Get Prepared, You Might Get Shocked in Korea

Korea has some interesting cultures that might be quite shocking if you don’t know in advance.

When you are traveling to another country, there might be a unique and specific culture that you have never imagined.

1. A Cashier or a Server Might Sign a Receipt For You

In Korea, people have to sign a debit/credit card receipt(or an electronic signature pad) over 50,000 won. Normally, a cardholder would sign with their “personal signature.” But many Koreans are too tired to write down a full signature. They would just scribble anything on the pad. If you visit a very busy restaurant at lunch/dinner time, a cashier or a server might just sign for you.

2. Cars Before People

We know that cars must always watch for people, but in Korea, cars sometimes can be quite aggressive. If you are waiting to cross a street that doesn’t have a traffic light, you really have to watch out for cars. There’s a possibility that cars would step on the gas instead of stepping on the brake. Also, when you are walking on an alley and happen to be on the way, cars might honk at you to step aside.

WHY?

Do you remember Korea’s “Pali-pali (hurry-hurry)” culture, indicating Koreans’ fast-paced mentality? Koreans want to get things done ASAP. After eating, Koreans simply want to go outside as fast as possible. When driving, Koreans just want to go to their destination as fast as possible. This “fast” culture may be the reason a cashier signing other’s receipt and cars running super fast.

3. Koreans Like Black and White Cars

Get ready to see a lot of monotonous (black, white, silver, gray, etc.) cars in Korea! It seems like white and black are the two colors that Koreans favor the most when picking a car.

WHY?

Koreans care about “convenience” very much. In other words, they want a car that’s easy and safe to take care of. And monotonous colors are easiest when you talk about “taking care of.” Some Koreans who don’t want to stand out from the crowd also choose these monotonous colors that are very plain and normal.

Question :

“What are some cultural traits that we might get shocked in your country?”