singer/singer and the love of the fans helps.
Frequent mise-en-scene - the character stands with his back to the camera. At the same time, he/she talks to another character. Both are sometimes shown from behind, sometimes there are two faces on the screen. It turns out that one is talking to the other with his back turned the entire stage. A bit strange.
The girl runs up to the guy, swaying from side to side. Kind of awkward, but cute.

Exclamations in Korean speech:

tsk-tsk - disapproval of someone

ashshch - stop, shut up, I'll hit you in the head right now (with a wave of your hand at someone)

xk/xhak - similar to the previous point

khkh - after drinking a glass, mostly women (like, bitter)

aygu! - surprise with mockery

omo-omo-omo - surprise with indignation

Assa! - when something worked out, similar to yes! - with a similar gesture

tten! - incorrect answer

azha-azha! - to support someone, similar to fighting! - fight!

Yaaa - well, you!

Also Very funny.

For some forced circumstances, a guy and a girl start living in the same apartment (his or hers). No matter how much they pretend or how much they hate each other, the end result is love.
In a rare film you will see love as we understand it. What I see is a man caring for a woman and vice versa (covering his sleeping loved one with a blanket, bringing him something to eat in the office, running to the pharmacy for iodine and a band-aid if his beloved is injured, treating the wound). And I heard that according to surveys of Korean women the best man- caring. Maybe it’s not like that in life, maybe feelings aren’t shown in movies for moral reasons?
If a character has an old photograph (of dead parents/missing brother/lovers with whom he broke up), then it is always “the one”. As if a copy couldn't be made. This photo is always lost in the story.
To show how angry a person is, the film often (very often) throws a cell phone on the floor or wall. Sometimes - a glass.
Koreans remain silent when asked uncomfortable questions. Or only in films? They asked him a question, he remained silent, the film continues. Alternatively, on asked question follows: Oh?/Mo?=What? But he doesn’t answer, the film continues.
Koreans forget about the birthdays of loved ones, and often their own. They are often not noted in any way (at least in films).
Oil painting: the boss stands in a huge hall by the window and looks into the distance, stands at the end of the colonnade with his back and looks into the distance, stands on a huge balcony and looks into the distance. The subordinate goes to him for a long time and reports, but the boss does not turn around. There are such scenes all the time, apparently to show greatness.
One son weaves intrigues against his father, wants to “destroy” him, but he is a positive hero, the other son begins to do the same, but for some reason he is a traitor.
A frequent theme is that a son should not go against his father, even if he is a scoundrel, a criminal, and abandoned his wife and children.
They wash clothes in a large basin, trampling them with their feet.
A guy and a girl are preparing dinner, showing a close-up of her hands chopping onions, then again overall plan. I think: "It will cut itself." She cuts her finger. This happens often. Having watched dozens of dramas, I already know many of their moves. :)
Frequent gesture. Two people are talking, one turns away to leave. The second, dissatisfied with the conversation, swings his hand (fist or claws), as if to hit the first in the back, on the back of the head. The teeth are clenched. The first one turns around, the second one pretends that nothing happened. The first one is usually older or higher in position.
When Korean colleagues came to Russia, they expressed their opinion: “Your women are beautiful, but your men are not.” In Korea it's the other way around. There are few beautiful women on the streets, in our opinion, and we can’t find them with a good figure at all. Among the actresses things are better, many are beautiful, but you look and think - isn’t it plastic? AND beautiful figures is also not observed.
Professional conversations in dramas seem like gobbledygook to me. Just a set of terms from one field or another: medicine, economics. It's about the same impression when actors speak poor/no English, pretending to be fluent.
"If this happens again, I won't forgive you." - another frequent phrase that does not threaten anything and does not end with anything.
"I don't feel sorry for you, I just can't watch you suffer." - I don't feel sorry for you, I feel sorry for you.
When visiting the graves of relatives, a bottle of soju is poured onto the grave.
If a character is played by two actors - in childhood and in mature age, then Korean directors do not strive for their similarity. These actors are always very different.
Korean girls' fetish is the first kiss ("You stole my first kiss, you bastard!"). Another one is 100 days of meeting a guy (the guy must remember, give a gift, invite him on a date).
There are an even number of flowers in the bouquet.
"If you love Min Soo, you will not agree to marry him." ????? Like, I love him, but let him marry someone else. I think that love is the desire to be with a loved one. And such a feeling is fanaticism, not love.
"You have 30 years of marriage with her different bedrooms“How can you live with her?” That is, it was normal for 30 years, but now we need to do something.
When a character wants to express sarcasm about some words, some action, some person, he pretends that he is about to vomit.
They affectionately pinch and pat another person's cheek.
If a guy and a girl saw each other in childhood and met as adults - love.
A guy, seeing a girl not fully dressed (by Korean standards - in pajamas, a T-shirt, rarely - in underwear), responds to her indignation: “There’s nothing to see there.” The girl is again indignant, “how is this not for nothing?” The opposite situation also happens, a girl says these words to a guy.
"Eat, it's good for your skin." All their dishes are useful for something.
Women have a heightened reaction to what is called “sexual harassment.” But usually there is no harassment, only, for example, touching. Or, for example: “How dare you follow me?”
"You're not my boyfriend, what right do you have to worry/care about me?" Those. If it's not your girlfriend, you can't help.
The guy doesn't love the girl, but they tell him: "Don't you dare hurt her!" Those. should I date her, marry her? There is no logic.
Here's a Korean girl being accused of something bad that she didn't do. The Russian, even if she hadn’t sent her interlocutor away, would have at least said that this is not true, but this is the truth. The Korean woman remains silent or apologizes, misleading everyone. Of course, maybe this is for the script, so that we feel sorry for this klutz, love her for her meekness, etc.
Instead of signatures on documents, personal seals are used. Which, by the way, can be stolen according to the plot.
