Think You Know Korea? Think Again.

Here are some of the most common mistakes people make about Korea — especially when they're not familiar with the country or its culture:

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🇰🇷 1. Confusing North Korea with South Korea

• Reality: South Korea (Republic of Korea) is a democratic, technologically advanced country, while North Korea (DPRK) is a closed, authoritarian regime.

• Mistake: Some people lump them together or think South Korea is unsafe due to North Korea’s actions — it’s not.

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🗣️ 2. Thinking everyone speaks English

• Reality: While many South Koreans study English, fluency varies, especially outside big cities. Cultural context is key in communication.

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🍱 3. Assuming Korean food is only spicy or just BBQ

• Reality: Korean cuisine is incredibly diverse — from mild dishes like samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) to fermented classics like kimchi, and street food like tteokbokki.

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👘 4. Calling Korean traditional clothing “kimono”

• Reality: That’s Japanese. In Korea, it’s called Hanbok — and it has a distinct design, history, and cultural significance.

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🧍‍♂️🧍‍♀️ 5. Misunderstanding hierarchy and age importance

• Reality: Age and seniority are very important in Korean culture — it influences how people speak (honorifics), behave, and even socialize.

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💬 6. Thinking all Korean media is just K-pop and K-dramas

• Reality: While K-pop and dramas are popular, Korea has a vibrant film, literature, gaming, and indie scene that goes beyond global hits like BTS or Squid Game.

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🛐 7. Assuming Korea is a Buddhist country

• Reality: Korea is religiously diverse — with significant populations of Christians, Buddhists, and non-religious people.

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🏯 8. Expecting traditional architecture everywhere

• Reality: While temples and palaces exist, modern Korean cities are full of high-rise apartments, neon-lit streets, and cutting-edge architecture.

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📍9. Assuming Seoul is the only place to visit

• Reality: Cities like Busan, Jeonju, Gyeongju, and Jeju Island offer very different vibes and rich cultural experiences.

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🧖‍♂️ 10. Not knowing about Korean spa culture

• Reality: Jjimjilbangs (Korean saunas) are a big part of the local lifestyle — communal, family-friendly, and full of wellness rituals.