대한민국 RPG

South Korea's rural areas are primarily small villages, mountainous regions, and agricultural zones. They are known for their natural scenery, traditional houses, and tranquility.

Some of the most famous rural places are:

Andong Hahoe Folk Village: A traditional village with hanok houses and ancient customs.

Boseong: Famous for its large green tea plantations.

Jeju Island: In addition to its cities, it has rural areas with farms, fields and volcanic landscapes.

Gangwon Province: Notable for its mountains, forests, rivers and small towns.

Hadong: Known for its tea fields and natural landscapes.

🌾 What are rural areas like?

There are rice fields, orchards, and farms.

Many homes are traditional Korean houses (hanok) or modern one- or two-story houses.

They are surrounded by mountains, forests and rivers.

The atmosphere is peaceful and there is less traffic than in big cities.

The inhabitants usually work in agriculture, fishing or livestock farming.

Rural areas showcase a more traditional side of South Korea and preserve many customs that have been passed down from generation to generation.

In South Korea, cell phones are very modern and internet access is very fast. The most popular brands are Samsung and Apple, although other brands are also used.

Some characteristics of cell phones in South Korea are:

📱 They have very fast mobile networks (5G is very widespread).

💳 They are used to pay in stores, take public transport and make online purchases.

💬 Apps like KakaoTalk are very popular for sending messages and making calls.

Why do they always make noise?

If you're referring to the camera sound when taking a photo, on many phones sold in South Korea, that sound can't be easily disabled. This is because manufacturers implement this feature to help prevent people from taking photos of others without their knowledge.

If you're referring to notification sounds, many people in South Korea leave ringtones and message tones enabled, although it's also common to put your phone on vibrate mode, especially at work, school, or on public transport.

So the sound that attracts the most attention on Korean cell phones is usually the camera click, which is normally kept on for privacy reasons.

In South Korea, dining etiquette is an important part of the culture. Here are some of the most common rules and customs:

🙇 Wait for the oldest person: Do not start eating until the oldest person begins.

🪑 Sit with good posture: It is polite to sit up straight and eat calmly.

🍚 Don't stick your chopsticks in the rice: It's considered disrespectful because it's reminiscent of funeral rituals.

🥢 Don't point at people with chopsticks or play with them.

🍽️ Use the spoon for rice and soup, and the chopsticks for other foods.

🥩 Share the dishes: It is common for several people to share the food placed in the center of the table.

🥤 Serve drinks with both hands, especially if they are for an elderly or higher-ranking person.

🙏 Receive food or drink with both hands when offered by an older person.

📱 Avoid using your mobile phone while eating, especially at family or formal gatherings.

😊 Eat calmly and respectfully, without making gestures that may bother others.

These customs show respect for the people with whom the food is shared and are part of traditional South Korean etiquette.

Shops and food establishments in South Korea are very diverse. You can find everything from small street stalls to modern restaurants.

🍜 Restaurants

They are usually clean and tidy.

Many have tables with grills for cooking meat (Korean barbecue).

Some use touchscreens to place orders.

It is common to share several dishes among all the diners.

🥟 Street food stalls

They are known as pojangmacha (포장마차).

They sell food such as:

Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).

Odeng o eomuk (fish cake skewers).

Hotteok (sweet filled pancakes).

Gimbap.

Ramyeon.

🛒 Convenience stores

Stores like CU, GS25, 7-Eleven and Emart24 sell:

Prepared meals.

Sandwiches and kimbap.

Instant noodles.

Drinks, coffee and desserts.

Many have a microwave and an area where you can sit down to eat.

☕ Cafeterias

South Korea has a huge number of cafes. In addition to coffee, they offer:

Teas.

Cakes.

Breads.

Hot and cold drinks.

Cafes usually have a quiet atmosphere and modern decor, so many people go there to study, work, or meet with friends.

South Korea has many popular shopping malls and stores. Some of the best known are:

🏬 Shopping centers

Starfield COEX Mall

The Hyundai Seoul

Lotte World Mall

Times Square Mall

IFC Mall

🛍️ Department stores

Lotte Department Store

Shinsegae Department Store

Hyundai Department Store

🏪 Popular stores

CU

GS25

7-Eleven

Emart24

Olive Young (beauty and personal care products)

Daiso Korea (household items, stationery and more)

In addition, South Korea has famous shopping streets, such as Myeong-dong, where you can find clothing, cosmetics, restaurants, and souvenir shops. It's one of the most popular shopping destinations for tourists.

In general, South Koreans tend to treat visitors from other countries with respect and courtesy. However, as is the case anywhere in the world, everyone has a different personality.

