Colors of Seoul - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

You may be surprised to notice that almost all the Koreans around you are very light-skinned in Seoul, even in the height of summer. The secret is simple – a tan is considered a sign of low social status in South Korea. It is normally only for the working class. Local residents use any tool to combat sunburn. These are sunscreens, umbrellas on a hot day, and whitewash. You should not be surprised if you see a typical European woman instead of a model with a predictable Asian appearance on billboards. Light skin, light hair, and blue eyes are considered incredibly beautiful here. In general, everything American and European is highly valued here.

The locals are friendly to foreigners. Any Korean will help you to find the way. If he has free time, he will even take you to the right place, cover you with his umbrella from the rain or sun, and try to help in a difficult situation. If you speak English well, then local residents will not miss the chance to communicate with you, hoping to improve their knowledge of this language.

Citizens of Seoul do not like to be photographed. However, they can make a couple of shots. They can also take pictures of foreigner who seems beautiful to them. The fact is that an attractive appearance but not a high intellectual level is the key to success in South Korea. It is quite normal to give child plastic surgery for adulthood here. Many local girls and boys adjust their shapes and facial features more than once or twice during their lives. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Effort is also valued more than intelligence here. Employees do not have vacations at all in Seoul. Local residents can take a few days off in August. Local schoolchildren also have a difficult life. Education is valued in Korea. However, it is not easy to enter Seoul University. Higher education is expensive here. It's not easy to get a free education here. Therefore, teenagers study until late at night. There is a saying among high school students: "Who sleeps more than four hours – does not enter the University."

Industriousness of Koreans is a consequence of Confucianism. It is firmly rooted in the mentality of local residents. Almost a third part of Seoul's residents profess Christianity in one or another form. However, traditional teachings permeate the entire life of citizens at the same time. Local residents have great respect for their elders and for people with higher social status. For example, the last decision will always be for the oldest in the company of teenagers. The son is dependent on the father, the employee – on the boss, the schoolboy – on the teacher. This is an immutable truth. Younger children are not allowed to address their elders by name. They can only say "big brother/sister". An appeal to a supervisor or teacher always contains the word "mister". Seoul residents have a lot of respect for teachers. Only the head of the city can dismiss them from their position. Keep in mind giving up space in transport to an older person means pointing out his inferiority. The last three seats on the sides of the wagon are intended for old people in the subway. Seats at the door are destined for pregnant women.

Requirements are lower for foreigners here. They should follow the local laws and respect the customs of the citizens. Everything will be fine in this case. However, do not be surprised if the locals will try to find out your age and marital status when communicating. This is how the interlocutor determines your social status. An unmarried guy will not be considered a full adult in Seoul. It is also worth considering that local residents add one more year to their real age. This is because the time spent in the mother's womb is also included in the overall age.

New Year is celebrated twice here. The first time residents celebrate the European New Year. They celebrate it quietly, modestly, and together with family members. The second time Seoul residents celebrate the New Year according to the lunar calendar. These are two weeks of festivities, carnival processions, and theatrical performances that penetrate all corners of Seoul. It is considered that both living and dead relatives gather at the table. Families exchange gifts. Younger members of the family congratulate their elders in the traditional manner. You can also get acquainted with the local culture during the Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival. The Hi Seoul Festival is also interesting. It takes place throughout the city, introducing guests to the traditions and customs of Koreans. The Seoul Motor Show takes place in July. You can see and hear the Seoul International Fireworks Festival in the city in October.