1. Amazing Baseball Pitches
Who said baseball has to be boring? Korea is well known for having the most awesome opening ceremonial pitches in the world! One prime example for this was at a baseball game between the Doosan Bears and the Samsung Lions. The South Korean gymnast, Shin Soo-Ji, threw a pitch that would soon gain global recognition. Maintaining a perfect balance of control and elegance, Shin wound up and performed a 360 degree flip before throwing the most beautiful pitch in the history of baseball.
2. Instant Ramen
Instant ramen, (actually pronounced ra-myun), is one of Korea's favorites foods. Instant ramen has made its way around the globe, turning into a favorite by many. Its appeal? It's simplicity and affordability. Originating from China and eventually making its way into Japan and Korea, the ramen industry is becoming recognized worldwide. While the Japanese style of ramen combines the flavors of a large number of ingredients and requires intricate preparations, the Korean style of instant ramen noodles took on the form of a quick "on-the-go food." Instant ramen is now seen everywhere and there is a reason behind it. For some delicious noodle-slurping action, all you need is some hot water.
3. The "Nerds"
While they may be considered "nerds" or even "losers" in some parts of the world, these so called nerds have achieved superstar status in South Korea. Considered athletes, the rise of these professional gamers are the byproduct of Korea's extensive broadband network providing unparalleled internet speeds, which ranks number 1 in the world.
Taking advantage of their countries strengths, the Koreans bred a new type of celebrity one that takes the spotlight in front of a computer screen playing games such as Starcraft and League of Legends. Dominating the esports scene year after year, the Koreans have taken professional gaming to another level.
4. Forever 21
Forever 21 was started by a Korean couple, Jin Sook & Do Won Chang. Do Wong Chang, who moved to the U.S. from South Korea in 1981, started working multiple jobs doing janitorial work, pumping gas, and grinding beans at coffee shops. Three years later, the couple opened up their first store and have since expanded into what it has become now.
From trendy outfits to must-have accessories, Forever 21 has it all. Offering all their merchandise at an affordable price, this retail store has become a phenomenon, opening up stores all over the world. Hard work pays off. Thank you Jin Sook & Do Won for working so hard to create a brand we have all come to love today.
5. Skin Care
South Korea has some of the best skincare products in the world, and there are plenty of articles from notable fashion makeup magazines to prove that. Korean skincare products have been booming and have recently risen to the top as Korea's number one export, indicating that the quality of these products have gained worldwide recognition. From high-end to even value-priced, South Korean brands market quality products that caters to all skin-types.
You can check out some of the brands in our latest article release on Korean Skincare brands that all K-pop fans must know.
6. Soju
Seeing soju on this list may not be much of a surprise to many. But did you know that soju is actually the world's best-selling liquor? According to The Millionaires' Club, a catalog that ranks liquors and spirits, their numbers reveal that Korea's Jinro soju is indeed the world's most sold brand of liquor in the world.
Ironically, outside of Asia, many people have never even heard of this drink making soju the most popular unknown liquor in the world.
7. Kimchi
Koreans love kimchi. And so do we. According to Koreans, kimchi is the one true answer to life. Koreans claim that kimchi offers great health benefits and cancer-healing properties and is their secret for maintaining great health and slim figures. Although research indicates that it is very unlikely that kimchi actually has cancer-healing properties, we will acknowledge that kimchi is in-fact very healthy, is low in calories, and is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Oh and it tastes amazing.
8. Idols
The section that you've been all waiting for. South Korea is mostly known for their K-pop, giving birth to some of the most iconic idol groups like Girls Generation and Big Bang. And for this reason, it indisputably takes the number one reason why we LOVE South Korea!
So which of these is your favorite? Leave a comment below and tell us what you love the most about South Korea!
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