Questions & Answers
Category:Culture
The country’s official name, Korea, dates back to the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392); when Goryeo came to be known to the West as Coree. To this day, French- and Spanish-speaking nations use the original name. Some nationalists content that the Japanese government changed the spelling to the current “Korea” so that Japan precedes Korea in any alphabetical country listings.
Koreans called themselves Joseonin, or Joseon people, until the mid 1940's. In 1945, Korea became the Republic of Korea, known in Korean as Dae Han Min Guk, which means the democratic nation of the Great Han.
Some nationalists began using 'C' rather than 'K' in the spelling of the country's name and have been advocating that the official spelling in English be changed to 'Corea'.
K4E Editor: Korea4Expats.com tries to ensure that the information we provide is accurate and complete, so should you notice any errors or omissions in the content above please contact us at info@korea4expats.com.
- My students keep asking me if I've had lunch or breakfast. Are they inviting me to eat with them?
- I've received some gifts I can't use for Chuseok. What should I do?
- Why is there no 4th Floor button in many elevators?
- Why are we not supposed to write people's names in red ink?
- What does 'Arirang' mean?
- What is the main religion in Korea?
- Is Korean 'shamanism' similar to that of North American Indians?
- What is Chuseok?
- What is the rule of thumb about gift-giving for Chuseok?
- What kind of gift is appropriate at Chuseok?
- I've been told that I'm expected to give one month's salary each to my Korean driver and maid for Chuseok and Lunar New Year? Is that correct?
- Why is November 11th called Pepero Day in Korea?
- Is fortune telling popular in Korea?
- I've been asked, in a social conversation, what my blood type is. Why is that?
- I've seen Korea written as Corea in some documents. Which is the correct spelling?
- What is a cultural property? And what is the difference between a tangible and intagible cultural property?
- Why do some Koreans hang fish in homes, stores, etc? Is it related ot the wooden fish hanging in temples?
- I've read about people feeling insulted if a Korean uses 'nopinmal' with Koreans but 'banmal' with them. What's the difference between the two?
- I've heard that the 14th day of the month is a special 'love' day. What does that mean?
- Do Koreans celebrate Valentine's Day?
- Why do Korean talk about Korean age and Western age?
- Why does South Korea have such a high Christian population for a country that was not colonized by Western powers?
Children/Families
Food Eating
General Info
- Where can I get weather information?
- Is it true that everyone should have a business card in Korea? I'm not working, do I need to have one also?
- What is the difference between a 'gu' and a 'dong'?
- What is a yogwan?
- What is the difference between a 'hogwan' and a 'yogwan'?
- I hear people chanting Dae Han Min Guk a lot. What does it mean?
- Is it true that tattoos are illegal in Korea?
- We hear a lot about how much Koreans spend on education. How much is spent on public education in Korea?
Government Regs
Health
Networking/Socialising
Security
Teaching in Korea
-
Banks and Finance Services
KEB Expat Banking Services at Korea Exchange Banks in Seoul-Busan-Incheon-Ulsan -
Shopping, Food, Clothing, New and Used Stuff, etc.
Persian Carpets, Imported Oriental Rugs, Itaewon, Seoul -
Shopping, Food, Clothing, New and Used Stuff, etc.
Audace Lingerie, European Brands & Sizes, Gangnam, Seoul -
Restaurants, Coffee Shops, etc.
Suji's Restaurant, American-style Food - Brunch, Itaewon, Seoul -
Schools Nursery to University
KONIS, English Montessori School, Pyeoungchang-dong, Seoul -
Restaurants, Coffee Shops, etc.
Usmania Restaurant, Pakistan Cuisine, Itaewon, Seoul -
Language and Culture (translation, orientations, classes, etc)
Diane's Easy Korean Lessons and Culture Tours, Seoul and Long-Distance Learning -
Accounting/Bookkeeping services
Taxes For Expats - Online Tax Accountants for US, UK, Canada Taxes
Last Posts On Forums
The convention showcases the local tattoo scene.
An opportunity to meet the Editor-in-Chief of Dow Jones and Managing Editor of The Wall Street Journal.
The dates of the HaeBangChon Festival have changed to 25-26 May.
Performances by Earth, Wind & Fire, George Benson, Al Di Meola, Eric Benet, Ledisi, Leessang and many more! Free Ticket draw 11 May.
