Korean Dating Culture 101💖

All You Need to Know About the Dating Culture in Korea PLUS Must-Know Vocab

Are you curious about the dating customs in Korea?

Is it really as dreamy and romantic as what you normally see in K-dramas?

I believe for some of us, the idea of being in a romantic relationship or meeting someone who walks straight out from a Manhwa Play 만화 , comic book, is deeply influenced by Kpop or K-dramas.

Looking back at those times when we daydream about our very own encounters, all hearts fluttering and amazing.

But, do you know about the real-life dating culture in Korea? Let’s find out!

⬇️ A sneak peek on what this article is all about, click on the links below to skip to your preferred content!

Korean Dating Culture | Customs of the Korean dating culture

Korean Dating Culture | Unique dating traits

Korean Dating Culture | Things to take note in a relationship

Korean Dating Culture | Learn new words with us!

Korean Dating Culture | FAQ’s

Here we go~

Korean Dating Culture || Customs

Have you ever heard of Sogaeting Play 소개팅 ? It actually refers to blind dates or matchmaking!

Most Korean singles go on Sogaeting [소개팅] to meet potential matches face-to-face and eventually move on to more in-depth conversations on Kakaotalk Play 카카오톡 where they get to know more about each other overtime.

In recent years, there is also an increased use of dating apps in hope to meet new friends with common interests and of course, a partner in crime!

Among the younger Koreans these days, dating apps have become so popular and have noted many successful matches as well. From meeting someone new to dating to marriage, there must have been some trustworthy rule of thumb in the dating customs.

Read on to find out some traits and things to take note of in the Korean dating culture ~ Who knows, it could be you next!

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Korean Dating Culture || Unique Dating Traits

Matching couple fashion

Things may seem to be a little different if you are not part of the Asian culture, but it is all about the matching couple outfits and accessories Play 악세사리 that make the dating culture in Korea unique and interesting!

If you have been to Korea or binge-watched K-dramas, you would have noticed couples in matching outfits from head to toe, even matching their phone casings and wearing couple accessories.

When it comes to showing off their love for one another, Koreans are definitely taking it up the notch!

What may seem surprising in other countries, is common in Korea. If you ever date a Korean, don’t be afraid to match your outfits and showcase your love. They will love it!

Would you wear a matching outfit with your significant other? Let us know in the comments!

Gifting

In Korean culture, the art of gifting is highly regarded as it shows the extent of respect, love, and a way of life.

Similarly, couples do prepare gifts when it comes to special occasions, celebrating anniversaries or simply just wanting to surprise each other.

One common gift would be getting couple rings Play 커플 반지 . Symbolically, to establish trust and love which is essential in the Korean dating culture.

You may ask why is this a way to build trust?

Well, through Sogaeting [소개팅], remember these individuals only get to meet each other within a short period of time before they decide to start dating?

Gifting couple rings is some sort of a pledge to give a promise and establish trust in the process. While it may seem too rushed or strange to some, Koreans are familiar with such customs!

Nonetheless, other gifts can be considered, and depending on every couple’s wishlist, some may settle for gifts that are more meaningful and unique to them!

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Celebrating special days

First anniversary, 100th-day Play 백일

Do you know that new Korean couples generally celebrate their first anniversary based on the 100th-day [백일] rule?

Subsequently, the 200th day and 300th day of being together. Although there is no strict rule on this, the 100th-day rule is widely observed among young Korean couples!

11th November, Pepero Day Play 빼빼로데이

Every year on the 11th of November is Pepero Day [빼빼로데이]. Similar to Valentine’s Day, it is an annual tradition where Koreans give Pepero to their friends, family, and loved ones.

What is Pepero and why?

Pepero is a chocolate-covered pretzel stick snack. It is sweet and the stick shape resembles “11” hence becoming a representative gift during Pepero Day [빼빼로데이].

Be sure to take note of 11.11 and give the Pepero snack to your crush!