Along with close-ups, another one characteristic feature- live sound in scenes. Extraneous rustles are heard, but I like it
Private secret conversations in the office are usually conducted on the roof of the building. You can also stand there alone and think about something.
When you call someone to you with a gesture of your hand, then with your palm down, and not like us - with your palm up.
It's a tradition for people leaving prison to eat tofu.
A person detained at a police station is entitled to lunch.
Either it’s typical for dramas, or it’s really in the nature of Koreans to constantly ask again. Someone said something to him/her, he/she: “ne?” or "moo?" with confusion on his face.
My wife noticed that many Koreans have very expressive lips, what can be called “bow lips.”
Good girl He always eats a lot and with appetite.
When boiling ramen (noodles) in a saucepan, it is considered lucky to be the first to grab the lid - it helps when eating long noodles (like a bowl).
They can sleep on the bare floor.
Punished children kneel on the floor with their hands raised.
Parents beat their children. Hitting your child on the back, shoulder, or on the back of the head is normal.
Chasing away bad person from the house, throw handfuls of salt after him/her.
Studying hard or working until your nose bleeds is perceived as a positive characteristic of a person.
When one person does not take something from the second, the second person takes the first person's hand, inserts the object and clasps his fingers.
Moles are often found on the tip of the nose.
“The scar will remain”, “There will be no scar” - they always worry about this.
"Han bon man" - only once. Another phrase without consequences. “Just once, let me marry her” - often in approximately this context.
A mother puts her little daughter alone in a taxi. At the final point, someone meets her. Our mother won’t be imprisoned, and the taxi driver won’t be lucky.
Before and after. If they want to show the difference, what kind of girl was and what she became, then at the beginning of the series she has perm, and at the end - straight hair.
If lunch is in an expensive restaurant, then they eat a piece of fried meat. Kind of gorgeous.
Frequent scenes in dramas: a character leaving a room stops at the last moment and, without turning around/turning only his head, says something to the person in the room. As an option: the character remaining in the room calls out at the last moment to the one leaving and says something behind his back.
This technique is used. The character (he) looks out the window, outside of which it is raining. The next shot is rain outside the window again, but this time it’s a different room and a different person (her). Rain connecting two people.
The guys come up with different variants presenting a ring to a girl. The most common idea is in a restaurant, in a dessert. Today I saw it - on the beach, in an oyster-type shell.
A lot can be written about how Koreans treat each other. Now there is only one moment: this person is ky saram, which means a beloved man. And also, my beloved man is the man I’m waiting for, Kidarin Saram.
In school classes, sports teams, musical groups, etc. Group punishments are typical, when everyone is punished for the offense of one. This is done, of course, with the aim of putting the greatest pressure on the offender, whom the team begins to hate, although he has not done anything bad to the team. At the same time, the teacher/coach appears as if he is right and doing the right thing. And from my point of view, it is he who acts vilely. This, it seems to me, is the difference between Russian and Korean mentality.
The most common method of obtaining information in dramas is eavesdropping. Moreover, judging by the dramas, Koreans have phenomenal hearing - they eavesdrop at a distance of up to 50 meters, through closed doors. At the same time, the source of information is always very naive and blurts out everything in detail.
Funerals are often shown in dramas.
Wedding photo sessions held a day or two before the wedding. IN wedding dresses. wedding ceremony short, no more than an hour.
Scene 1: two people meet, stand opposite each other, one of them says that they need to talk. Scene 2: they stand in the same position, but in a different place (sometimes, however, they sit in a cafe) and start a conversation. I'm always surprised that characters have to be moved somewhere else to have a conversation. What deep meaning?
The daughter of a murderer is a stigma.
Koreans constantly drink milk, although we believe that it is useless for adults.
Special treatment to the first snow, as to something bright and symbolic. Lovers must meet on this day.
Divorced - a stigma. You can only marry a divorced woman.
Children are required to pay their parents' debts after their death.
They often kneel down to apologize and beg for something. It is believed that the ability to sacrifice pride and kneel before someone is a positive trait.
If the bride or groom has no relatives, people are hired through an agency to come to the wedding, sign up in a special book, donate money for the wedding (probably 100 USD), sit at the ceremony from the side of the bride/groom, dine in the canteen as guests, and receive money for this "work".
You can't call Koreans by their names. In a family it’s “mom, dad, older brother, elder sister, younger brother,” etc. At work, this is “chairman, head of department, assistant, producer,” and other titles by position. On the street, this is “uncle, auntie, girlfriend.” You can call your younger brother by name, younger sister, daughter, son, younger relative, close friend, girlfriend. Perhaps that's all.
20 years ago, couples with the same last name could not marry. Apparently it was implied family connection. Then they canceled it by law.
If the criminal is holding a knife, the knife in the frame is “fogged up.” In explicit scenes they "fog up" intimate parts. On TV, when they interview witnesses to an incident, they “cloud” their faces and change their voices, while the witnesses speak in children’s voices - it’s funny.
If a character runs across the road at a red light, it means he loves very much.
Traffic lights are very often in the frame. Driving on a red light, going to a red light - intense emotions.
The gesture of an elder when communicating with a younger one is poking the forehead with the index finger.
Another subjugating action - they grab the younger one by the neck with their elbow and squeeze/tilt down
Recently a new gesture has appeared in Korea - instead of showing a heart with two hands or two thumbs and two index fingers, they now show a heart by crossing the thumb and forefinger one hand.
If a guy and a girl from show business have feelings, it’s called “skendyl” - a scandal. I think this comes from the companies that employ the singer or actress. Companies are interested in ensuring that such relationships do not exist.
In music shows, if a sad song is sung in pansori style, traditional Korean singing, listeners often cry.

