Travel the World - Week 37

This is the 37th week in my Travel the World personal challenge. Each week I am randomly choosing one country (there are 195 countries in the world) and doing a little research on that country. I then select one tidbit of information about the country as inspiration for the card I make.

This week's country is...

South Korea

South Korea has only existed since 1945, after it became independent from Japan.

South Korea is roughly the size of England or Portugal and about ⅓ of the size of Germany. South Korea is seven times smaller than Texas.

There are approximately 3,000 islands in South Korea.

Seoul is the country's capital and largest city. A quarter of South Korea's population live in Seoul and the surrounding area. 

The people of Seoul are some of the most sleep-deprived in the world, clocking under 6 hours per night.

Online shopping and banking in South Korea must be done through Internet Explorer. This is a law.

Being a teacher is one of the most prestigious and well-paying jobs in South Korea.

South Korea hosts a Mud Festival every summer. The festival started as a commercial stunt to sell cosmetic products containing mud from the area.

There is a public holiday every fourteenth of the month.

South Korea is famous for its cherry blossom.

At least 20% of the population is named Kim. Lee and Park are another two common names.

60% of South Korean families use professionals to find a name for their babies.

South Koreans believe that a person is one year old at birth, since they spent almost one year in their mother’s womb.

In South Korea they write a name with red ink if the person is deceased or dying.

While makeup is becoming more popular among men worldwide, I think it’s safe to say that South Korean men are way ahead when it comes to makeup. At least 20% say that they use makeup on a daily basis.

Incheon International Airport was named the world’s best for the 12th year running at last year’s Airport Service Quality Awards. Why? The gardens, free showers and sauna probably helped. 

Cheomseongdae Observatory, the world’s first astronomical lab, is located in South Korea. It was constructed in the mid-600s.

It is common to force criminals to recreate their crime for the press, who are allowed to take photos and make a video.

Forty-six percent of South Koreans say they are not religious.

It is not uncommon for a South Korean to ask, “Have you eaten well?” instead of “How are you?”

Approximately 90% of the world’s seaweed used for consumption (think sushi) comes from South Korea.

South Korea is known as the world’s capital of plastic surgery.

I decided to let this South Korea fact be the inspiration for this week's card... When taking a photo, South Koreans say “kimchi” instead of “cheese".

Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Stamp Set: Unity Moments Between Moments stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink and colored with Copic Markers

Papers: Recollections Black and 110# White and SU Cherry Cobbler CS and DP from my scrap file

Embellishments: SU Brads