Is it good to live in Korea? Life in Seoul through the eyes of a Ukrainian: why foreigners live better in South Korea than Koreans themselves

On this moment I live on a peninsula washed by three seas - the Yellow Sea, the Sea of ​​Japan and the East China Sea. This is truly an amazingly resilient country, the Republic of Korea.

I first flew to Korea in March 2012 from Uzbekistan. The South Korean government allocates a certain number of work visas each year to people of Korean nationality living in other countries.

It was on this visa that my husband and I returned to our historical homeland. We decided to stop in the city of Incheon. It is one of the largest cities in Korea and hosted the 2014 Asian Games last year.

First impressions of Korea

Unlike Uzbekistan, where I was born and raised, in South Korea every meter of land is used. The area of ​​the premises is expanded both upward and inward due to the construction of underground floors. It is not uncommon for crop areas to exist right within the city, in the middle of busy areas.

Korean retirees love to travel.

Korean pensioners have become great role models. Despite their respectful age, they behave very active image life. It is very rare to see grandmothers fussing with their grandchildren or spending evenings knitting in their hands. They unite in small groups and travel around different countries, go to the mountains or to the sea.

In general, the nation is highly educable. Older generation tries not to lag behind the youth in anything, mastering all modern trends. If in Uzbekistan you can find pharmacies and cafes at almost every step, then in South Korea these are factories. When you drive past the endless line of factory buildings, it seems that they occupy most of the country.

Demand labor and decent wages attract people here great amount people not only from the post-Soviet space, but also from China, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and other countries.

Mentality

South Korea for me personally was and remains a misunderstood country. Before arriving, I knew about this country only from TV series, where I admired the beauty and prettiness of the main characters, as well as the courage and breadth of soul of the male movie characters.

In real life, I was surrounded by painted, manicured guys in tight pants, and girls on rough and heavy platforms. There is a clear cult of beauty in the country.

Interesting company name in South Korea. Doesn't it remind you of anything?

They say that plastic surgery here is one of the most popular branches of medicine. A widespread operation to create European century, even on the smallest children. People often go to clinics to change the shape of their nose.

Women spend a lot of money on beauty treatments and purchasing skin care products. The daily application of creams turns into a real ritual and it will not be difficult for an uninitiated adherent to get confused in the cute and fragrant tubes. Korean cosmetics are now gaining popularity among women all over the world, thanks to natural and innovative ingredients.

Korean women hardly use bright colors in makeup, everything is done in natural shades. And if you meet a woman with brightly colored eyes on the street, then mostly these are always guests or immigrants from the CIS countries.

Both men and women pay great attention to their hair. Young guys love to wear makeup different colors, sometimes these colors are just crazy. And older men dye their gray hair black. The girls almost all have the same straightened hair; only married ladies go for perms.

In my opinion, American influence is felt in many areas. It would seem that in South Korea, as in China, the most popular drink should have been tea. But the local population is literally obsessed with coffee, and coffee shops are the most popular meeting place for young people.

Another American borrowing is the “Hollywood smile.” Dental services are quite expensive, even with health insurance. So don’t be surprised, but sometimes you can even find them on the street with a toothbrush in their hands.

Work in Korea

The Korean factory is one of many thousands.

Koreans are great workaholics; they are ready to work 25 hours a day, especially if this is an order from their superiors. Perhaps this explains the high economic indicators achieved in such a short period of time.

The Eastern mentality has been preserved in almost absolute obedience to superiors and elders. It happens that a boss can even hit a subordinate, and he will take it for granted.

There is a clear hierarchy in all structures. This is not easily accepted by people from Russia, since we were brought up with slightly different standards.

Family and marriage in Korea

Koreans generally marry late, trying to first reach a certain level in their career. Local girls are very picky when choosing a life partner, so many South Korean men bring wives from the CIS countries. This is motivated by the fact that our girls are less spoiled and enjoy doing housework.

By the way, women in Korea hardly cook; they mostly eat in cafes or take advantage of home delivery of ready-made food. And Koreans eat a lot and often. The greatest show of love and care is to feed a person. And if a guy decides to court a girl, he immediately starts feeding her all sorts of goodies.

Koreans themselves

Koreans, for the most part, are friendly people, but a little grumpy. At first, hearing the grumbling of, for example, a taxi driver, I wanted to respond with some harsh word.

