What’s considered tall in South Korea? | Street Interview

About this video

• Video Title: What’s considered tall in South Korea? | Street Interview
• Channel: Asian Boss
• Speakers: (No specific speaker names provided in the transcript)
• Duration: 19:38

Overview

This video explores perceptions of height in South Korea through street interviews. It discusses what is considered tall, the importance of height in Korean society, ideal heights for men, experiences of being judged by height, whether younger generations are getting taller, and methods people use to appear taller.

Key takeaways

• Height Standards: There's a perception that being over 180-185 cm is generally considered tall in Korea, with 175 cm being a common minimum for men to be considered "tall enough."
• Societal Importance: Height is seen as a significant factor in Korean society, influencing first impressions, perceptions of capability (e.g., in sports), and even career opportunities (e.g., modeling). This is linked to a broader culture of "lookism" or appearance-based judgment.
• Ideal Male Height: While subjective, many interviewees suggested an ideal male height of 178 cm or above, with some specifying 180 cm or even 185 cm as a benchmark.
• Experiences of Height Bias: Some individuals feel judged or self-conscious about their height, particularly in dating or social situations, leading them to take measures to appear taller.
• Generational Differences & Taller Koreans: There's a consensus that the younger generation in Korea is generally getting taller, attributed to better nutrition and evolving fashion/beauty standards that emphasize proportion.
• Methods to Appear Taller: Interviewees mentioned using fashion, hairstyles, and footwear (like heeled shoes or insoles) to enhance their perceived height. Some also discussed medical interventions like growth hormone injections or even limb-lengthening surgery, though the latter is viewed with caution due to its invasiveness and recovery period.
• Height in Relationships: While many prioritize personality and connection, a preference for partners who are taller than themselves (for men) or meet a certain height threshold (for women) is common, though not always a strict deal-breaker.