Beyond K-pop: Uncommon Cultural Facts About South Korea

South Korea has always been the life of the party since the rise of Hallyu and K-pop, but what truly sets Koreans apart from the rest of the Asians?

A lot of cultural nuances in Asian culture are similar to one another. But there are specific facts that you can only see once you start strolling down the streets of the land of the morning calm.

Here are the five uncommon cultural facts about South Korea that will compel you to book a trip for 2025.

LOVE MOTELS ARE THE HOTSHOT HOTELS IN SOUTH KOREA:

The first unusual fact about South Korea is that love motels aren’t considered taboo like most Asian or Western cultures. Yes, you read it right LOVE MOTELS!

Known for its signature red and blue lighting, over-friendly receptionists, unprecedented themes, and options that let you book rooms by hour or for an entire night.

Hotels in Korea — Picture Credits: Flickr

These hotels are primarily designed for short-term stays and casual hookups. But Koreans also book them to plan pleasant date nights, spend time with their partners, or if a group of friends is too drunk to return home after a soju party. This culture is widespread among students living in dorms or couples who live with their parents. The South Korean hospitality industry provides a wide range of budget-friendly to luxurious packages from basic to kinky. These motels are often booked in advance for their high demand.

SOUTH KOREA HAS A SOFT CORNER FOR INDIAN FOODS

Korean soft power is not the only thing winning hearts around the world Indian cuisines like Punjabi, Mughlai, and Kashmiri are also captivating the hearts of Koreans as more and more Indian chefs are hired to work at newly launched Indian restaurants in South Korea. At present, there are around 200 Indian chefs who work at Indian restaurants in Korea, among which most of them are North Indians.

THE ISLAND THAT TALKS ABOUT SEX

In Jeju, there is an outdoor sculpture park for couples and individuals over 18 years of age that showcases large stone statues of female and male genitals along with 140 sculptures of humans in various sex positions.

The entire park is themed around sexual intercourse and plays sex education films to educate visitors on safe sex. It also has other elements like stone-made human hands exhibiting a complete masturbation cycle and hotels where employees perform as ice-breakers between couples by offering them entertainment programs featuring erotic elements to help newlyweds relax.

Love Land Jeju — Picture Credits: Flickr

Even though interactive sculptures can be spotted throughout the Love Land to keep visitors entertained. Molkas, Voyeurism, and depictions of obvious sexual crimes like looking under the skirt of a girl or peeking inside a girl’s toilet are strictly prohibited.

THE UNCANNY SPA ITEMS

When it comes to Korean beauty, the world is already bewitched by the country’s obsession with a small face, almond eyes, a high bridge nose, and a V-jawline. But do you know, it’s not only the high-end products or the famed 10-step skincare routine that help Koreans attain their ethereal beauty. Koreans love spas and bathhouses and chances are you can even spot a spa for an entry of 8 dollars for 24 hours tucked away in the basement of slightly sketchy shopping centers too.

However, among the nature-infused spa items, the three most bizarre spa items that have often captured the attention of travelers are face-slapping, which is believed to improve the circulation of blood and firmness of your skin. Gangnam Style Horse Fat massage, which is designed to moisturize and rejuvenate your skin, and placenta massages which are best to be skipped. Beyond Jjimjilbangs, the hammam rooms and saunas also provide single-sex clothes-off spaces for a complete reset.

THE MECCA OF ESPORTS

One of the most exciting facts about South Korea is that PC rooms (PC bangs) or game zones can be spotted in every nook and corner of the city. Equipped with high-end PCs, cutting-edge technologies, the latest gadgets, and huge air-conditioned rooms, it offers new and professional gamers an exclusive space to connect and compete. You can also catch an eSports event on Gwangalli Beach in Busan but tread carefully as Koreans are globally renowned as some of the best eSports players in the world.

mlg champion — Picture Credits: Wikimedia Commons

What are some of your favorite uncommon facts about South Korea? Let us know in the comment section below, and do not forget to stay tuned for more updates.

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Hello Annyeonghaseyo!

Please tell me that you read the above greeting with the energy of GOT 7 Jackson Wang.

Jackson wang meme — Picture Credits: Wikimedia Commons

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Also Read: Building Bridges Through Culture: A message from our Founder