But as I learned more about the mentality and language of this people, I began to understand that this is just some kind of peculiarity of speech and it’s not even worth being offended or angry about it.

Adaptation in Korea

The language is quite easy to learn; there are many borrowed words from English speech. Getting around Korea is not difficult, even with complete absence knowledge of the language. In the metro and large institutions, signs are duplicated in three languages ​​- Korean, English and Chinese.

The performers are preparing to perform on stage.

Anywhere, be it a bank or shopping mall, hospital or city hall, everything is aimed at human convenience. The toilets deserve special praise. They are available in all buildings for free use. If you need to visit the toilet, you can go into any room and there will be clean and comfortable stalls on each floor. And all this is absolutely free.

The main type of meat is pork; beef is 3-7 times more expensive than pork, depending on the country of origin. Local kitchen very specific - after living for almost three years, I still haven’t gotten used to it. Koreans use large quantities red and black pepper, perhaps this explains the ubiquitous presence of toilets. 🙂

Strictly speaking, this girl is sharing what she doesn't like about Korea. But overall, I liked the story. To be honest, I have no idea how Koreans live. Precisely in the south, not in the DPRK.

What I don't like about Korea

1. No buckwheat. I'm not a big fan, but you unconsciously start to miss her. I found it only in the Russian quarter near the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park station. Of course, it’s overpriced, but if you want it, you can buy it. Red caviar too ;)

2. No place to swim. The rivers are dirty, the sea is dirty, swimming is prohibited everywhere. Everyone swims only in the pool:`(In the summer it was 33 degrees during the day, 28 at night... In Tver I would go to the quarries in the evening, in Moscow - to Serbor, but here - what? Nothing:(((You can jump into the Khan River and breaststroke running away across the river from the police. Well, as an option.

3. You can’t go to barbecues. In general, lighting a fire in the forest is strictly prohibited. There is only one camping spot, but it is heavily booked in advance and sells out within seconds of opening a reservation. There are special houses that you can rent and where you can have a barbecue in a specially designated space, but this is not the same at all :(

4. Skydiving is terribly expensive. In Russia, this pleasure costs about 6,000 rubles, in Korea - about 500,000 won (at the current exchange rate - 23,000 rubles!). It’s also expensive to ride horses, so is surfing, and so is snowboarding. All that's left to do is go to karaoke and drink soju :(

5. I don't have my shoe size. In general, finding women's shoes larger than size 39 is unrealistic, unless you buy multisex: (Everyone tells me that somewhere in Itaewon you can find large shoes, but I didn’t succeed. Hopefully you will be more successful, fellow big-footers:)

6. There are a lot of markets in Korea with cheap, beautiful clothes, but you can’t try them on. It's annoying. Arrrrrr.

7. No one jogs on the street - only in gyms. It sucks:(And you have to pay for the gym. Closer to the middle of my stay in Korea, I found special running zones: along the rivers. In principle, it’s cool. There’s even a special base for running, so as not to seriously injure your knees.

8. Terribly stressful office work, which takes a lot of effort and time. How does this affect me? Just a couple of Korean friends - office workers, and sometimes it’s simply impossible to get them out somewhere, since they go to work at 6, and leave work at 12 at night. But they get a lot. In Russia, the average salary is 20,000 rubles. In Korea, the average salary is 2000 bucks...

9. Koreans drink very often, almost every day. And this applies not only to young people, but to everyone. Alcohol counts effective way stress relief. After work, going out for a drink with colleagues is a must. Everyone hates, but everyone goes. Because everyone wants a promotion. Well, on weekends with friends is also a nice thing. Going for a drink with a girl would be a good idea too :)

10. Expensive fruits. It is a fact. Heading to Korea? Take vitamins and ascorbic acid with you, and more of them.

11. In general, collect more medicines, hell, buy them at the pharmacy. I say, give me something to rinse my throat, and in response, just eat these pills after meals: (At the pharmacy you can’t choose what you want to buy, everyone has to take only what the pharmacist gives. So don’t be lazy, purchase medications in advance in Russia.

12. And about a painful topic. Although it’s easy to get to the hospital (you don’t have to have health insurance), doctors are usually very expensive:((By the way, another life hack. When you apply for an ID card at the immigration embassy (and I STRONGLY recommend that all students do this immediately upon arrival, so as not to carry you are abroad everywhere and so that your length of stay in Korea accumulates), you will be asked either for medical insurance or, if you don’t have it, for a health check.

