Shahd Alhamdan Saudi Gazette Many people do not know a lot about South Korea, while others assume that South Korea is a country like any other Asian country. Saudi Gazette is providing it readers with 14 facts about South Koreans and their culture. South Koreans are always smiling, so if you did not say hi to them they will smile when they see you. Koreans say ‘hi' only once a day and if they see the same person during the day the only thing that they will do is smile. The second fact that you should know about South Koreans is that for them family comes first and they are similar in this point to the Chinese. South Koreans at any age always help their parents and obey them. Respecting elders is part of their culture, so if you were for example eating dinner with an elder person do not start eating before he or she does. Do not physically contact older people since it is inappropriate to them. Do not put your hand on the head or shoulder of an old person, yet the elder may do so. If you made an appointment with a South Korean and you are late for several hours, then expect the person waiting. They are committed to their words and promises. South Koreans are keen of prettying their faces and having healthy skin. Therefore, expect over three or four beauty shops in one small street. Another fact about South Korea is that the country is at the top of the list in countries where plastic surgery takes place. Many people do nose jobs in Korea. Despite finding women wearing short dresses, short sleeves or shorts are not culturally acceptable. You will rarely find a woman with short sleeves since conservative clothing is part of the norm. Yet, the new generation is more relaxed in this point when compared to the older generation. The people of this country focus on being efficient and appreciate time. They are always in a hurry and do everything quickly, even eating and entertaining in a rush. Young Koreans love singing and so expect a large number of Karaoke bars in South Korea's cites. Some old South Koreans believe that everything in this life has a bad soul and a good soul, even the things that do not move. One citizen in her 30s called Charla said: “I bought a new car and was excited to drive it but when I opened the door there was a woeful smell. I noticed that my dad put a fish in the car before I drive so the bad soul of the car would disappear. I don't believe in that but my dad does.” Most of their food is made with garlic, so if you are a garlic person you will enjoy their food. They also enjoy fish and seafood. Do not put your hands on someone's shoulders if you are not good friends or a family member because it is not appropriate. When it comes to drinking tea, the older generation has a special way to prepare the tea for their guests and the guest should drink tea in three rounds while eating Korean sweet rice or any other Korean sweet. Like other Asians, Koreans take or give you tangible things with their both hands.
