BY FITRI JAMARI
KPOP music lovers, dramas, or Korean variety shows that often watch their idols must have wondered about the culture in Korea, which is considered different from ours and most other countries. Those cultures don't just form immediately, there must be a reason why they do it. Well, here are 8 things that asked often from Korean lovers.
1. Why is the age system in Korea different from international age?
In Korea, newborns are considered to be one year old. This is because, they count nine months of pregnancy as part of the first year of one's life.
In addition, every turn of the year, Koreans will add one year of their age even though the actual birthday is still far away. This is what makes Korean age can differ one or two years from international age.
2. Why are there levels of speech in Korean?
Age not only affects the way Koreans interact, but also how they talk to each other. At least there are three levels of speech in Korea, namely formal, polite, and informal. When talking to older people, higher positions or new people, they are required to use formal language.
Below the formal level, which is polite, is used if they talk to someone who is familiar but not close friends or colleagues when not in the work environment. Whereas informal language is used when talking to younger people, siblings, or close friends.
The example for the basic word mianhada which means "sorry" can be three forms namely mianhamnida (formal), mianhaeyo (polite), mianhae (informal). Talking informally to someone older will be considered insulting and disrespectful, guys!!!
3. Why do Koreans like to ask personal questions?
Personal questions such as, "How old are you?", "Are you married yet?", Maybe in most other countries it will be considered inappropriate to ask.
Personal questions such as, "How old are you?", "Are you married yet?", Maybe in most other countries it will be considered inappropriate to ask.
However, not in Korea. In this country, questions like that are not meant but only as jokes. But they need to know that so they can determine the level of their talk to the person so that all interactions remain smooth and are not considered impolite for using the language level incorrectly.
4. Why do Koreans bow when they meet someone?
The culture of bowing in Korea is intended as respect. Usually they do it when saying thank you, apologizing, greeting when meeting or going to separate ways. Like languages that have levels, bending also has a level.
If those who often watch variety shows or Korean dramas must have seen them perform poses like prostration, now that is a bent pose to show the highest respect and is only used for very formal events, for example in Chinese New Year.
Bending poses that are commonly done everyday only bend a little or up to 45 degrees.
5. Why do Korean men have to take part in military service?
Tensions between South Korea and North Korea since the outbreak of the 1950-1953 Korean war made the military a must in this country. Adult men aged 18-35 years are required to sacrifice 21-24 months of time to serve the country. Delays can be made with reasonable reasons, such as college, raising children, families that are sick and must be taken care of, and so on.
On May 29, 2018, the Korean government amended the law relating to military service. Now, anyone aged 28 years and over can no longer delay the conscription except for medical reasons. In addition, anyone aged 25 to 27 years must get permission if they will travel abroad.
6. Why is blood type so important in Korea?
Koreans believe that with blood type, they can see a person's personality and character, similar to the zodiac in astrology. They also use blood type to determine which spouse will suit them. Sometimes KPOPers also know about his idol's blood type to know more about his idol's personality.
7. Why do Koreans really like drinking alcohol?
It cannot be denied, the demands of work in South Korea make workers in this country also have high stress levels. Drinking alcohol is one way to vent it and is considered the fastest solution to forget fatigue.
Koreans also usually celebrate happiness by drinking with colleagues. Alcohol is also commonly provided at funeral homes when there is death as a treat for the mourning guests. Because of its habits, South Korea is the country with the highest alcohol consumption in the world, you know.
8. Why do many Koreans use face masks?
In western countries, face masks are very rarely used other than in hospitals or used by people who are sick. In Korea, face mask is commonly used in public spaces.
As in Indonesia, they usually use masks to avoid dust and sunlight that can damage the face, even they make it as a fashion accessory.
Many Idol and Korean actors also wear masks to cover their face bare face or even to cover up their identities in public spaces.
Well, there are 8 things that often make Korean lovers. Hopefully it can answer all your curiosity.
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