And if you are in Seoul immigration, don’t be lazy, find out the way to the nearest hospital - it’s very cheap there. About 500 won (yes, exactly two zeros). You need a photo there too! And there you can immediately get a health check for part-time work in food places for 1,500 won. About the path: you leave the doors of the immigration office, go straight through the gate outside to the road.

Turn right, cross the road, and still go straight. By right hand There will be a park from you (the walk is about 10 minutes, don’t be alarmed that it doesn’t end quickly). Cross the road again and in front of you is a certain complex of buildings. Turn right in front of it, reach the end and turn left. And look for hospital signs. You'll figure it out later.

By the way, when you create an ID, immediately ask me to write down what documents you will need to renew it (these documents are 10 times more than just creating an ID) - then you will thank me. Opening an ID card costs 30,000, renewal costs 60,000. This ID card is called an alien registration card. It is a visa type, that is, you do not need to go to Russia to renew your visa every time if you study in Korea for a long time.

To establish an ID, you will need to take a document confirming payment for your studies and enrolling you in it, a foreign passport, 30,000, and another 10,000 - take a photo with a photo machine at the immigration office and make photocopies of your passport. When you take the photo, be sure to keep your hair back so it doesn't cover your ears. Plus you will need to fill out an application form. That seems to be it... Although check with your friends.

I don’t remember whether the establishment needed, or was it for renewal, a document-agreement for renting an apartment in Seoul. And to renew, you will also need a Korean bank account and (required!) a certificate of academic performance for the previous semester from the university. You can also call the immigration office and find out everything in more detail. :) Well, or ride a few times, like everyone else does))))

Well, I’ll continue the list :)

13. If you decide to sunbathe, for example, by the river, or just somewhere on the lawn in the park, as is often done in Moscow, people will start pointing at you and maybe even take pictures. Nobody sunbathes here. Koreans have a cult of white skin. They even swim in shorts and T-shirts (both girls and boys).

14. A little about the sore point. There are few trash cans around -_- And if there are, you always have to think where to throw the garbage - because they divide everything into plastic, glass, etc.

15. Girls do not wear things with open breasts. For them it’s... well, like for us gypsies feeding bare chested their children on the train. They turn a blind eye to foreigners, but if you have more or less an Asian appearance, then get ready for all the Korean grandparents you meet to come up to you and scold you :) But this does not stop Korean women from wearing super-short skirts and shorts;) so there is some compensation)))

16. Still average height a Korean person is lower than a Russian person. This does not mean that there are no tall people, but there are fewer of them and most of them are tall guys, girls are short.

17. In the clubs in Hongdae, guys turn into some kind of animals, trying to squeeze girls for whatever it takes. In general, this point is negative for me, but, as they say, whoever likes what;) For ladies, it’s better not to look at the Korean club near Hongig University - go to the club in Gangnam or Itaewon.

18. You can’t really ride a bike around the city - there are mountains everywhere. No, not hills - MOUNTAINS. If you have ever been to Ufa and walked up the hill from the railway station, then you will understand what I mean. So, the whole city is covered in such slopes!

19. Male Koreans are strange creatures. Usually they will not talk about the problem face to face, but will simply run away. What happened to my friend - she went on a date to the cinema with a Korean guy, everything was fine, we laughed, ate popcorn, after the movie we went to the toilet, she comes out, waits, but the guy is not there. I waited 40 minutes. He ran away and then didn’t even let anyone know about himself. But he’s alive, he changes his ava in cocoa stream :) That’s how to say it shining example. There are many more examples. For example, a friend of a friend was dating a guy, and after a month he simply disappeared. Apparently not wanting to explain the breakup. Well, they don’t like unpleasant conversations, so what can we take from them...

20. There is no cheese in Korea. There is only a melted type in squares... No, of course, you can find it in supermarkets... But it will cost its weight in gold. Cheese lovers - take it with you from Russia :) And there is no kefir either :(

21. Bicycles are super expensive. Even the principle “well, I’ll buy the cheapest one” won’t work. Advice: torture your Korean friends who have an ownerless bike.

22. I generally like the Korean mentality. Except for the mentality in study and work. Instead of using their time as efficiently as possible: rest-work-rest-work, they work constantly. They are in constant stress and do not give themselves a second to stop. Everything is built on the principle of cramming and monotonous work. Hence depression and suicide, already recognized as a national problem.