The first thing that comes to mind is that they are cute and terribly aegyo. So if you like brutal, big and strong men, then you definitely don’t want to go to Korea!( Although we must remember that there are always exceptions, and first of all, they are guys, regardless of nation.) But if outwardly they are such sweethearts, then their character is truly masculine. All Koreans are very hardworking. So if you have a Korean husband, you will definitely never be left without a piece of bread, since they work very hard, and if there is no work, then this is a disaster for a Korean.

They are also true gentlemen. Even if you are friends, they will help you carry bags, open doors, buy all sorts of goodies, cook bulgogi in the end. They are very caring, they will constantly ask whether you have eaten, slept, dressed warmly, etc. Koreans also text a lot, so if you have your sights set on a Korean boyfriend, get ready that he will text and call you every second, asking you everything about how your day was, what you did, what you ate, so get ready. 🙂

As for dating, it is unlikely that someone will come up to you on the street to meet you; it is even more unlikely that a Korean guy, after your refusal, will continue to try to get to know you and will start nagging about this topic. Of course, there are exceptions everywhere, but the probability of such a scenario is practically zero. Because they are modest and it is not customary for them. And approaching a non-Korean woman is a complete disaster for them, to be honest, but if you are in a club or bar, then they might still pluck up the courage. But don’t worry, if you want to meet them, sooner or later this will happen, for example, through friends or at an opportunity.

The next point in my review is the post-acquaintance stage. Well, one problem may arise here: he doesn’t know English (Russian, of course), and you don’t know Korean. It doesn’t matter, there is always a way out - sign language. 🙂

One more piece of advice, if you still have your sights set on a Korean boyfriend, then take the trouble to learn at least a couple of basic phrases in Korean. And also read Korean history, study the culture. Even with minimal knowledge about Korea, the payoff is enormous. They will be so happy. And of course, the universal theme is K-pop and dramas. You can't go wrong here.

