Bhavika Choudhary, ’28, is a Computer Science major studying at Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) this Fall 2024.
Moving to a new country comes with its share of surprises, and South Korea has certainly kept me on my toes during my first month here. When I first arrived in South Korea as an exchange student, I was ready for culture shocks—things like bowing, Olive Young stores on every corner, complicated garbage disposal procedures. I thought months of intensive googling of ‘culture shocks in Korea’ had prepared me. But what surprised me most were the subtle everyday habits that seemed normal to my Korean friends but left me puzzled enough to ask questions. Here are a few curious observations I made during my first month, and the interesting answers I got!
1. Why do people brush their teeth in public restrooms?
It wasn’t unusual for me to see students brushing their teeth in public restrooms, especially at the library. At first, I thought it was just a one-off, but after noticing it happening frequently, I asked a Korean friend about it.
It turns out that many Koreans follow the 3-3-3 brushing rule. This method recommends brushing your teeth three times a day, within three minutes after eating, for at least three minutes. Given how often students study and eat at the library, it’s only natural that they’d want to freshen up afterward. Portable toothbrush kits are a must-have!
2. What are the blue things sticking out of car doors?
One day, I saw these bright blue sponges hanging out of car doors and couldn’t figure out why they were there. Were they decorations? A parking trick? Once I started noticing them, I saw them on lots of cars, every day!
After asking around, I learned that these blue sponges are used as door guards. They protect cars from getting scratched or dented when parked in tight spaces, especially during transport. It’s a practical solution to prevent minor damage before cars are officially sold or used.
3. Why are there mirrors at the entrances of so many buildings?
Something that really stood out to me was the frequent placement of mirrors at the entrances of buildings, including restaurants, cafés, and even classrooms. I didn’t expect mirrors to be such a common feature in public spaces.
When I asked my Korean friends about it, they explained that checking your appearance before entering a space is considered part of maintaining a neat and polished image, which is valued in Korean culture. The mirrors are there to give you one last glance before stepping into a new environment, whether for work, a social event, or even just a quick errand.
4. Why are there so few trash cans in public places?
Something I noticed early on was the lack of public trash cans. Coming from the U.S., where there’s a bin on almost every corner, this was confusing. Why was it so hard to find a place to toss my trash?
After talking to my friends, I found out that Korea has strict waste disposal regulations, and people are encouraged to take their trash home or dispose of it at designated areas. This also helps prevent littering and promotes cleanliness. The government has been reducing the number of public trash cans as part of this initiative, so it’s common to carry your trash with you until you can dispose of it properly.
5. Why do people elongate the last syllable of their words when speaking?
I had taken Korean I at Drexel, so I was familiar with some basic grammar and vocabulary. But what surprised me when I arrived in Korea was the way people speak in everyday conversation—specifically, how they elongate the last syllable of words. This was something I hadn’t picked up on during my Korean classes.
When I finally asked my friends about it, they laughed and told me that this is a common way of adding emphasis or casual friendliness to a conversation. Stretching out the final syllable of a word can make the tone sound softer or more playful. They were surprised I hadn’t noticed it earlier, but since I hadn’t watched many K-dramas, I wasn’t familiar with the conversational quirks I’m now hearing all around me.
These small but fascinating questions helped me better understand the cultural nuances that weren’t covered in my pre-departure research. Each discovery has been an opportunity to learn more about Korean habits, and it’s made my exchange experience even more engaging. Whether it’s the 3-3-3 brushing method or the subtleties of Korean speech, I’m grateful for the chance to adapt and thrive in this new environment. Stay tuned for more of my observations as I continue my journey in South Korea!
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