“Korean Traditions You Didn’t See in Squid Game! 5 Surprising Korean Culture Facts”

Think You Know Korea from Squid Game? Here Are 5 Unique Things That Might Surprise You! (Part 2) 🇰🇷✨

“Korean Traditions and Squid Game Korea introduced the world to Korean culture, but there’s much more! From Korean Drinking Culture and Han River Chimaek to Ppalli Ppalli Culture, here are 5 surprising things about Korea you didn’t see!”

📌 Korea’s Drinking Culture – 1st, 2nd, 3rd Rounds, and Karaoke! 🍻🎤

💡 “In Korea, drinking doesn’t just happen in one place!”

One of the biggest surprises for foreigners in Korea is how drinking culture involves multiple rounds at different locations! Unlike in the U.S., where people often drink at a single bar or restaurant, a typical Korean night out consists of several rounds (차, “cha”)—each with a different vibe!

Whether it’s business gatherings, friends catching up, or celebrating a special occasion, drinking in Korea is more than just having a few beers—it’s a social ritual! Let’s break down what a classic Korean night out looks like.

✅ 1st Round (1차) – Dinner + Drinks 🍽️🍶

The night always starts with a proper meal—drinking on an empty stomach? Not in Korea!

✔ People gather at Korean BBQ restaurants, fried chicken places, or traditional eateries.
✔ Soju and beer (somaek, 소맥 = soju + beer) are the most common drinks.
✔ Business dinners and company gatherings usually begin here. Drinking with your boss? Expect to toast with soju!
✔ Drinking etiquette matters! Hold your glass with both hands when receiving a drink from elders or your boss.

✅ 2nd Round (2차) – Pubs, Izakayas, or Bars 🍻🍷

After finishing dinner, the group moves to a more relaxed setting to continue drinking.

✔ This could be a pub, an izakaya (Japanese-style bar), or a cocktail lounge.
✔ The atmosphere becomes more casual, and conversations deepen.
✔ If you’re with co-workers, this is where people start talking more openly, away from the formal work setting.
✔ You might try makgeolli (Korean rice wine) or different cocktails here.

✅ 3rd Round (3차) – Karaoke! 🎤🎶

Now that everyone is a little tipsy, it’s time for some noraebang (노래방, Korean karaoke room)!

✔ Unlike in the U.S., where people listen to live music at bars, in Korea, YOU take the mic and sing!
✔ Karaoke rooms have huge song selections, tambourines, and even disco lights for extra fun.
✔ Want to score well? Sing a trot song (Korean old-school pop) or a power ballad for extra cheers!

💡 Tip: Be careful when choosing a karaoke place!
Not all karaoke rooms are the same—here’s how to pick the right one:

✔ Noraeyeonseupjang (노래연습장) – A clean, family-friendly karaoke room with no alcohol.
✔ Noraebang (노래방) – A regular karaoke room, some serve alcohol.
✔ Coin Noraebang (코인 노래방) – Pay per song, great for solo singing or small groups!
✔ Noraejupjeom (노래주점) – A karaoke pub where adults can drink and sing in private rooms.
✔ Gamseongjupjeom (감성주점) – A trendy bar where young people drink, dance, and meet new people.

“For a safe and fun experience, go for ‘노래연습장’ or ‘코인 노래방’!”

📌 Hangover Cures in Korea – What Really Works? 🍹

💡 “What’s the best way to recover after a night of drinking?”

After all those rounds, you might wake up feeling the effects of the previous night. Don’t worry—Korea has some of the best hangover cures to help you recover fast!

✔ 1. PartySmart 🌿💊

A herbal jelly supplement that prevents hangovers before they start!
Take one before drinking, one during, and one after, and you’ll wake up feeling great.
Where to buy? Convenience stores, Olive Young, and pharmacies.

✔ 2. Chocolate Milk 🍫🥛

Helps restore lost electrolytes, proteins, and sugars to rehydrate your body.
Protects your stomach lining, easing nausea and indigestion.
Fun fact: Many Koreans grab chocolate milk after drinking!