On this cheerful note I end.

P.S. In general, of course, it’s difficult to compare with America. By the way, there are quite a lot of Koreans in the USA. I already wrote somewhere that they are friendly, persistent, persistent and very peaceful guys.

Why am I writing this? If you can't escape to the US, there are other options. Korea is not the worst, especially if you have Asian appearance and origin. Join in!

South Korea - beautiful country with the richest cultural heritage. Today, the centuries-old wisdom of Taoism coexists with innovation. And, despite their love for the Western way of life, its inhabitants have retained many customs that are incomprehensible to us.

10 facts about South Korea: interesting and downright strange

Once Upon a Time in Boston consulting group called it one of the most promising in the field of innovation. Agree, not bad for a state that has been on the world stage since 1948. It is curious that with such results the country does not lose its “interesting” traditions.

1. Alcohol. An interesting fact about South Korea is related to drinking alcohol - for them it is a fairly important part of the culture, helping to get to know each other better. Therefore, at least once a week, residents of the country always get together with friends to have a glass. Such gatherings even have their own name - hoesik. However, when it comes to alcoholic beverages, there are rules. For example, if the person pouring the drink is older, then you should hold the glass with both hands.
2. Red ink. Each society has its own superstitions: if Europeans bypass black cats, then residents of the Land of Morning Freshness hate red ink. They believe that a name written in this color will bring misfortune and even death to its owner. This unusual fact about South Korea is associated with ancient tradition. Previously, the name of the deceased was written in red on the tombstone, believing that this would scare away demons.

   

3. Proper handshake. When Bill Gates met with President Park Geun-hye, the country's residents were shocked by the American's behavior and gesture. The fact is that during the handshake, Bill's hand was in his pocket, which is unacceptable. Good manners and respect for the traditions of another country, despite the financial status, have always been held in high esteem. Therefore, if you encounter a Korean older than you, do it with both hands.

   

4. Education. Students and schoolchildren in Korea are very smart. According to statistics, 93% of students graduate from university, which puts the quality of education in the country second in the world. What is this connected with? Thanks to private institutions (hagwons), children have the opportunity to study many subjects, ranging from mathematics to belly dancing or taekwondo. On average, the country's parents spend up to $17 billion a year on their children's education. But this technique also has its drawbacks. Firstly, only rich families can afford education, while the poor are content with little. Secondly, classes at hagwons are held in the afternoon, which means that children attend school twice and come home tired.
   

   

5. Which is better: Japan or Korea? If there are many examples of friendly rivalry in the world (Australia - New Zealand) or warlike (India - Pakistan), then these Asian countries are the “golden mean”. Even if they don't point nuclear weapons at each other, relations between them are always tense. This fact about South Korea and Japan is due to the fact that in the past the latter had a bad habit of infiltrating the territory of the former. Decades later, the situation has, of course, changed, but Koreans believe that the Japanese have still not officially apologized.
   

   

6. Discussions about skirts. It's strange to see so many bare legs in a conservative country. But miniskirts are the norm in South Korea. Even a business woman can wear business meeting an outfit that barely covers the butt, and no one will regard this as vulgarity.

   

7. An amusement park with a toilet theme. There are many strange attractions in the world, but this place in South Korea literally outdoes them all. A park with an "interesting" theme located in the city of Suwanee has been opened in honor of the beloved ex-mayor, nicknamed Mr. Toilet. The official was obsessed with sanitation and his main goal was to provide the population with good toilets and teach them how to properly maintain them.

   

8. Plastic surgery. Everyone wants to be beautiful, especially South Koreans. According to the results of a survey conducted back in 2009, every fifth woman in the country has gone under the knife. Basically the requests are the same: V-shaped chin, small nose and big eyes.

   

9. Bullfights. No, we are not talking about a red rag or a bullfighter. Cattle Fight in Korea Ranchers are constantly on the lookout for good "fighters." More often they choose massive ones, with a thick neck and long horns. The fight ends when one bull leaves the arena. The winner receives money prize, and the loser goes to drown his sorrows in rice wine.

   

10. Terminator jellyfish. Perhaps the most interesting fact about South Korea, more reminiscent of a science fiction film script. The oceans are teeming with jellyfish, so a group of scientists created a robot specifically to combat them. Due to the invasion of marine animals, the country lost 300 million dollars, and in Sweden it was necessary to close a nuclear power plant. In this regard, the Koreans have created and are actively using terminator jellyfish that destroy real ones. Now the robot is capable of exterminating up to 900 kg of marine animals, but soon, according to scientists, the figure will reach 2000 kg.

