Dating a Korean guy can be very different from what you might’ve imagined.
Here are some highlights of what to expect!
Quick Summary
- Korean dating culture emphasizes showing care through gestures.
- Korean men indeed hold your bag, give you his coat on a cold evening, drive you home, and throw many surprise events with gifts.
- If you get a ring from a Korean boyfriend, it doesn’t necessarily mean a proposal.
- Expect lots of messages and phone calls.
- The standard Korean date course is a restaurant, then a coffee shop.
1. Expect Lots of Thoughtful Dates and Gestures
Korean guys often put extra effort into dates.
You might be surprised by how thoughtful and sweet they can be.
They plan romantic trips, pick up your favorite snack, or remember little details you’ve mentioned.
It’s true that Korean men hold your bag, give you his coat on a cold evening, drive you home, and throw many surprise events with gifts.
2. Don’t Expect a Wedding Proposal When You Get a Ring
If you get a ring from a Korean boyfriend, it doesn’t necessarily mean a proposal.
Korean couples usually get rings on their 100th day together or 1st anniversary since we often celebrate everything.
Couple rings, matching outfits, and social media shout-outs are just natural to us.
3. Don’t Be Shocked to See His Family
Family is important in Korean culture, so don’t be shocked if he’s eager to introduce you to his family once things get serious.
He might also value his family’s opinions, and it’s normal for families to want to know a lot about someone their son is dating.
If you’re not comfortable, you can just say no.
Everyone is different, but most Korean girls like to keep some distance from their future or current family-in-laws.
4. Expect Lots of Messages and Phone Calls
Many Korean guys are not super expressive about their feelings, especially if they’re from Southern areas like Gyeongsang-do.
Yet Korean men might say “I love you” relatively quickly.
Texting culture is strong in Korea, so you will get frequent KakaoTalk messages throughout the day.
You may find this a bit much, but some get upset if you don’t message back as soon as possible.
It’s common to end the day with 1- or 2-hour-long phone calls with one’s boyfriend in Korea.
5. Expect the Date Course to Involve Eating and Drinking Coffee
The standard Korean date course is a restaurant, usually Italian or Western style, then a coffee shop.
If all goes well, something extra like drinking and taking photos at a booth.
When either the boyfriend or girlfriend has their own place, they hang out and cook at home.
And yet, living together before marriage is still uncommon.
Dating a Korean guy can be super sweet or a bit clingy.
Feel free to share your experience or idea in the comments!
