With dramas and K-pop becoming more and more popular, dating in Korea is something many girls and guys across the world dream of. But people probably want to know fact from fiction! Is dating just like dramas and music videos? Well, yes and no. As residents of Seoul, we can fill you in! Follow our dating rules so that when you meet the love of your life, you don’t make any mistakes!
1. No PDA!
While you often see couples in dramas hugging and kissing on the street, this is quite rare in the streets of Seoul. It is a bit taboo in Korean culture, though it is changing little by little. Though the most popular way that couples show their love is by holding hands and being close, rarely do more where other eyes can see. This often leads to other ways to show their love!
2. Show Off Your Love!
Couples show their love for each other outwardly! They wear couple rings, bracelets, necklaces, clothes, shoes, and more! They have their lovers’ photos in phone cases and on their SNS profiles. It's all about showing off who you love for the world to see!
3. Constant Contact!
Couples often contact each other throughout the day! ‘Good morning', ‘Did you eat?’, ‘What should we do this weekend?’ All of these are common phrases you’ll read all day, every day. If a partner doesn’t answer for a long time and isn’t at work, it often leads to snooping and a fight. This way of messaging is very common in young couples who want the reassurance of their love.
4. No Meeting Opposite Gender People Alone!
If you want to meet a friend who is the opposite gender of you, I.e. a girl and you are a boy, this is a big no-no! Often meetings like this in Korea are viewed as a date, so your partner may think you are cheating! I have seen close friends not even say "Hi" when they see each other on the street! It is often the case that you only meet your partner or meet opposite-gender people with other friends as well.
5. You Have to Give Gifts on White Day/ Valentine's Day!
Couples holidays are a must in Korea! On White day, boys give gifts to girls and girls give gifts to boys on Valentine’s Day. It is an old tradition that continues to this day. Peppero Day is also important, but both partners should give the other Peppero snacks!
These are 5 basic rules for you to keep your love life aflutter in Korea! Please remember that while they do not apply to every person you will meet in Korea, they are very common. Let us know below what other rules you have questions about!