    

Traditions and customs

House - sacred place Therefore, special attention is paid to cleanliness, where dirt and especially disorder are completely unacceptable. It is customary to be indoors without shoes (barefoot) or, in extreme cases, in socks. If in summer period usually does not cause discomfort, then in winter additional heating is required. Therefore, when building houses they use modern technologies in the form of a heated floor.

Another interesting fact and custom of South Korea is associated with the ceremony of remembrance of ancestors - Chere. According to Korean belief, the soul does not leave immediately, but remains with the descendants for another 4 generations. Therefore, the deceased is also considered a family member, and New Year, Thanksgiving Day and Death Anniversary, the Chere ceremony is performed. Koreans also sincerely believe that if their ancestors bless them, then life will be happy.

The next interesting fact about South Korea is related to gestures. When you call someone over, raise your hand, palm down, and wave, moving your fingers. Never make this gesture with your palm up, much less index finger- only dogs are called that way in the country.

Facts that prove South Korea is beyond our understanding

Residents of the country are especially careful about oral hygiene, since dental services are very expensive. It is customary here to brush your teeth after every meal, and you can often find a brush in your handbag. In addition, in the restrooms of some establishments there is always a free disposable device for brushing teeth.

The next interesting fact about South Korea and Koreans is based on statistics. Many residents are myopic, so they wear glasses or contacts since childhood. This fact gives the impression that they are all born with poor eyesight. But that's not true. As mentioned earlier, Koreans are very smart and spend most of their time studying, immersed in their favorite gadgets. It is worth noting that not everyone is concerned about the disease. For example, Lim Dong Hyun (two-time Olympic champion) sees only 20% of normal. But the irony is that a man is participating in an archery competition!

Korean cosmetics have long captivated Western and domestic fashionistas, but here everyone uses it, regardless of gender or age. Korean women carefully monitor appearance hair and skin, so they buy an incredible amount of products. They never go out without makeup. Young Koreans also care about their appearance. It is almost impossible to see a man with a sloppy or disheveled hairstyle on the street.

Contrary to popular belief, few people in South Korea have tried dog meat. Moreover, a movement to abandon the traditional dish is gaining popularity in the state. There was widespread support from young people who had been brought up to treat animals as friends. By the way, government policy also does not encourage the consumption of dog meat.

Now about In any city in the world, there are cafes, bars and restaurants at every turn, but the speed of service in Korea is simply amazing. The order is delivered literally within 10 minutes, and some establishments even send delivery people again to pick it up dirty dishes. Here, instead of the usual “How are you?” They will ask you, “Did you eat well?”, and skipping any meal for a Korean is akin to a sin.

Let's talk about sexual touching. If in Europe two men holding hands are considered representatives of the LGBT movement, then in Korea everything is different. Society is extremely disapproving of a couple of opposite sexes demonstrating feelings in public. But playing with hair or sitting on a friend's lap is quite acceptable for men.

Korea is the cradle of eSports. At the beginning of the 2000s, computer Star game Craft has become a real cult. Esports players are real stars. Thousands of fans come to meet them, and stadiums with large screens. And this, in turn, is another interesting fact about South Korea: computer game- a real sport for which players spend many sleepless nights training.

And a few words about compulsory military service. According to the law, every Korean must undergo 21 months of military training. This iron rule complied with regardless of social status resident. Only those who are incompetent and those who defend the honor of the country can excuse themselves. international arena. For example, from military service Footballers Ki Sun-young (Swansea) and Park Ji-sung (Manchester United) were released.

Start of a relationship

If in Russia and in many other countries first love is most often met at school, then in the Land of Morning Freshness this is more difficult. An interesting fact about life in South Korea is that for every child, school always comes first. And if hyperactive children manage to start relationships at school, then for the rest there is simply no time for amorous affairs - from 9 to 5 classes, then electives, tutors, classes... When to fall in love?

But when you enter university, everything changes. Studying is not so hard, so many students live for their own pleasure: on Fridays they get together with a group and drink soju, join hobby groups and clubs. Exactly this best time, because after graduation almost all of them long years will work from morning until late evening.

That's why romantic relationship for young Koreans, it is during their university years that they begin.

