Category · Korean Society & Culture
Why people ask about your zodiac sign
In Korea, instead of asking your age directly,
people sometimes ask, “What’s your zodiac sign?”
This is a way to figure out your age indirectly....
Relationships in Korea are often based on birth year
In Korea, even if people are close in age, relationships are often defined by birth year.
People born in the same year are usually considered friends,
while a one-year difference can place someone in an older or younger role.
But there’s a situation called being born early in the year
There’s a concept often referred to as being “born early in the year.” (빠른년생)
People born in January or February sometimes went to school with those born in the previous year....
In Korea, when people talk about their age, they often clarify how they’re counting it.
For example,
“I’m 25. That’s my international age.” “I’m 27 in Korean age.”
It’s natural to say which system they’re using.
More than one system is used
The most common system today is the one used worldwide.
Your age increases on your birthday....
You might hear this question right after meeting someone for the first time.
“How old are you?”
It can feel a bit surprising. In many countries, this is considered a personal question.
But in Korea, it’s natural.
It’s one of the most common ways to start a conversation.
Age helps people understand each other
In Korea, age is more than just a number....
When you look at a typical drinking scene in Korea, one thing stands out.
People rarely drink without food. There is almost always something to eat alongside it.
What is “anju” (안주)?
In Korean, food eaten with alcohol is called “anju.”
This doesn’t refer to a specific type of dish. Any food eaten while drinking can be considered anju.
Pairing comes first
In Korea, what you eat with your drink can feel just as important as the drink itself....
When you hear people talk about working in Korea, you’ll often come across the word “hoesik.” (회식)
It refers to a gathering where coworkers spend time together after work, usually over a meal or drinks.
What kind of gathering is it?
A hoesik is a group meal with people from the same team.
It usually starts with dinner, and depending on the situation, drinks may follow.
What it used to be like
In the past, hoesik often revolved around drinking....
When you hear people talk about drinking in Korea, you might come across a phrase like this:
“I went to the third round last night.”
At first, it’s not immediately clear what that means.
How people actually say it
In Korean, people describe this like this:
“1차 (il-cha)” “2차 (i-cha)” “3차 (sam-cha)”
For example:...
Korean drinking etiquette may seem complicated at first, but you only need to know a few key things.
You don’t have to memorize everything. Just remember: “in this situation, do this.”
When receiving a drink
If someone pours a drink for you, hold your glass with both hands.
You can also hold the glass with one hand and lightly support it with the other near your chest.
This is a way of showing respect.
When pouring a drink...
In Korean dating, you’ll often hear the word “mildang.” (밀당) The word comes from two actions: “pushing” and “pulling.”
It describes a pattern where someone shows interest but also pulls back a little.
This kind of behavior isn’t unique to Korea. You can find it anywhere. But in Korea, it’s commonly explained with one specific word: mildang .
You might recognize this situation
Someone replies quickly, then suddenly takes hours. They seem interested, then a bit distant.
But they don’t disappear completely. They come back...
The word “spicy pride”
In Korea, there is a term called maepbushim .
It combines the words for “spicy” and “pride.”
In other words, being good at eating spicy food is often seen as a kind of skill....
When people drink together in Korea, at some point, someone says:
“Shall we play a game?”
And with that, the game starts right there, without anyone leaving their seat.
What kind of games?
There are many types of drinking games in Korea.
Some well-known ones include:
• Game of Death...
This scene happens a lot
In Korea, people often press the elevator close button repeatedly.
As soon as the door opens, someone presses the button, and even if it’s already been pressed, they press it again.
Because of this, the close button is often more worn out or the protective film is peeled off....
This scene happens a lot
In Korea, people often don’t use a key when entering their home.
Instead, they enter a code or tap a card on a digital door lock and the door opens.
Why don’t people use keys?...
This scene happens a lot
After finishing a meal in Korea, you’ll often see something like this.
“I’ll pay.” “No, I’ll pay.” “It’s fine, this one’s on me.”
And it continues, even at the payment counter.
For many foreigners, this can feel a bit unusual.
Why does this happen?
It’s not really about the money....
One of the things that often surprises foreigners when they first visit Korea is food delivery.
It’s not just that delivery exists — the speed, variety, and convenience are on a completely different level.
Why is delivery so developed in Korea?
Food delivery has been part of everyday life in Korea for a long time.
In the past, it was common to order dishes like jajangmyeon(짜장면) or jjamppong (짬뽕) from local Chinese restaurants. Over time, this habit naturally evolved into the highly developed delivery culture seen today...
King Sejong (1397–1450) was the fourth king of the Joseon Dynasty and is widely regarded as one of the greatest rulers in Korean history.
He led major developments in language, science, politics, and culture.
Major achievements
1. Creation of Hangul (Hunminjeongeum)...
What is Arirang
Arirang is the most well-known traditional song in Korea, passed down through generations.
What kind of song is it
• There are many regional versions...
In Korea, there was a time when many people believed that sleeping with a fan on could be dangerous.
What people believed
• Using a fan in a closed room while sleeping was risky
• Some believed it could even cause suffocation...
In Korea, it is common to see small stacks of stones in mountains or along trails.
What it means
• Making a wish
• Hoping for good luck...
“Jjan~” (jjan) is the sound Koreans make when clinking glasses.
It is commonly used when making a toast.
When is it used
• Before drinking...