✔ 3. Pear Juice (배즙) 🍐🧃

Contains asparagine, which helps the liver break down alcohol faster.
Reduces headaches and nausea when taken before or after drinking.
Found in convenience stores (look for 배즙 on the label)!

📌 Final Thoughts – Can You Handle a Full Korean Drinking Night? 😆
Korean drinking culture is all about socializing, bonding, and having fun. Whether it’s bar-hopping, singing at noraebang, or recovering with a hangover cure, drinking in Korea is an experience like no other.

🚀 Have you ever experienced a night out in Korea? Could you survive all 3 rounds?
💬 What’s the best hangover cure you’ve tried? Let’s chat in the comments! 😆💖

📌 2. Free & Clean Public Restrooms – No Payment Needed! 🚻✨

In the U.S., finding a clean and free public restroom can be difficult. Many places require you to buy something to use the bathroom, and gas station restrooms can be hit or miss.

🚽 But in Korea, public restrooms are free, easy to find, and well-maintained!

✔ Available in subway stations, parks, malls, and major streets.
✔ Equipped with toilet paper, hand soap, and sometimes even bidets!
✔ Regularly cleaned, especially in tourist areas.

“If you’re in Korea and need a restroom, there’s no need to buy a coffee first—just look for a public toilet sign, and you’re all set!” 😆

📌 3. Free Wi-Fi Everywhere – Korea is a Wi-Fi Heaven! 🌍📶

Korea is one of the most connected countries in the world, and finding free Wi-Fi is easier than finding a Starbucks!

📡 Where can you find free Wi-Fi in Korea?
✔ On subways, buses, and even in taxis! 🚇🚕
✔ At almost every café, restaurant, and convenience store.
✔ In public spaces like parks, shopping streets, and tourist attractions.

Unlike in the U.S., where public Wi-Fi can be slow or limited, Korea’s Wi-Fi is fast, stable, and widely available—making it a paradise for digital nomads, tourists, and social media addicts! 📱💨

📌 4. Ppalli Ppalli Culture – Everything Moves Fast! ⚡

Koreans love efficiency, and the “Ppalli Ppalli” (빨리빨리) culture means everything happens quickly and efficiently!

🚀 Examples of Korea’s Fast-Paced Culture:

✔ Food Delivery – Meals arrive in as fast as 30 minutes!
✔ Medical Services – Walk-in clinics provide fast check-ups, and prescriptions are filled in minutes.
✔ Public Transportation – Subways and buses run on precise schedules with minimal delays.
✔ Online Shopping – Order at night, receive your package the next morning!

“This fast-paced culture might be surprising at first, but once you experience the convenience, you’ll never want to go back!”

📌 5. Chimaek by the Han River – Drinking Outdoors is Legal! 🍗🍺

In many U.S. cities, drinking alcohol in public places is illegal. But in Korea, you can enjoy a beer and fried chicken (Chimaek, 치맥) outdoors, especially by the Han River!

🍗🍺 What makes Han River Chimaek special?

✔ Drinking in public is completely legal!
✔ Enjoy stunning night views of Seoul’s skyline & bridges.
✔ You can even order Chimaek to your picnic spot via food delivery apps!

Popular spots like Yeouido Hangang Park, Banpo Hangang Park, and Ttukseom Hangang Park are perfect for relaxing with friends, enjoying the cool breeze, and experiencing Korea’s chill nightlife culture.

Final Thoughts – What Surprises You the Most? 🤯
Korea’s unique culture and efficient lifestyle make it a fascinating place to visit. Whether it’s all-night drinking, fast-paced service, free Wi-Fi, or outdoor Chimaek, these cultural differences often shock first-time visitors!

🚀 Which of these surprised you the most? Have you ever experienced any of them? Let’s chat in the comments! 😆💬

“Curious about Part 1? Click here to discover more surprising things about Korea! 👉

“Want to explore more about Korea’s unique culture and travel destinations? Check out the official Visit Korea website for detailed guides and recommendations! 👉 Visit Korea”