Korea’s Dating Scene
Ranging from couple items to numerous anniversaries, dating in Korea may be perceived slightly different than the west. Here are five things you may not know about Korea’s dating scene!
5. Blind Dates & Matchmakers
소개팅 (sogaeting), or blind dates, is a common way individuals meet their significant other in South Korea. While it may sound like a relic of the past compared to the western standard, blind dates are still very much used today. Whether introduced through a mutual friend or facilitated through a service, many people find their match through blind dates.
Another method that is less common in the west is through a matchmaker. Now unlike most matchmakers that come to mind (for me, it’s the Chinese matchmaker that interrogated Mulan!), most modern matchmakers operate through Korean matchmaking apps or services.
At the end of the day, whatever love wills will happen! Keep in mind that these are not the only ways people get to know each other.
4. Matching Everything
Another unique fact about Korea’s dating scene is that there is a large market demand for couple-themed products. Ranging from matching clothing or accessories to gearing up in similar styles, 커플룩 (koupeul look), or the “couple look” is popular among many types of relationships. While it may be an exaggeration to say couples would match everything, some couples will consciously make sure to dress to impress in order to help their significant other shine.
Popular items include T-shirts, keychain accessories, or phone cases while more advanced couples opt for the similar yet different look with either similar silhouette, pattern, texture, or theme. In a way, the couple look can be seen as an unofficial couple uniform that helps bring two people closer together. Whether it is just a trend started by millennials in an effort to coordinate their looks for Instagram pictures or a subtle yet not-so-subtle way to tell others around you that this person is mine, the couple look is here to stay!
3. Communication is Key
After exchanging numbers, the first few moments of a new relationship are vital to showing the other person your interest. Instead of waiting to respond to text messages from a crush to not seem too eager, quite the opposite happens. If you are interested in someone, you show your interest by frequently and quickly responding to messages. If you take too long or don’t message as often, it signals that you just aren’t that interested in the person.
2. Celebrating Every Moment With You
Without a doubt, anniversaries play a big role in dating culture in Korea. Ranging from 100 day anniversary to the 1,000 day anniversary, some Korean couples will go to great efforts to show how that they care. These frequent anniversaries give couples a chance to do something for their significant other to let them know just how much they mean to them.
1. Being Cute isn’t Confined to any one Single Gender or Identity
Just like how love has no boundaries, the cute display of affection, known as 애교 (aegyo), is not confined to just females. Unlike some rigid and strict gender roles around the world, Korean media and pop-culture has recently been breaking through much of the generalities of the west.
Endnote
Not everyone abides by these observations, as there are no rules when it comes to love! Recently, many Koreans have put off dating and marriage to later in life or are not interested in marriage at all. Both marriages and births have hit record lows along with the average age of marriage at around 30 years old.
Regardless of who your Seoul-mate is, please take this brief list as a quick generalization of a few observed characteristics painting a broad picture of what dating culture may be like. Remember that love has no age, shape, or color! Whether a first date with a crush or a date night with a spouse, draw your own conclusions from these common dating culture practices to try out the next time you are with your significant other.