🏡5 Little Korean Habits That Still Surprise Me (In a Good Way!)

 I’ve lived in Korea most of my life, but every now and then, I still notice small cultural habits that make me smile. Whether it’s a friendly gesture from a stranger or a quirky convenience you won’t find elsewhere, Korea always finds a way to surprise me in the most ordinary moments. Let me share 5 of those little things with you today.

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1️⃣ No-Tip Culture (And It Feels Great)

source: pexels

Tipping just isn’t a thing in Korea — not at restaurants, not for delivery, not even at hair salons. The price you see is the price you pay. Coming from a global perspective, this still feels refreshingly straightforward.

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2️⃣ Heated Floors Are Life (Ondol 💡)

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A traditional Korean room with ondol flooring — the ultimate winter comfort.

I don’t think I’ll ever stop appreciating Korea’s traditional heating system, ondol. There’s something about waking up to warm floors on a winter morning that still feels like a small luxury.

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3️⃣ Convenience Stores Are Actually… Convenient

                                                            source: pexels

Korean convenience stores live up to the name. You can pay bills, grab a warm meal, recharge your transportation card, and even buy socks — all in one stop. They’re open 24/7 and often feel like a lifesaver.

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4️⃣ Elevator Buttons for Every Floor (Even B1, B2, B3…)

                                             source: pexels

This might sound small, but Korean elevators often include basement levels for parking, recycling, and even small shops. It’s a reminder of how every bit of space is used efficiently.

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5️⃣  Korean Kids Buy Their Own Snacks — Even in Elementary School!

                                                      source:unsplash

A variety of snacks and candies often found in convenience stores across Asia — many Korean kids enjoy picking these up after school.

One thing that still surprises many visitors is how young kids in Korea often stop by convenience stores on their own after school. It’s totally normal to see second or third graders walking with friends, choosing their favorite snacks, and paying by themselves — no parents in sight!
In many Western countries, especially in the U.S., kids that young typically don’t go shopping alone. It’s either due to safety concerns or because stores aren’t easily walkable from home or school.
But in Korea, walkable neighborhoods and a strong sense of public safety allow young kids to enjoy a bit of independence — and a sweet treat or two!

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