Also, most Korean guys are terrible fashionistas. Apart from the general love for Nike sneakers and glasses with black frames (which, by the way, suit many people), then in all other respects they follow fashion as it should. And although sometimes in an attempt to keep up with fashion they go a little too far, they still dress great. Korean in tracksuit, except in the gym you won’t see it. Most likely, it’s an innate sense of style; all Asians have it.

Returning to aegyoshnost. I admit, half of my European friends consider them to be slightly of the wrong orientation. Koreans are too cute. For example, I don’t think that if a guy is powerful, smelly and hairy, then he a real man! I'm all for beauty. Many Koreans (almost all of them, probably) take care of their faces, which is why their skin is smooth and beautiful. And some people dye their hair blonde (but mostly they end up with a brick color that is characteristic only of them) or get a permanent haircut. So, if you see a Korean with dyed hair or a perm, it means that he is terribly fashionable! And also, when they walk around in pairs with girls, it turns into a real tsunami of aegyosity and tenderness, since they can wear, and in Disneyland, Mickey Mouse ears and bows.

To sum up everything written above, I can say that korean oppas such in force national characteristics, and when you study their culture, you understand that this is how they should be: sweet, modest and responsible. They make great friends and even better boyfriends. Of course, now is the age of globalization, and Koreans want with all their might to be like Europeans... but they do it in a very Asian way.

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South Korea is a country of contrasts, which harmoniously combines modern technology and adherence to centuries-old Asian traditions. And needless to say, every trip to this amazing state reveals new veils and secrets, of which there are countless numbers.

We are in website We have chosen for you the most unexpected discoveries about South Korea that will at least surprise you.

1. Help from the state for pregnant women

All pregnant women in South Korea receive credit card from the government. There are funds on the card - $ 500. They can only be spent on visiting doctors and necessary for expectant mother medicines. Including a woman can receive a social keychain for comfortable travel to public transport. Seats for pregnant women in the subway are marked pink, and the keychain activates this icon, hinting to others that there is a woman in the carriage interesting position. This is a help for modest women, as well as those who are on early stages. They also have special parking spaces for pregnant women.

2. At almost every stop there is a board with information about the current movement of the bus

All buses here are new and equipped with air conditioning. And the drivers have their own uniform with white gloves and sunglasses. Buses run almost 24 hours a day. At the same time, the cost of a taxi trip will be the same, but provided that you travel in a group of 3-4 people.

3. You can eat food for free in supermarkets

Most local supermarkets have unlimited tasting food available. No one controls how many products a customer tries before he buys something... or doesn't buy it.

4. Koreans love to give and receive practical gifts.

A traditional housewarming gift from guests to the owners of the house is a pack of rolls toilet paper. Koreans believe that the length of the roll hints at life expectancy. In general, Koreans love practical gifts, and especially those that can be eaten. For example, the management of one South Korean company gave food packages to their subordinates. These are special sets that various combinations sold before major holidays.

5. For the Korean New Year, TV presenters dress up in national clothes.

6. Each kindergarten has its own uniform of a certain color, so that while walking around the city you don’t lose your pupils in the crowd

7. Churches give small but pleasant gifts to parishioners

Several times a quarter, large churches organize free trips for their parishioners to the dentist or hairdresser. On the South Korean streets there are a lot of representatives of different faiths who are actively inviting people. The most popular method is free distribution wet wipes with the address of the church. By the way, it is in South Korea that the most visited church in the world is located, with more than 1 million parishioners per year.

Korean children study a lot. Students primary classes during studies from 9:00 to 18:00, high school returns home by 10:00 p.m., and high school students can stay at home until one in the morning. Especially for such cases school libraries work around the clock. However, due to intensive cramming, children do not become geniuses, but vice versa. Many of them lose interest in hobbies and hobbies, because they simply do not have time for personal life. They study, sleep on the go and spend time on social networks.

9. In South Korea, almost all lovers wear matching clothes.

Every couple in love will definitely let others know that they are together. They will do this with the help of identical outfits. Local stores have a lot of matching clothes and shoes for young and not so young people who love each other.

10. The best thank you to a teacher is a cup of coffee or sweets.

Large gifts to teachers or any government employees are considered a bribe. Parents and children who want to express gratitude to teachers usually give them some sweets or a glass of coffee.

