What's your blood type?

I remember on the first few days of orientation people were talking about how strange it was that Facebook was asking them to add their blood type.  Soon after some were being asked this question from their co-teachers or other Korean's.  Why does anyone care what my blood type is? The only time I've been asked that in the US is if i'm donating or dying. Until yesterday I was a bit perplexed, thankfully the topic came up during my English teacher's discussion class.  I found the reasoning interesting so I thought i'd share...

In Korea, rather than the ubiquitous North American question, “What’s your sign? you are more likely to be asked, “What’s your blood type?” Linking blood types to personalities allegedly goes back to the 1920’s in Japan with the concept being resuscitated in the 1970’s by a Japanese writer, Masahiko Nomi. The idea then spread outward and took root elsewhere, primarily in Taiwan and South Korea.

Following are the personality traits ascribed to the basic blood types: A, B, AB and O.



Blood Type A:
Positive Traits: Conservative, introverted, reserved, patient, punctual and inclined to be perfectionists.
Worst Traits: Obsessive, stubborn, self conscious and uptight.
Referred as ‘farmers’ in some descriptions, Type A’s are said to be considerate of others and loyal to a fault. They can also be secretive and reluctant to share their feelings. Apparently they don’t hold their liquor well, either.

Blood Type B:
Best Traits: Animal-loving, creative, flexible, individualistic, optimistic and passionate.
Worst Traits: Forgetful, irresponsible and self-centered.
Referred to as ‘hunters’, Type B’s have very independent natures and tend not to be concerned about what other people think of them. Although often described as shallow and lazy, they can be quite passionate about the things they hold dear. Patience is not their strong suit either.
Type B men have acquired a very negative reputation in Korea and are not considered by many to be good husband material. Often described as ‘players’, they are perceived as being selfish and mercurial, quick to anger and not terribly reliable. That said, their bad boy image makes them very attractive to women, but not for the long term. (Type B women do not share in this bad rep, for some unexplained reason).

Blood Type AB: 
Best Traits: Cool, controlled, empathic, introverted and rational.
Worst Traits: Aloof, critical, indecisive and unforgiving.
Referred to as ‘humanists’, Type AB’s are said to be controlled more by their heads, than by their hearts. They are rational, good with money, but unpredictable. Although inclined to be distant, they prefer harmony and as such, work well with mediators. Some consider them two-faced, and therefore untrustworthy.

Blood Type O: 
Best Traits: Ambitious, athletic, robust and self-confident.
Worst Traits: Arrogant, insensitive, ruthless and vain.
Referred to as ‘warriors’, Type O’s are viewed as natural leaders and are often, also, natural athletes. They tend to be outgoing, expressive and passionate, but can also bore others to death with their obsessive drive for success coupled with their absolute convictions that they are winners. This certainty that they will always win explains why they aren’t afraid to take risks or gamble. They have a strong physical presence and are unlikely to ever be overlooked.

The above information was taken from Korea4expats.com

Obviously the characteristics won't match for all people, but just like the Zodiac signs people get sucked in and start believing these things are true. Thanks to the lovely women of my English discussion class (whom i'll have to write about more later - and post pictures)  the blood type questions is no longer a shock to me.