what is life like in korea?

Question

i'm just wondering because i enjoy watching korean movies and soaps (with english subtitles, of course!). i can basically make out bit and pieces of what the lifestyle is like in korea by watching the movies and soaps but... i wanna know what it's really like over there.

south korea, people! what do you think?

Answer 1

As a non military, non teacher foreigner living in Korea I love it.
Im not sure, but I have had a fascination for Korea since I was 8 years old.
The urge got stronger and stronger until I got fed up one day and just got on a plane, and never looked back.

Life in Korea is interesting and can change without any notice at all. Its not all like you see on the dramas and movies.
Its not a common site to see gangsters on the streets, or car chases (although the driving is pretty horrendous). Sometimes you see the odd argument between couples and the girl crying hysterically. But overall its much tamer than the drama series make out.

My life is pretty normal, I live in Seoul, in a fairly decent sized apartment, with friends and their parents.
It's too hot in the summer to spend much time outside, so I paint, or sculpt, watch tv... think about studying without actually studying.

Shopping is pretty cool in Korea, there are lots of markets, markets that are open until 5am (clothes) with HUGE department stores packed withe clothing and accessories.
Its always fun to wander around and see what you can find, have a chat to the ajumma or ajussi at the food markets.

Supermarkets are REALLY fun, hahah. They are huge, multi floored buildings. Like department stores almost! You can go there starving and walk out sooo full. They 'force' you to try everything haha.

If you like Korean food its great. Western food can leave a bit to be desired, but why come to Korea to eat western food anyway?

Usually on the weekends I will meet up with Korean friends, and we will sit outside a convenience store drinking before going to clubs, or singing rooms. Convenience stores are great, they have everything you need to enjoy a few drinks. Including the table and chairs.
We often go out to restaurants for dinner, its cheap... often cheaper than cooking for ourselves at home. Fruit and Veges can be a bit pricy here.

If you can speak and read Korean, its really easy to get around, and to have a good time.
I have met some really amazing people just by asking for directions. Had some really interesting experiences that began from sitting outside a convenience store.
Korea is a really fun place, I have had my ups and downs, but everything has been fun.

Even being homeless and broke in Korea isnt so bad.
I did that for a week, and lived on a beach in Busan, it was great fun, met some really funny people. In the summer time, they just party all night on the beach, and everyone falls asleep and wakes up with the sun.

There are bad sides to living in Korea, but im in a good mood today, and the positive aspects ALWAYS outweigh the negative.
If you have an interest in Korea, you should come check it out.
Its not an expensive place to visit at all, and there are so many beautiful things to see.

Answer 2

Wow. Not so good answers so far... haha.

Ok, speaking as a Korean...

Rich in culture. There are so many little superstitions and traditions. People love soccer, world cup fever is insane (around 700,000 people gathered in Seoul, the capital city, in front of the main city building to watch a soccer game at three in the morning).

In big cities like Seoul, small streets are kind of cramped, but life in the country is not so cramped. People tend to not become farmers these days, there's a big flocking to the cities. The country is really beautiful though. Lots of mountains, lakes, rivers, etc.

Technology is a biggie in the Korean lifestyle. If you get on the subway, nearly everyone (ages 7-80 or so) has a cell phone! Seriously, even little elementary school kids have one and then senior citizens as well... There's these places called "PC Bang" meaning PC room, like internet cafes.

Everything's a bit cheaper in Korea (relatively compared to the US). Walmart and big name American brand stores don't do well because of little Korean groceries and other Korean name brand stores.

Young people follow trends a lot! If you go to the big cities, people tend to be well dressed, like European cities. Special markets follow the trends real fast, like Dongdaemoon Shijang (Dongdaemoon market).

If you ever have the chance, I'd recommend you visit it!

Answer 3

I live in Seoul...here's some basic information:

Although travelers may find the Korean people aggressive and pushy, Koreans can also be most kind and generous. Moreover, age is indelibly important to Confucian tradition. Elders are generally treated with respect. The younger are supposed to pay deference to elders, even if a person is just one year senior. This makes it very difficult for a newcomer to understand where he fits into the Korean social hierarchy. Although South Korea is a rapidly changing, modern country, it still remains inwardly focused with Confucian traditions and values.

FOOD & DRINKS

Korean cuisine has something for everyone. The traditional Korean meal comes with many side dishes. "Kimchi" is the mainstay. Kimchi is grated vegetables mixed with chili, garlic and ginger fermented in various fashions. You can determine if a restaurant is good or not by how fresh and tasty the Kimchi is.

Another popular dish is "pulgogi". Pulgogi is strips of beef marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic and chili. Usually it is cooked on your table over hot coals. You may wrap it in spinach or sesame leaves, but beware of the raw garlic.

Another common food is "pindaeddok." It is a pancake, which contain a variety of ingredients such as bean sprouts, onion greens, carrots, potatoes, clams, or squid.

There are also plenty of Western style restaurants in Korea as fast food is popular among the younger generation. However, I would not recommend these. Korean food is tastier and much healthier.

It should also be noted that there are several different beverages found in Korea. There are wonderful herbal teas that may be served hot or cold.

