Curious why there are so many couples in South Korea?
I’m a Korean girl and I’ll explain it here!
Quick Summary
- In South Korea, being in a relationship is often seen as a sign of social and personal success.
- Since most Koreans live with their parents until they get married, couples go on dates more often outside their houses.
- A visible couple culture makes you feel like you’re surrounded by couples everywhere.
When you’re visiting Seoul or even the farthest south of Korea, Jeju, you’ll notice there are couples everywhere.
And here’s why.
Social Pressure to Date
In South Korea, being in a relationship is seen as a sign of social and personal success.
Koreans are expected to focus on studying until we graduate high school, then date someone afterward.
If one fails to date, the society mocks those NGSB (No Girlfriend Since Birth) or NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth) as “motae solo (born single like born Catholic)” in Korean.
There’s a societal expectation to find a partner and eventually settle down.
Many social events and holidays are specifically aimed at couples, such as Valentine’s Day, White Day, Pepero Day, and even Christmas in South Korea. Yes, Christmas is like a date night in Korea, while families do something small.
Korean Date Ideas
The reason why you see a lot of couples in public is because they’re on dates that women prefer.
They’re usually at pretty cafes, trendy restaurants, Instagrammable places, and popular travel destinations.
Movies are also considered a couple’s thing in the country.
Since most Koreans live with their parents until they get married, couples go on dates more often outside their houses.
The usual date routine is a restaurant, cafe, and something extra like a park, gallery, bar, festival, and one-day class.
Couple Culture
Couple culture in Korea is unique and highly visible.
Matching outfits, identical items, and couple rings are ways for Korean couples to express their relationship status.
Couple rings are not reserved for proposal or marriage in the country. Koreans usually get rings within one year of being together.
This visible romance makes you feel like you’re surrounded by people on dates everywhere.
Romantic K-Dramas
Most K-dramas are about romance but on another level.
Media often idealizes romantic relationships, presenting them as desirable.
This portrayal influences Koreans, making them want to experience similar romantic moments in their own lives.
Conclusion
South Korea is where romantic relationships are highly valued and actively pursued. That’s why you’ll see so many couples in South Korea!
