Korean dating FAQS

Korean Dating FAQs-Etiquette That You Need to Know About

When you begin a relationship with someone from a different country, it can be challenging to come to terms with the expectations and culture of dating from their perspective. Although Korea shares many similarities with some western countries, it is also unique and has many traditional aspects that may surprise foreigners. To help your relationship flourish, we answer five Korean dating FAQs to give you an insight into dating etiquette.

Who should make the first move? 

In Korean culture, it’s typical for men to ask women out. If you’ve struck up a bond with a Korean woman and things are going well, she will probably be waiting for you to make the first move. That being said, don’t be taken aback if she asks you out before you get around to it! Either way, try not to wait too long as you want to ask her while your relationship has momentum.

Can we hold hands in public?

In cosmopolitan cities like Seoul, it’s perfectly normal to see couples walking hand in hand, showing the world that they’re an item. If your girlfriend is okay with it, then there’s no reason why you can’t hold hands in public. Just be mindful that other forms of PDAs like kissing might not be as acceptable, so err on the side of caution!

Do I need to pay the bill? 

If you’ve asked a Korean girl out on a date, you should be prepared to put your hand in your pocket and pay the bill. This isn’t because they’re tight or cheap; it’s just good manners! Asking someone to split the bill when you’ve asked them out gives off bad vibes, so don’t put your date in an awkward position.

Where should I plan the first date? 

It’s fair to say that you don’t need to go over the top when planning your first date with a Korean girl. The chances are that she will be happy with meeting up at her favourite coffee shop, or you could opt for a casual meal out at a well-known eatery. You can always plan more exciting dates in the future, as the first date is all about getting to know one another in a suitable environment.

How much communication is ‘too much’? 

When you start a relationship with a Korean woman, you will find that she likes to communicate with you a lot! This is her way of showing her affection, and you shouldn’t see it as a bad thing. If you ignore her messages, it won’t help your relationship in the long run. Equally, she will be delighted to receive messages and GIFs from you at all times of the day or night, so don’t worry about going overboard with your communication in the early days of your relationship.

As you can see, there’s nothing overly unusual about Korean dating! Success depends on common sense and decency, and providing you follow the etiquette introduced above; you should have a good chance of success when dating a Korean girl.