You may have heard that South Korea is obsessed with skincare, or that it’s the land of K-pop and kimchi. But those facts barely scratch the surface. What if the most unforgettable part of your trip to Korea isn’t a palace or a street food stall—but a random parking space or a Pepero stick? If you’re planning a visit and want to connect with the culture beyond the guidebooks, these top 10 fun and shocking facts about South Korea will open your eyes to everyday moments that locals barely think twice about—but that will leave you stunned, smiling, or downright speechless.
10 Fun & Shocking Facts About South Korea Life & Culture
1. Parking Etiquette: Just Leave Your Car in Neutral and Walk Away
Let’s start with something shockingly normal in Korea—but only if you live here. Picture this: every spot in a parking garage is full, but instead of giving up, drivers simply leave their cars in the driving lane—handbrake off, gear in neutral. Why? Because if you need to leave and someone’s blocking your car, you can just give their vehicle a gentle push aside.
Some even leave their phone number on the dash, just in case. Because in South Korea, this isn’t reckless. It’s respectful, and it’s about making space for one another—like, literally.
2. The Fan Death Myth is Real (Well, Sort of)
Among the more unusual Korean beliefs is one that often leaves foreigners confused: electric fans can kill you in your sleep. Yes, even today, some locals avoid falling asleep in a closed room with the fan on.
No one really knows where this fear came from—perhaps old media warnings or summer heatstroke myths—but you’ll still find timers on fans in Korean homes, just to be safe. It may not be medically sound, but it’s part of the fabric of daily life.
3. Korea’s Delivery Culture Is Older Than Pizza Night
Modern Korea is famous for delivery apps like Baemin and Yogiyo, but this culture dates back to the Joseon era. Historical records show that cold noodles—naengmyeon—were already being delivered in the 1700s.
Today, you can have anything delivered anywhere: your picnic bench at Han River, a hiking trail rest stop, or even your parked car. And no, no tipping required. Just enjoy the moment and your hot soup dumplings.
4. Pepero Day: Because Romance Needs Chocolate Sticks
Every November 11, Koreans celebrate what might be the most adorably commercial holiday ever—Pepero Day. Because 11/11 looks like four Pepero sticks, people exchange chocolate-covered cookies with friends, classmates, coworkers, and of course, crushes.
On this day, limited-edition flavors drop, stores run promos, and sales skyrocket. For travelers, this is a fun time to explore Korean snack aisles and join in on a uniquely local version of Valentine’s Day.
5. Honjok Life: Korea’s Proudly Solo Generation
If you’re traveling solo in South Korea, you’re in good company. Roughly 1 in 3 Koreans now lives alone, and this shift has given rise to a new cultural identity: honjok—a blend of the words for “alone” and “tribe.”
From honbap (eating solo) to honhaeng (traveling solo), the honjok lifestyle is respected, not pitied. In fact, businesses now cater specifically to solo diners and travelers, with compact hotels, single-serving menus, and quiet corners just for one.
6. Soju Is the World’s Top-Selling Spirit (Yes, Really)
At the same time, you might expect whiskey, vodka, or even tequila to top global alcohol sales. But it’s actually Jinro Soju—a smooth, affordable Korean liquor with a deceptively low burn and global dominance in volume sold.
For locals, soju is not just a mere drink. It has long been a part of South Korean drinking culture instead. A ritual. Poured with two hands, shared between friends, and often mixed with beer or yogurt (yes, really), it’s central to Korea’s social fabric. You’ll see it on picnic mats, BBQ tables, and every neighborhood convenience store.
7. Beauty Is a Lifestyle, Not a Luxury
One of the more shocking facts about South Korea for many visitors? Skincare and self-care are now beyond popular—they’re ingrained into daily routines. You’ll find dermatology clinics on every block, mirrors in subway stations, and Olive Young stores open late into the night.
Even high school students receive cosmetic procedures as graduation gifts, and the idea of going “barefaced” is practically taboo in some social circles. But this isn’t about vanity—it’s about presentation, pride, and control in a high-pressure society.
8. Blue Sponges on Car Doors? It Means “Brand New”
At some point in your visit, you might be seeing them everywhere: blue sponge blocks attached to car doors. No, it’s not an accident or packaging oversight. In Korea, new cars arrive with these guards from the factory, and many drivers leave them on.
It’s partly practical—shielding doors from dings in tight garages—but also a subtle brag: “I just bought this car.” Think of it as the Korean version of leaving the sticker on your hat… but with Hyundai.
9. No Tips, No Problem
If you’ve ever panicked at a Korean restaurant because you didn’t leave a tip—don’t worry. In South Korea, tipping is neither required nor expected.
Even when new tipping culture recently emerged in South Korea, please know that you these tips are NEVER mandatory. What’s worse, in some situations, leaving/giving an amount of cash can even be considered rude.
Therefore, whether you’re at a high-end hotel or grabbing street food, prices are final. This doesn’t mean service is bad—in fact, it’s often exceptional. The mindset is simple: do your job well, not because you’re chasing a tip, but because that’s the standard.
10. A National Obsession with Collectible Bread Stickers
Some people in South Korea have this intriguing obsession with collectible stickers. Yes, it might be the most unexpected entry in our top 10 facts about South Korea, and yet, it’s one of the most shocking, a true cultural phenomenon.
For example, Pokémon bread (yes, the kind with collectible stickers inside) sold over 4.7 million packs in less than a month after its comeback in 2022.
Kids love them, but so do adults. Rare stickers sell for thousands of won online, and convenience stores restock at odd hours just to handle demand. So, if you see a line forming at a CU or GS25—now you know why.
South Korea Culture Fun Facts: It’s the Little Shocking Things That Change Everything
Finally, these fun and shocking facts about South Korea culture may seem quirky or small. And yet, when you travel, it’s often these little surprises that stick with you the most.
Certainly, it’s way beyond the palaces or the view from Namsan Tower. Instead, it’s how you see those intriguing phenomena when people in South Korea advise you to unplug the electric fan, or leaving you those handwritten notes on a dashboard, and the silent cheer they give you when you finally find that rare Pokémon sticker.
So as you plan your adventure, remember: Korea will surprise you—not just with what you see, but how it makes you feel.
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