What then

Continuing the story, here are a few facts about South Korea related to further development:

1. The first date is already the beginning of the relationship, and after the meeting ends, the guy and the girl “officially” become a couple. In addition, she always comes to the meeting with an older friend in order to look advantageous against her background.
2. After a while, "witnesses" are not needed and lovers can walk around holding hands, but kissing and hugging in public is inappropriate in Korea.
3. Another trend for couples is the same style. The phenomenon is called Couple Look - clothing stores make good money from it.
4. An important date for lovers is the hundredth day from the date of their meeting. Girls expect from guys not flowers and sweets, but designer jewelry, clothes, cosmetics, shoes, and bags. According to one Korean blogger, a gift costs an average of $800.
5. To move on to a closer relationship, the couple must date for at least a year.

Family matters

It's time to learn the facts about relationships in South Korea.

Home warms hearts, and every person should have a family. The opinion of the oldest family member is dominant. Create new family Not a single South Korean will dare without the consent of the older generation and parental blessing. Of course, now freedom of action is much wider, but neither a boy nor a girl can do without the guidance of a mother and father. Excessive parental control, on the contrary, is welcome.

The main priorities are inextricably linked with the family hearth. Previously, several generations of relatives lived together in traditional small houses. But times are changing, and they have been replaced by spacious apartments. The only thing that has remained unchanged is the statutory rules.

When meeting parents, names are not mentioned - only “mom” and “dad”. This treatment is connected with another interesting fact about South Korea. According to the sign, the meaning of the name, having heavy weight, influences fate, making a person more vulnerable. Therefore, residents of the Asian country rarely give their names.

Family relationships in South Korea have always been characterized by mutual respect and understanding. Despite the fact that a woman has the same rights as a man, the responsibilities between spouses are clearly delineated.

The wife is responsible for coziness and comfort, keeps the hearth, resolves disagreements, and the man, being the head, ensures the existence of the family. However, despite his authority, he never interferes in home improvement issues and conflict resolution. Even in the most difficult situation, the husband always remains on the sidelines.

About children

Another interesting fact about South Korea is related to the birth of a child. Since the country has a unique calendar, the baby is born at the age of one. This is due to the fact that the child spends 9 months (almost a year) in the mother’s womb. But that's not all. On the first New Year (January 1), another one is added to the baby. Thus, the children here are as much as 2 years older than their actual age.

To combat discrimination, the government passed a law according to which both son and daughter are considered equal heirs, therefore the attitude towards the gender of the child is neutral. But Confucian traditions were still preserved. According to this, special attention is paid to the eldest.

The world of show business

For many years the country was famous for its "slave contracts". This fact about South Korea is related to the popular mainstream K-pop. For example, a former member of the group Super Junior said in 2009 that the owners of SM Entertainment did not allow him to go on sick leave when he was diagnosed with gastritis and kidney problems.

And that's not the only one similar case. Major labels justify their actions by saying that if a young performer really wants to become popular, he must overcome all difficulties - sleep no more than 4 hours a day, not start a relationship while the contract is valid, not go on sick leave, and much more.

Bad number "4"

An interesting fact about South Korea, based on superstition. Residents have a “special” attitude towards the four. The problem is that the transcription of the number 4 is consonant with the word death.

Superstition has reached the point that in buildings after the third floor there is immediately a fifth. It's not even in hospitals. Agree, few Koreans would want to be treated on a floor called “death,” especially if the disease is dangerous.

In some elevators the "4" button is replaced with English letter F (four). However, in everyday speech the number four sounds without exception.

Let's go back to the past

And finally, I would like to give a few historical facts about South Korea:

1. “Taehan Minguk” 대한 민국 - this is what the residents call the country, but most often the abbreviation Hanguk, and sometimes Namhan, is used in conversation.
2. The word "Korea" comes from the name of the state "Koryo", which existed in 918-1392.
3. The history of North and South Korea began in 1945, when the Soviet-American agreement was signed. According to the agreement, the first came under the jurisdiction of the USSR, and the second - the United States.
4. Although it lasted until 1953, there was no official announcement of the end of hostilities.
5. The older generation of Koreans does not like the Japanese, since the colonization policy of the Land of the Rising Sun has not yet been forgotten.

What do you know about South Korea, except that it is the birthplace of PSY, who gave the world the unforgettable “GangnamStyle” - the most viewed video in YouTube history?