Some common attitudes are:

😊 They are usually kind and polite to tourists.

🙇 It is common to greet with a slight bow or a handshake in formal situations.

🗣️ Many young people and people who work in tourist areas speak some English and try to help visitors.

🚇 On public transport they are usually calm and respectful, maintaining a low tone of voice.

🤝 If a visitor respects the customs and rules of the country, they will usually receive the same respect.

📍 In tourist areas it is common to find people and services willing to guide travelers.

While some people may seem reserved at first, this is usually due to a more discreet nature and doesn't mean they are unfriendly. With time and trust, many people become more open and friendly.

🏠 How much do houses cost in South Korea?

Housing prices depend on the city and the area.

🏙️ In Seoul, an apartment can cost between 300 million and over 1 billion won (₩). In the most exclusive areas, the price can be much higher.

🏡 In smaller cities or areas far from the center, housing is usually cheaper.

In South Korea, it is very common to live in apartments rather than detached houses.

🗣️ What is the language of South Korea?

The official language is Korean (한국어, Hangugeo).

Its writing system is called Hangul (한글), an alphabet created in the 15th century by King Sejong the Great.

Some basic words in Korean are:

Hello: 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)

Thank you: 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)

Yes: 네 (Ne)

No: 아니요 (Aniyo)

Goodbye: 안녕히 가세요 (Annyeonghi gaseyo) or 안녕히 계세요 (Annyeonghi gyeseyo)

Hangul is considered one of the easiest alphabets to learn, as it is made up of letters that combine to create syllables.

South Korea does not have a TransMilenio bus rapid transit system like Bogotá. Instead, they use an extensive network of subways and city buses.

🚇 Subway stations

Subway stations are called 역 (Yeok), which means "station".

Some famous stations are:

Seoul Station (서울역, Seoul Yeok)

Gangnam Station (강남역, Gangnam Yeok)

Hongik University Station (홍대입구역, Hongdae-ipgu Yeok)

Myeong-dong Station (명동역, Myeong-dong Yeok)

Jamsil Station (잠실역, Jamsil Yeok)

🚌 Bus stops

The bus stops are called 버스 정류장 (Beoseu Jeongnyujang), which means "bus stop".

In South Korea there are:

🟢 Local buses.

🔵 Buses that connect different areas of the city.

🔴 Express buses for faster journeys.

🟡 Buses that arrive in nearby towns and cities.

Both the subway and buses are well signposted and known for being punctual, clean, and easy to use. Many stations and stops have signs in both Korean and English, making transportation easier for visitors.

South Korea has four well-defined seasons, each with a different climate and landscapes.

🌸 Spring (봄, Bom)

Months: March, April and May.

The climate is mild and pleasant.

Cherry trees, azaleas, and other flowers are in bloom.

It is one of the favorite seasons for strolling and festivals.

☀️ Summer (여름, Yeoreum)

Months: June, July and August.

It's hot and very humid.

July is usually the rainy season.

Many people visit the beaches and mountains to cool off.

🍁 Autumn (가을, Gaeul)

Months: September, October and November.

The climate is cool and dry.

The trees change color to shades of red, yellow, and orange.

It's a very popular time for hiking and enjoying the scenery.

❄️ Winter (겨울, Gyeoul)

Months: December, January and February.

It is very cold and in some regions it snows.

It is common to practice winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.

Cities are decorated with lights and festivals during the end-of-year holidays.

These four seasons give South Korea very varied landscapes and different activities throughout the year.

South Korean police officers are known for maintaining order and security. They generally act professionally, respectfully, and firmly when necessary.

Some characteristics of the South Korean police are:

👮 They are polite and respectful when dealing with citizens and tourists.

🚔 They patrol the streets, subway stations, parks and shopping areas to prevent crime.

🚦 They enforce the laws, such as traffic regulations, public order, and safety.

🧭 They help tourists, especially in the most visited areas. In some cities there is a tourist police force that can communicate in other languages.

🚨 They respond quickly to emergencies thanks to an efficient care system.

🤝 They usually guide people who need help finding directions or solving problems.

If a person breaks the law, the police can impose fines, conduct investigations, or make arrests when appropriate.

The emergency number to contact the police in South Korea is 112. In case of a medical or fire emergency, the number is 119.

