Blog Entry XII - Curiosities and Discoveries.

Ten interesting curiosities that seem common place here in Korea

See the helicopter pads
on the sky scraper roofs?

Travelling to Korea has been an eye-opening adventure.  Here are just a few of the very interesting discoveries we've made. aae
1. Most apartment towers have large helicopter landing pads to facilitate escape in case of an attack from North Korea.   In Seoul, just 55 km from the border, apartment towers in strategic areas are also armed with anti-aircraft guns.

As a result of a business scam, these guns were, until recently, just duds.   Thankfully, not even the North Koreans were aware.  


Every 6 months or so, the country comes to a halt in order to have an air raid drill.

2. The Demale Society is alive and well here. Trendy young Korean men today try to appear effeminate. In the schools, boys are not adverse to using glitter, mascara, concealer, and even finger nail polish. 
Even jocks and bullies go to great lengths to make themselves pretty.

3. Plastic surgery is in. Enlarging the eyes and removing the calf muscles seem to be the latest craze. Rising living standards allow ever-growing numbers of men and women to get the rounder eyes, whiter skin and higher nose bridges, all which define beauty in Korea these days.

4. The number “4″ is extremely unlucky.

5. In keeping with centuries-old Korean tradition, indoor heating is done through the floors. A recent switch hot water instead of the ever-popular heated coals under the dwelling has led to a major decline in house fires.

6. The Korean society is one of the most homogenous in the world. This said, xenophobia is alive and well.

7. Koreans are genuinely honest and trustworthy...the crime rate is extremely low. Even in the darkest alleys, and there are many, there is no stranger-danger.

8. Thanks to the teachings of Confucianism, Koreans honour their elders. In the home, generally the senior member is still considered to be the wisest, and apt to make the important decisions.

How many cute puppies can you count behind this 

Buddhist symbol of peace.

9. About 50% of Korea's population is atheist while the other 50% is split between forms of Buddhism and Christianity.

10. “Hale Buddha!”. The swastika adorns all Buddhist temples. Disquieting as this might be to a Westerner, the swastika is the Buddhist symbol for peace and harmony. 

It is even common to see the symbol displayed on houses and places of business for good luck.

Bonus: If you're under 30 in Korea, video-gaming is quite probably an obsession.