We have studied the notes of those who went to live there, and are now ready to tell you about the features of life in the Land of Morning Freshness.

South Korea

"Love" for foreigners

At first, people of European appearance in South Korea considered themselves almost Hollywood stars. They literally bask in attention local residents. Koreans are quite friendly towards foreigners.

But only those foreigners who have lived in the country for more than a year or two understand: there is practically no sincerity in this “love”. Koreans are ready to call anyone they talk to for more than 5 minutes a friend. But real friendship rarely found here. People smile, however, this smile is nothing more than a mask.

Despite all the ostentatious cordiality, Koreans remain very closed people. And it is impossible to know what they are really thinking about. It is fashionable to have a foreigner friend - that is why many Koreans are so enthusiastic about communicating with Europeans.

But is this the friendship that every person needs?

On the other hand, if you have just arrived in the country, then such (even feigned) good nature is much better than outright hostility. Therefore, rejoice in sunny smiles, but do not hide from them.

Nobody knows what "personal space" is

A Korean resident sees nothing wrong with standing very close to you in the elevator and chewing gum loudly at the same time. And on public transport he is unlikely to “keep his distance”, even if the bus is half empty.

It's hard to remain individual

There is no bet on personality here. A cohesive (even if mediocre) team is more valuable than a mass of disunited individuals. Koreans have gotten used to this state of affairs since school:

If the whole class does not know the correct answer to the teacher’s question, then it is better for one wise guy to remain silent so as not to seem like an upstart.

If it starts to rain somewhere in Seoul, everyone immediately runs to buy cheap umbrellas. If you suddenly decide not to bother and take a walk in the warm spring rain, they will look at you with suspicion: “What kind of rebel is this?!”

In the same company, people will dress approximately the same. Even among friends it is not customary to stand out. So if you are a fan of everything extraordinary and hate feeling like part of the gray mass, it will be difficult for you in Korea.

The older the better

Perhaps one of the first questions you'll hear in Korea will be about your age. There is a cult of respect for elders here. Moreover, even a minimal difference in years between interlocutors matters. Geminis are also divided into older and younger!

Here's an example from one blogger. In their company, the entire department goes to lunch together. Ordinary employees only pretend to study the menu, but in fact they always take the same thing that their boss chooses. He sometimes asks the opinion of his youngest subordinate (not by position, but by age):

she always lowers her eyes to the floor and says that she doesn’t know how to make such a difficult choice.

The elders can afford whatever their heart desires: slurping at the table, talking with their mouths full, and spitting at the feet of others. And this will be considered quite decent.

No one says directly what they want

The average Korean resident will never directly say what they need from you. He will beat around the bush, express himself allegorically. But if you don’t understand his thirty-three hints, the Korean will be sincerely offended:

How is it that he’s been crucifying himself in front of you for an hour, and you’re not able to understand the most basic thing?!

This also works in reverse side. If you need to ask a local for something, try not to speak directly. Try to express yourself figuratively. This is a sign of good upbringing.

But if you nevertheless voiced a request, there is a very high probability that it will be fulfilled. For example, you could walk into a police station and ask to visit their restroom.

One of the LiveJournal users talked about how he asked the police for directions, and they promptly drove him to his destination.

One of the traditions of South Korea is eating with family, sitting at a miniature table on small legs, of course, on the floor. Photo: peopleandcountries.com

Please also take into account the following nuance: Koreans do not like to publicly express their point of view. It is easier for them to agree with the words of the speaker. But when he leaves, people will throw out all their indignation.

Study, study and study again

A creative person is unlikely to appreciate the Korean education system. There, the educational process is based on thoughtless memorization, leaving no room for flights of imagination.

During final exams, panic begins in the country: parents pray in churches, asking higher power help the kids get the highest scores, while the children frantically try to memorize everything.

Universities have a cult of learning. Many libraries are open 24 hours a day, allowing students to study their textbooks until dawn. However, in Korea there is a chance to make a career without any relatives and acquaintances: if you study diligently, you can then get a job Good work and quickly move up the career ladder.

College student

Decent salary

The standard of living in South Korea is quite high. Here you can really not only work, but also earn money. But if you are seriously thinking about moving to Korea for permanent residence, keep in mind:

This country has the shortest holidays in the world. According to the law, the employee is entitled 10 days of vacation per year, but in practice people usually take no more than 3 days.