In South Korea, education, respect, and courtesy are very important. Although everyone is different, here are some of the most common etiquettes and behaviors: 🙇 Social Tags When greeting someone, it's customary to give a slight bow. Shaking hands is also common among close friends. Older people are treated with great respect and more formal language is used. It is polite to give and receive objects with both hands, especially if it is an older person. Upon entering many traditional homes, one removes their shoes. 🍚 Table etiquette The oldest person is allowed to start eating first. Chopsticks are not stuck vertically into the rice, as this is associated with funeral ceremonies. It is polite to share dishes when the food is intended for sharing. When serving drinks, especially to older people, both hands are usually used. 🚇 In public places They speak in a low voice on the subway and buses. They line up in an orderly fashion to board the transport. They respect the seats reserved for the elderly, pregnant women and people with disabilities. 👔 How do Koreans usually behave? They are generally punctual and value arriving on time. They are usually kind and respectful, especially to strangers. They greatly value cleanliness and the care of public spaces. They are hard workers and tend to take their studies and work very seriously. In many situations they may seem reserved at first, but with confidence they tend to be more open and friendly. As in any country, not everyone acts the same. South Korea has a great diversity of personalities and customs, so these are general cultural trends and do not describe all South Koreans.

South Korea has laws and rules that help maintain order and show respect for others. Some of the most important are: 🚶 Respect traffic rules: Cross the street only when the pedestrian light is green and respect traffic signs. 🚭 No smoking in prohibited areas: Smoking is prohibited in many public places and fines may be imposed. 🚮 Do not litter: South Korea is a very clean country and people are expected to use the trash cans. 🚇 Keep quiet on public transport: Speak in a low voice and avoid making noise so as not to disturb others. 🪑 Give priority to reserved seats: On buses and subways there are seats designated for elderly people, pregnant women and people with disabilities. 🙇 Show respect to elders: It is common to bow slightly when greeting and to use respectful language with older people. 🍺 The legal age to consume alcohol and tobacco is 19 years old (according to the international age system used by South Korea). 🪪 Carry identification: Visitors must be able to identify themselves if requested by the authorities. 📵 Respect the rules of public places: In temples, museums and some public buildings, you should speak in a low voice and follow the instructions of the place. ⚖️ Obey the laws: South Korea applies sanctions and fines to those who break the rules, so it is important to respect the rules during a visit or stay in the country. In addition to these laws, South Korean society highly values ​​punctuality, courtesy, respect, and cleanliness, so these customs are part of daily life.

💴 South Korean Money The official currency of South Korea is the South Korean won, whose symbol is ₩ and its international code is KRW Imagine Your Korea The banknotes used are of: ₩1,000 ₩5,000 ₩10,000 ₩50,000 The most common coins are: ₩10 ₩50 ₩100 ₩500 Imagine Your Korea 🏪 What are convenience stores like in South Korea? Convenience stores are very popular and can be found in virtually every neighborhood. Many are open 24 hours a day. The best-known chains are: CU GS25 7-Eleven Emart24 In these stores you can buy: 🍙 Kimbap and prepared lunches. 🍜 Instant noodles (ramyeon). 🥤 Drinks, coffee and tea. 🍦 Ice cream and desserts. 🍫 Sweets and snacks. 🧴 Personal hygiene items. ☂️ Umbrellas and other everyday products. Many also feature: Microwave for heating food. Hot water for preparing instant noodles. Tables or bars for eating right there. Automated teller machines (ATMs) and other services, such as transport card top-ups. These stores are an important part of daily life in South Korea and are very convenient for both residents and tourists.

South Korean cuisine (Daehan Minguk) is very diverse and is characterized by the use of rice, vegetables, meats, seafood, and fermented foods. The flavors often combine spicy, salty, sweet, and umami. Some of the most famous dishes are: Kimchi (김치): Fermented napa cabbage or radish with chili, garlic, and other spices. It is the most traditional accompaniment. Bibimbap (비빔밥): Rice with vegetables, meat, egg and chili paste (gochujang), all mixed together before eating. Bulgogi (불고기): Beef marinated in soy sauce, garlic, sugar and sesame oil, cooked on the grill. Tteokbokki (떡볶이): Rice cakes cooked in a spicy and slightly sweet sauce. Kimbap (김밥): Rice rolls wrapped in seaweed with ingredients such as egg, vegetables, meat or tuna. Samgyeopsal (삼겹살): Table-roasted pork belly, eaten wrapped in lettuce leaves with garlic, sauce, and other accompaniments. In addition, Korean meals often include many small dishes called banchan (반찬), which include kimchi, vegetables, tofu, fish, and other side dishes. The most well-known traditional drinks are: Sikhye (식혜): Sweet rice drink. Bori-cha (보리차): Barley tea. Sujeonggwa (수정과): Cinnamon and dried persimmon drink.