Traveling to South Korea is a bit like traveling into the future. The moment you step across the border, you automatically turn one year older.
In South Korea, a baby is one year old at birth, instead of zero as in most other cultures. And things get even trickier, since everyone has the same birthday...well, sort of. After the New Year passes, everyone in Korea automatically ages one year, even if they haven't had their actual birthday yet. It gets even more complex for people who were born just a few days before the New Year. If a baby is born on December 31st, it would be one year old. However, after January 1st, that same baby will automatically turn two years old.
Geeze, Su, you look really good for, uh...how old are you?
When Bill Gates traveled to South Korea, he gave the president a hearty, firm handshake... he mistakenly kept his left hand in his pocket. Wrong move, Bill! In South Korea, there's a right and wrong way to shake
hands and it has to do with status. One-arm handshakes are casual, and in certain circumstances, they can imply superiority. If you're shaking hands with a buddy or someone your age or younger, feel free to use one hand. But if you're meeting someone older or someone in a position of authority, you'd better use two. You're suppose to prop up your forearm with your free hand. Got it, Brandon?