14th March, White Day Play 화이트데이

While Pepero Day [빼빼로데이] is similar to Valentine’s Day, White Day [화이트데이] is the sequel of Valentine’s Day! However, with a little bit of twist ~

During Valentine’s Day, it is more common for females to prepare gifts for their namjachingu Play 남자친구 , boyfriend, or crush.

However, during White Day, it is reciprocated by males where they give their yeojachingu Play 여자친구 , girlfriend, or crush a White Day gift.

What should a namjachingu [남자친구] prepare for their yeojachingu [여자친구]?

There is no perfect gift other than sincerity and love.

But! A general guide for any boyfriends out there wondering what they should give to their girlfriends on White Day.

Let’s consider Chocolates Play 초콜릿 , candies Play 사탕 , flowers Play 꽃 , a necklace Play 목걸이 , and/or a bracelet Play 팔찌 !

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Korean Dating Culture || Things to Take Note of in a Relationship

Age matters, or not?

The age Play 나이 hierarchy is the key factor in Korean culture because it symbolises respect for the elders and it provides a structure for etiquette and traditions. There are many rules to abide by when it comes to facing someone older than you.

So does age matter? There could be a handful of conservative Korean males who might not be able to accept that their other halves are older than them. Undeniably, the age hierarchy does reflect some cultural importance. After all, it is purely based on personal preference.

Unique to the Korean dating culture, Hoching Play 호칭 , what we refer to as titles or dear names you address your loved ones, family members, elders and even people you meet for the first time. Depending on the age, you need to address them correctly and politely.

But, what about your boyfriend or girlfriend?

The most common Hoching [호칭], regardless of gender, will be Jagi Play 자기 .

If your boyfriend is older than you, you can call him Oppa Play 오빠 .

In the case of dating an older female, an adorable Hoching [호칭] you can use is Noona Play 누나 !

Although Oppa [오빠] is originally used by the younger sister to address the older brother and Noona [누나] is used by the younger brother to address the older sister, these 2 names have become a cute dear name for boyfriends and girlfriends.

Public Display of Affection (PDA)

Holding hands?

Hugging?

Patting on the head?

Kissing in public?

What are some PDA accepted in the streets of Korea?

Korea is a nation full of cultural traditions passed down from history, which includes some conservative traits among Koreans. When it comes to dating, holding hands is fairly common but anything else is deemed to be quite inappropriate.

It is best to keep the steamy PDA for a private setting!

Meeting the family

Unlike other countries, bringing your newly met partner to meet your parents may look common, however in Korea, it is not normally the case!

So when is a good time?

A common practice is to only set up a first meeting with each other’s family when the couple is in discussion for a marriage or is certain the two will form a family in the near future. Although there is no formal name for this arrangement, it is usually referred to as first meeting Play 첫만남 .

If the meeting is for both families to discuss about marriage details then it is the Sanggyeonnye Play 상견례 .

There are many instances where couples who have been dating for years but have not met the family of their better half. Sounds strange? but it is very common in Korea!

This is pretty much seen as a form of assurance and respect for their families.

How should you address your partner’s parents at the first meet-up?

Address your partner’s mother as Eomeonim Play 어머님

Address your partner’s father as Abeonim Play 아버님

Also remember how the age hierarchy is very important? Use the formal tone honorific Play 존댓말 at any point of the conversation.

Start the conversation by..

Play 안녕하십니까? Hello?

Play 만나뵙게 되어 반갑습니다. Nice to meet you.

Dressing up for the first meeting Play 첫만남

To this extent, you may wonder? But this is extremely crucial for a good first impression!

As much as possible, try to avoid shorts Play 반바지 or skirts Play 치마 that are above knee length, and tops are that revealing. Put on light makeup Play 화장 and be sure to look presentable on your choice of accessories as well. You do not want to look too under or overdressed!

Now, congratulations for knowing about the Korean dating culture! Let’s learn some Korean words next!

Korean Dating Culture || Learn New Words with Us!

It gets really interesting as you read on, doesn’t it?

Are you ready for your next Korean dating encounter?

BONUS: Why not check out our articles on Chinese Dating Culture and Japanese Dating Culture!

Korean Dating Culture || FAQs

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