What Do Koreans Want in Others?

Today, I’m ready to wrap up my story about South Korea. Sure, summarizing such a broad topic in a few days is tough. But it gives a chance to observe the local scene and chat with Korean enthusiasts you might know.

Did I mention that Koreans have a certain fascination with fair skin? Maybe due to historical beliefs where pale skin was linked to higher status and darker skin to commoners.

This is why they admire Hollywood stars and use various products to lighten their skin. You might see many subway passengers with nearly pale faces and slightly tanned necks.

Eyes are another area of fascination. Koreans often prefer double eyelids and may seek surgery to achieve this.

In fact, having double eyelids is almost a must for success in entertainment, business, or important roles, especially for women. According to Kaw (1993), *Medical Anthropology Quarterly*, cosmetic surgeries reshaping eyelid and facial features are often linked to internalized beauty ideals. Furthermore, these ideals associate certain features with higher social value.

Interestingly, Koreans consider blood type when assessing attractiveness. They don’t trust Western or Chinese horoscopes but believe in blood type.

According to Nawata (2014), *Japanese Journal of Psychology*, large-scale surveys in Japan and the US found no meaningful relationship between blood type and personality traits. Despite this, the theory remains culturally popular in East Asia.

What Do Koreans Believe About Blood Type and Personality?

I looked up some of these theories online. Here’s a brief summary:

• Group O: Energetic and competitive, with a love for challenges.
• Group A: Thoughtful, law-abiding, and sensitive.
• Group B: Pragmatic problem-solvers, striving for harmony.
• Group AB: A mix of sensitive and balanced traits, open to various aspects of life.

Oddly, blood type B is the least favored in Korea. Speaking of preferences, traditional customs dictate that the eldest son should care for his parents in old age.

According to Lee, Min and Han (2019), research on Korean parent-child dyads suggests that the strength of filial obligation is closely tied to relationship quality. In fact, this applies to both sides of the relationship. Hence, being the eldest son isn’t always seen as attractive, as it often means dealing with in-laws.

How Does Life Look in South Korea?

Western influence is clear with the rise of chain stores like Starbucks and McDonald’s, common in Seoul. However, Korean cuisine hasn’t won over European taste buds, though they frequent these chains for their morning coffee.

Thankfully, this admiration for the West doesn’t extend to clothing and cosmetics. Koreans prefer to create their own, often superior, versions.

You’ll likely find fewer specific items in a typical Korean’s purse compared to a European’s. This is because Koreans value functionality and versatility.

Local shops burst with colors and creativity, turning everyday items into art. It’s no wonder Korean women dress stylishly – they have many choices.

Regarding appearance, Koreans surprised me. They are taller than many other Asians and slim without being overly thin.

Women usually have a slim upper body and more prominent thighs. Men often tend toward being overweight, possibly due to the mandatory 2.5-year military service.

The climate is surprisingly similar to Poland’s, even though Korea is in a monsoon zone. Unlike some countries in the region, Korea has four distinct seasons, which is marketed as a local attraction. Sometimes we just need to appreciate what we have!

Politics isn’t as much of a national sport in Korea as it is in Poland. Few are deeply invested, and politicians don’t have much social influence. Perhaps it’s because Korean politicians lack the polished image we’re used to; parliamentary disputes occur with little drama.

What Are Korea’s Demographics, Religion, and Education Culture Like?

Korea is nearly ethnically homogeneous, with very few foreigners (99.9%). Religion isn’t dominated by one faith as in Poland.

Christians make up 35% of the population, and Buddhists account for around 20%. Atheists make up nearly 20%, with the remaining population belonging to smaller, often local, denominations.

Buddhism’s strong historical influence in Korea’s defense against invasions is highly respected. Compared to Korean monks, our priests seem modest. Korean monks drive nice cars, dine at upscale restaurants, stay in hotel-like temples, and have fewer responsibilities.

On the other hand, Korean youth face many responsibilities, similar to Japanese youth. Overwhelmed with duties, they often rebel and even commit suicide.

According to Park and Kim (2018), Korean adolescents cope with academic pressure through a mix of active leisure and positive reframing. They also sometimes rely on avoidance, which the authors note is less helpful. Korean parents dream of sending their child to a prestigious university.

And once achieved, the young adult compensates by partying hard. That’s why Korean students may seem lazy with chores.

What Are Korean Music and Cuisine Like?

Entertainment is where Koreans truly shine. Centuries of wars and invasions have shaped a character fully expressed in the entertainment industry, especially music.

They are a musical, singing, and dancing nation, showing it off in streets and clubs. However, the music industry is quite manufactured, with artists known for numerous suicide attempts, sadly many successful.

Korean cuisine favors spiciness to the point that ordering a dish in a restaurant might make your eyes water. Personally, I appreciate this aspect greatly.

Spicy food can awaken even the sleepiest palate and encourages drinking, which makes you eat less and stay full longer. It’s no wonder I lost a few pounds during my stay.

It might also be due to Korea’s dietary habits – less reliance on flour, bread. And sugary items, leading to fewer calories.

Their diet is quite healthy, centered around local remedies like kimchi, a spicy cabbage dish. Koreans believe kimchi can cure almost anything, and if not, ginseng and ginger will surely help.

Their thinking seems effective, as they are generally a healthy population. Hospitals are scarce, and society remains vibrant into old age.

What Is the Korean Mentality Like?

Overall, the Korean mentality surprised me. It’s more emotional and humane than I expected. They uphold traditional values and Eastern practices.

Sitting cross-legged at low tables, eating with chopsticks. And bowing to each other may seem trivial, but there’s much to learn from them. 

I’ve already started adopting some Korean habits, like reducing bread for rice and using chopsticks more often. This experience was truly enlightening, leaving me optimistic and reaffirming that Warsaw isn’t the center of the world. As the Red Hot Chili Peppers sing, ‘life is beautiful around the world.’