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tle-known facts about South Korea
South Korea is a country full of surprises and beauty, which attracts millions of tourists every year. From its culture to its food, there's always something new and exciting to discover. However, there are still many little-known facts about South Korea that may surprise you.
1. Fan Death
One of the strangest things about South Korean culture is their belief in fan death. Koreans believe that sleeping in a closed room with a fan on can be fatal. Even the manufacturers of fans in South Korea include an automatic ‘off timer’ function so fans can be turned off during the night. This odd belief is believed to date back to the 1920s when fans weren't as well-regulated, and there were some gas leaks that led to fatalities while using them overnight.
2. Sea Women
Another unique aspect of South Korean culture is the haenyeo, which translates to "sea women." These women are a group of free-divers who dive to great depths without any equipment to harvest seaweed, abalone, and other marine products. The women who belong to this community are known for their strength, as they dive up to 10 meters deep, without oxygen tanks, and are capable of holding their breath for up to three minutes.
3. Couples celebrate anniversaries every month
In South Korea, couples celebrate anniversaries every month instead of yearly. They call this ‘the month anniversary.’ This practice is called 'anniversary culture.' Couples often share love letters and gifts to celebrate with their significant other. It represents the importance of making time for each other in a relationship.
4. Funerary Practice
Death is treated differently in South Korea than in most Western societies. The deceased are typically cremated, and their ashes are placed in an urn. However, if the deceased was not married, it is customary for their ashes to be scattered at sea. It's also common for family and friends to visit the graves of their loved ones during the Korean holiday Chuseok, where they participate in a ceremony called charye, which is a ritual of offering food and drink to the ancestors.
5. Ghost Day
In South Korea, the 14th day of the lunar month is recognized as Ghost Day. South Koreans believe that on this day, the spirits of the dead roam the streets. To avoid being "haunted," people avoid going out of the house, closing all windows and doors, and offering food to appease the spirits.
South Korea is undoubtedly a country full of traditions, beliefs, and fascinating practices that have been passed down from generation to generation. It's incredible to see how those customs continue to shape the country and its people today.