11. Themed subway cars

The South Korean subway has a lot of themed cars dedicated to various cartoon characters. The stations are announced by the voices of these characters, and their figures are seated.

12. South Korea is an isolated country that does not know the customs of the Western world

If you ask a Korean the name of the most popular artist in the world, he is unlikely to answer you. Koreans know practically nothing about other countries. At all. They do not watch Western films, do not listen to Western music, do not know the customs of the West, and there is no geography subject in schools. Any foreigner is an American to them. But they will gladly and fanatically tell you everything about representatives of their pop industry. The most popular musical group among South Korean youth is the boy band BTS.

13. In South Korea they don’t eat dogs.

Our hero's name is Samuel. He is 23. He was born in Korea. He spent 6 years in Russia, receiving a musical education at one of the universities in Vladivostok. The guy met his beloved Christina at a local water park. Further - from the words of Samuel.

Russian women are not known for their friendliness

Russian women are unfriendly strangers. When I approached Chris with an offer to meet her, I immediately caught her displeased glance. Before meeting Kristina, I met other Russian girls, and for the first five minutes they answered me “with a chill” in their voices. I noticed that Korean women are more willing to engage in dialogue with the opposite sex and smile a lot, unlike Russians, because the behavior is popular among Korean girls. aegyo ».

Russians speak directly about what they want, while Korean women try to explain their desires with half-hints

Korean girls like to use “aegyo” when communicating with guys. This phenomenon means cute, childish behavior, which is typical for most Korean women, especially when they want something from their other half. A Korean woman will never say directly: “Buy me this,” but rather, a Russian woman will do the same. And the Korean beauty will subtly hint, roll her eyes innocently, smile languidly, but she will never openly tell the guy what she wants.

Russian women cannot be called kind

Once you ask for something, they will do it. Another time they will be indignant and refuse: they say, I did it last time - now it’s your turn! And Korean women are more loyal to requests and are always ready to meet them halfway.

There are a lot of lazy girls in Russia

In the university group I was surrounded by only girls, and most of them were reluctant to study. Sometimes students skipped classes and didn’t do their homework: they were lazy. In Korea, it is customary to study diligently; higher education is highly valued here. It’s just that the likelihood that you will be hired without a diploma is very small.

Russian women -excellent housewives

I have many girl friends in Vladivostok. When I came to visit them after classes, they often treated me to something delicious - homemade cakes and pies. I have never seen dirt in my friends’ house—all rooms are clean and tidy. In addition, Chris showed herself to be a wonderful hostess. We lived together for several days, she often cooked for me and kept order in the house. Korean women in this regard are no worse than Russian women, which cannot be said about Chinese women. I spent my childhood in China and I know that there, almost all the housework is done by men.

Russians are more beautiful than Koreans

What attracts Russian women is their European appearance - big eyes and “curvy shapes”, which Korean women strive for when resorting to plastic surgeons. When it comes to clothing, Russians attract attention on the street with their sexy outfits. Korean women dress simply and not at all revealingly - in Korea, by the way, it is not customary to wear things with an open neckline. Simplicity is also characteristic of “Korean-style” makeup—Korean women prefer natural makeup, in contrast to Russian women who apply an indecent amount of cosmetics to their faces.

Russians look older than their age

Russians eat a lot of bread, which is probably why their skin ages quickly. Twenty-year-old girls look twenty-five, and thirty-year-old girls look thirty-eight. Koreans regularly eat protein foods - this allows them to prolong their youth and maintain their visual attractiveness for many years.

Russians love to go out, and Koreans, like Russians, often drink

Korea has a very developed “alcohol culture”. Almost every day, Koreans drink beer or soju - Korean vodka. Young Korean girls often drink in a friendly company. Like Russians, Korean girls do not like to sit at home and love to have fun in local clubs, but still, Korean girls are more homely - they do not go out as often as Russians.

Russian girls demonstrate their independence in every possible way

In Korea during a date women's bag most often it is carried by a man; in Russia, girls reject such help from their companion. Russian women like to demonstrate independence: “I’ll go to the store myself, I’ll do this myself, and this.” Maybe the reason for their emancipation lies in divorces, which are not uncommon in Russia?

In a nutshell

It is easier to get into relationships with Korean women because we are similar - we are connected by the same culture and the same language. Russians are different. Russian girls are like unread books for me: it takes time to study them. But that makes it even more interesting to communicate with them.