The average South Korean works 2357 hours per year(for comparison: in Denmark, citizens work on average 1,391 hours a year), and he has no more than 15 minutes a week to communicate with children. Koreans have 11 public holidays a year.

Hiring in South Korea

Journalists from Forbes magazine asked Koreans about their authoritarian corporate culture. They admitted: if you go home at 6 pm, the boss will definitely notice, which means that you can forget about a salary increase or promotion for a long time.

And if you become insolent and take a month’s vacation at least once, you can be sure that when you return to work, you will see a different person at your desk.

The Republic of Korea is one of the most economically developed countries. The per capita income level is incredibly high, which forces many Russians to look for high-paying jobs there. South Korea is the world's largest manufacturer of ships. Cars from Korea, which are distinguished by their enviable quality, beauty and reliability, are extremely popular today.

Evening view of lights and fountains on a bridge in Seoul

Many tourists note that life in the southern Republic cannot be called cheap. Food prices, high taxes - everything seems not only expensive, but very expensive to the average Russian who goes on a trip here. On average, prices in this country are slightly higher than Chinese, but lower than Japanese.

If we talk about comparison, the prices here can be compared with the cost of current goods in Southern Europe.

Road traffic in Seoul

There is an opinion that it was high prices that played a negative role in underdeveloped tourism. Thus, Russian tourists note that life here should be incredibly economical - this is the only way to see the main natural and historical attractions and fully enjoy their vacation.

So, in 2018-2019, the life of a tourist in this southern country will cost approximately 2.8 thousand rubles per day. The only good news is that .

Cost of products

But residents of large Russian cities, such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, life in this southern republic seems very acceptable.
Thus, in South Korea in 2019, food prices are as follows:

1. Milk (1 liter) - 8-124 rubles.
2. Bread (1 loaf) - 110-130 rubles.
3. Eggs (12 pieces) - 132-162 rubles.
4. Cheese (1 kilogram) - 700-850 rubles.
5. Potatoes - 102-135 rubles.
6. Oranges - 120-148 rubles.
7. Apples - 164-203 rubles.

Increase in Korea's GDP compared to other countries

This is practically a cult: when choosing what to save on - food or clothing, the average Korean citizen will prefer the first. It justifies itself, and on average salary It's a sin to complain. In addition to external data, connections and recommendations play an important role. Owner large company will prefer to a person from the street someone for whom the citizens of his country can vouch.

Under no circumstances should you respond to offers to work illegally on a tourist visa. This is fraught not only with constant delays in payment wages, but also serious problems with the state authorities. In 2019, both highly qualified specialists and those who are not super-professionals in a particular industry will be able to.

Vacancies for professionals

The following vacancies are relevant in 2019:

Requirements for applicants are standard. First of all, the specialist must have certain experience. He also undertakes to provide the employer with proof of his qualifications. Equally important is excellent knowledge of spoken, written and technical language. in English. Well, if the applicant speaks Korean, then his chances increase noticeably.

Jobs for non-professionals

Also in 2019, as before, work is relevant for those who cannot confirm their qualifications.

The most popular in 2019 are:

• working in a factory;
• farm work (with accommodation);
• work at a construction site.

Also in South Korea, someone who is ready to fulfill seasonal work.

Salary level

The average South Korean salary in 2017 is approximately 3,350 USD. e. per month or $40,000 per year.

Shoe factory in South Korea

According to local residents, this is a low salary, since for a decent living in the capital and other major cities, a person needs at least five thousand dollars a month.

It is important to know

There is a lot in the mentality of the people of South Korea that surprises and amazes not only Europeans, but also Russians who are accustomed to everything. But the fact that there is no pension in this prosperous country is very difficult for a Russian person to understand.

But from the point of view of Koreans, there is nothing strange here. These are hardworking people, accustomed to work. When a person becomes incapacitated, he simply switches to providing for his children.

Features of the tax system

The tax system is based on the separation of all types.
Taxes collected in South Korea are divided into 2 groups:

1. Local.
2. National.

Today, national taxes are 80.2 percent. Local taxes are no more than 19.8 percent. Taxes on income and added value of the population are considered to be the real “heavyweights”. At the end of last year, the issue of introducing ten percent taxes on certain types of cosmetic procedures was seriously considered. The proceeds were planned to be used to solve acute social problems.

In 2019, there are taxes on breast augmentation, facelifts and three other popular cosmetic procedures.

Similar taxes in Russian Federation not observed yet.