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9 Surprising Facts about South Korea

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  1. Age reckoning system

    South Korea has a unique age reckoning system: In South Korea, everyone is considered to be one year old at birth, and then they gain another year on the Korean New Year. This means that someone born in December could be two years old just a few weeks later when the new year begins.

  2. Largest indoor theme park

    South Korea is home to the largest indoor theme park in the world: Lotte World in Seoul is the largest indoor theme park in the world, covering over 3.3 million square feet. The park has a variety of attractions, including roller coasters, water rides, and a giant aquarium.

  3. Garlic is a staple in Korean cuisine

    South Koreans eat more garlic per capita than any other country: Garlic is a staple in Korean cuisine, and South Koreans consume an average of 20 pounds of garlic per person each year. The pungent herb is used in a variety of dishes, including kimchi, soups, and stir-fries.

  4. Fastest internet speeds in the world

    South Korea has the fastest internet speeds in the world: South Korea is known for its advanced technology, and its internet speeds are no exception. In 2020, South Korea was ranked first in the world for average internet download speed, at an impressive 121 Mbps and averaging around 28.6 Mbps.

  5. Theme park dedicated to toilets

    South Korea has a theme park dedicated to toilets: Yes, you read that correctly. The “Mr. Toilet House” in Suwon, South Korea is a museum and theme park dedicated to the history and culture of toilets and sanitation. It was built in honor of the late Sim Jae-duck, a former mayor of Suwon who was also known as the “Mr. Toilet” for his efforts to improve sanitation in the country.

  6. Plastic surgery capital of the world

    South Korea is the plastic surgery capital of the world: South Korea has the highest rate of plastic surgery per capita in the world, with one in every three women in their 20s having undergone some form of cosmetic procedure. The most popular surgeries include double eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, and jawline reduction.

  7. Highest suicide rate

    South Korea has the highest suicide rate among developed countries: Despite its reputation as a prosperous and developed country, South Korea has a shockingly high suicide rate. The suicide rate is highest among elderly men, but there has also been a rise in suicides among young people due to the pressure to succeed in a highly competitive society.

  8. Mandatory military service

    South Korea has a mandatory military service requirement: All able-bodied South Korean men between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to complete two years of military service. Women are also allowed to serve, but it is not mandatory.

  9. Largest indoor waterpark

    South Korea is home to the world’s largest indoor waterpark: The Ocean World waterpark in Gangwon Province, South Korea is the largest indoor waterpark in the world, covering an area of 131,000 square meters. It features numerous water rides, slides, and attractions, as well as an aquarium and a spa.