Culture Shocks in Korea: What I Wish I’d Known

1. If you see a stroller, it’s more likely that there’s a dog inside than a kid

2. Cigarettes. Everywhere.

Also the spitting on the streets from said cigarettes.

3. You can leave your belongings unattended

You can leave your jacket, computer, and wallet while you go to the bathroom, and it will still be there when you come back.

4. Students use iPad/computer stands while studying

Much better for posture; I have been influenced.

5. Korean toilets are weaker

Most bathrooms ask that you put your used toilet paper in a separate wastebasket.

If you flush too much toilet paper, I cannot guarantee that you will be able to flush it.

6. Most Koreans dry their hands with toilet paper

Even if there is a hand dryer, they will most often use toilet paper to dry their hands after washing.

7. Everything is a little sweet

Garlic bread is glazed with sugar, coffee in Korea is sweeter and milder, and most recipes (even savory ones) have a little bit of sugar in them. Koreans like sweet things.

8. Koreans don’t really bake

Korean food is traditionally boiled, braised, etc., so most Korean homes don’t have ovens.

Toaster ovens are widely available and serve as a good alternative for baking small items.

9. People slurp their noodles to show appreciation

It is a loud sound. It is also a skill.

10. There are no trash cans on the street

11. MBTI is huge

I have also been sucked into MBTI.

12. Cars do not care about pedestrians

As soon as the walking sign turns red, the stoplight for the waiting cars turns green immediately—so you better run or you will be run over.
The time between the yellow and red light is much shorter in Korea than in the US.

13. Koreans do not jaywalk

Even when there are no cars, if the pedestrian light is red, Koreans don’t cross.

14. Koreans don’t say "bless you" after a sneeze

I always feel so awkward afterwards. I still say "bless you" out of habit, but sometimes it catches people off guard.