Insadong is a good place to find the traditional teashops. There are also a number of alcoholic beverages produced from rice. Some of the names are makkoli, dong-dongju, soju, and the most potent of all being korianju. So watch-out, Koreans are fond of drinking and socializing.


LANGUAGE

The Korean language is called "Hangul". Like Mongolian, is classified as a Ural-Altaic language. The alphabet was invented in 1443 by a group of scholars under the patronage of King Sejong. Hangul has a scientific syllabic system compose of 10 vowels and 14 consonants. It is not too difficult to learn and some even argue they can learn the basics on their flight over from North America.

CLIMATE

South Korea has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter. Winters are usually long, cold, and dry. Summer is hot, muggy, wet, typhoon-prone, and temperatures range between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius. Spring and Autumn are most pleasant to many people. It's sunny almost everyday and the temperature is nice for climbing the numerous mountains.

RELIGION

A variety of different religions have developed in Korea. Buddhism and Confucianism were dominant in the past. Christianity developed a vast following since its introduction in the late 18th century. The culture is now roughly 40% Buddhist and 40% Christian. However, there remains a very significant influence of Confucianism and Shamanism in everyday rituals. In addition, members of the Church of Latter-day Saints and followers of Reverend Moon have grown steadily.


SHOPPING

In addition to drinking and socializing, “Seoulites” love to shop. The best places for shopping in Seoul are: Tongdaemun, Namdaemun, Insa-dong and Kwangjang-dong. Shopping can also be done at street stalls, open markets, big department stores, and small specialty shops, etc. Itaewon is said to be a "shoppers paradise" for foreigners. It has great bargains, especially with custom-made goods, leather items, shirts and shoes. Moreover, in Itaewon, English is widely used.


ATTRACTIONS

Korea has a variety of tourism resources. There are spectacular sceneries, rich and unique cultural heritages in Korea. From Seoul to the far end of Korea, you will find cultural and historical sites, Buddhist monasteries, National Parks, Tombs, Reservoirs, Pagodas, Pleasure gardens, Shrines, Folk Museums Rivers, Hills, Mountains, Beaches, Waterfalls and a lot more.

Answer 4

Densely populated particularly in capital city of Seoul. Life is very hectic similar to most big cities. Seoul recently voted as the second most expensive city to live in the world. Korean people are very social and eating and drinking comprises most activities. A must to know some locals to really get a good feel of Korea as lots of hidden gems only locals would know.

Answer 5

its nice in Korea but its cramped in cities like Seoul. you can get a lotta cheap stuff and most people will bargain with you in Korea. if you buy something you can bargain and get it for less. the lifestyle is kinda the same in movies and in the real thing...some will be like almost exactly but others like a drama called the sweet spy is like off. if you realy want to know how its like there...go there and find out for yourself...its best if you take a korean speaking person with you

Answer 6

First of all, am Korean and living Korea.


Let's see...

well, the life of movies and dramas is not that same to reallife.

I think, no where does in the world. :P

but, dramas and movies are based on fact, I mean, reallife.

That's not completely same, but partly, yeah.

Their thoughts, habbits, traditions... yeah, those are almost same



well, y'know what?

am enjoying the sitcom Friends from NBC.

but I don't believe all of their lifes are not 100% real.

well, although I believe their thoughts, rules, traditions are believable.

whether I believe or not,

I accept all of "friends" things, first.

and I seperate 'em fact and fiction.


So, sum up...


I think, the life of dramas and movies is ALMOST same to reallife.

cuz it follows our normal thoughs, and rules.

the emotional part also is same.

ofcourse, am watching Korean soap, and movie.

And I agree with thier thoughts.

I hope ma answer is enough for you. :D

If you have something wanna ask,

mail me :

[e-mail]


Buhbye then

Answer 7

well, I have been staying and work in Korea for two mth. the life in Korea is nothing much difference in China, the only difference is their language. nice korean ppl, many restaurant, kim chi is a must when you dine in any restaurant but the Jinro ( like sake) it cost 840 won per bottle ( $ 1.60 ), it can make you drunk before you have another bottle, the living standard is very expensive than in Singapore but cigarette is way way cheaper than in Singapore. I am staying in balsan area is also close to town center.hope you may visit seoul in one of this day. Cheers

Answer 8

Daegu is the most well beloved position in Korea in summer season. that is somewhat warm! attempt to study somewhat Korean earlier going to Korea. it may help you. The nutrients is warm and pretty spiced in Korea, even besides the undeniable fact that no longer all of it really is. the elements is chilly and snowy in wintry climate. you'd be fantastic, it's going to be a clean adventure proper?

Answer 9

Which Korea, North or South.

Answer 10

i visit every year for a month to visit relatives and such..i also went to school there for a month to see what it was like. its still pretty old fashioned, the wife does household chores, etc. the kids all wear uniforms and are obsessed with their mp3 players and their cellphones. they all walk to school. alot of people use public transportation. there are alot of karoke bars, pc rooms to play games. almost every single college student is in a relationship. they wear matching t shirts, which i think is really cheesy.