Unknown facts about korea
Korea, both North and South, is a fascinating and culturally rich region with a long history and many lesser-known facts. Here are some lesser-known facts about Korea:
Divided Peninsula: Korea is the only remaining divided country in the world. North Korea and South Korea have been separated since the end of World War II, and the Korean War in the early 1950s formalized this division along the 38th parallel.
Alphabet Invention: The Korean alphabet, Hangul, was created in the 15th century by King Sejong the Great and his scholars. It's one of the few writing systems in the world intentionally created by a monarch to promote literacy among common people.
Age Counting: In Korea, a person's age is calculated differently than in many Western countries. You are considered one year old at birth, and then you add one year to your age on New Year's Day. This means that your Korean age is typically one or two years older than your Western age.
Fast Internet: South Korea is known for having one of the fastest and most widespread internet infrastructures in the world. They're also pioneers in 5G technology.
Love for Kimchi: Kimchi is a staple in Korean cuisine and is served with almost every meal. There are over 180 different types of kimchi in Korea, with variations using different vegetables and seasonings.
JSA: The Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a 2.5-mile-wide buffer zone between North and South Korea. Inside the DMZ, there is a small village called Panmunjom where negotiations and meetings between the two Koreas have taken place.
Fan Death Belief: Some Koreans believe in "fan death," the idea that leaving a fan running in a closed room with the windows closed can cause death. This belief has led to the design of fans with timers in South Korea.
PC Bangs: PC Bangs are internet cafes in South Korea where people can play video games, often for hours on end. They are popular among gamers and offer high-speed internet and top-notch gaming equipment.
Robot Cafes: South Korea has a growing number of robot cafes where robots serve food and drinks, and even entertain customers with dances and performances.
Haenyeo: In the southern island of Jeju, you can find a group of remarkable women known as "Haenyeo" or "Sea Women." They are skilled divers who harvest seafood without the use of scuba gear, relying solely on their breath-holding abilities.
Buddhism: Buddhism has had a profound influence on Korean culture and history. There are numerous ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries throughout the country, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Taegeuk: The Taegeuk symbol, commonly seen on the South Korean flag, represents the concept of opposites and balance. It's inspired by Korean philosophy and is often associated with the principles of yin and yang.
These facts provide just a glimpse into the unique and diverse culture of Korea, which has a rich history and continues to make significant contributions to various fields, from technology to pop culture.