What is the Korean Culture?
The Korean culture is a unique blend of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Shamanism. There are many customs that are specific to the Korean culture, and it’s important to know what to do and not do if you want to date a Korean person.
Here are some of the most common Dos and Don’ts of Korean dating:
Do…
Speak slowly and distinctly. Koreans learn English as their second language so they may be more likely to understand you better. However, it’s important not to speak too fast or with an accent, as this can be interpreted as rude or unenlightened.
Respect the cultural differences between you and your date. refrain from talking about politics or controversial topics unless they come up naturally in conversation. Avoid making any assumptions about your date’s beliefs or opinions; instead, ask them directly.
Remember that Korea is a very hierarchical society where people often defer to authority figures (parents, bosses, etc.) Do your best to act respectfully and avoid giving off the impression that you’re not worthy of respect. This will go a long way in establishing trust between you and your date.
Don’t…
Touch or hug your date without permission. This is seen as a sign of disrespect, and may make them feel uncomfortable.
Make any assumptions about your date’s sexual orientation or interests. It’s not appropriate to ask someone out on a date if you’re not sure whether they’re homosexual or not. It can also be offensive and lead to misunderstandings.
Use language that is racist or sexist. This includes terms like “ching ching” (a Korean term for “woman”), “doggy style” (a derogatory term for anal sex), and “gook” (a derogatory term for Koreans of Chinese descent).
Be aggressive, rude, or overly-friendly. This can come across as overly-affectionate and might make your date feel uncomfortable.
Dating in Korea
The Korean dating scene can be daunting for foreigners, but with a little understanding of the customs it’s easy to get started. Here are some dos and don’ts to keep in mind when dating in Korea:
Do
- Be respectful of cultural differences — Although Koreans are usually polite and friendly, there are still some traditional taboos that you should be aware of when dating in Korea. For example, do not touch someone’s head or feet unless they invite you to do so, and do not offer your seat on a bus or train.
One exception to this is the custom of karaoke singing together; Korean couples often enjoy singing songs together at home or at social gatherings. - Be mindful of time zones — Dating in Korea can be tricky if you’re from a western country where most people work 9-to-5 hours. In Korea, the working day typically starts at 8am and ends around 5pm (although this varies depending on the region). This means that many Koreans are going to bed early and waking up early in order to get their day started. This can make it difficult for foreigners who are used to sleeping at a more reasonable hour!
- Respect age differences — Although Koreans idolize youthfulness and tend to date younger people, age differences between potential partners are generally respected in Korea. For example, if you’re older than your date, it is generally okay to mention this upfront rather than pretending that you’re
The Dos and Don’ts of Korean Dating
When it comes to dating in Korea, there are a few customs that many foreigners may not be aware of. Here are a few Dos and Don’ts of Korean dating:
Do
- Be respectful of your date’s culture and heritage. Do not try to force cultural norms upon them that they may not be comfortable with.
- Pay attention to what your date is interested in and respect their interests. Do not make assumptions about what they want or how they should enjoy themselves.
- Make an effort to get to know your date well! It can be easy to take them for granted if you’re only acquainted through conversation or online interactions. Spending time together will help you form a better understanding of each other.
Conclusion
Korean dating can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to know the dos and don’ts before jumping into anything. Here are 8 surprising traditions that you might not expect in South Korea:
-Dating is often viewed as an opportunity for matchmaking. Families often play a big role in finding potential partners for their children.
-It’s customary to give your date a gift on the first date. This can be something small, like flowers or chocolates, or it can be more extravagant, such as a dinner at a nice restaurant.
-Date nights are huge in South Korea and are usually spent together watching movies or eating out.
-It’s considered polite to ask your date’s parents’ permission before getting married. This tradition is meant to ensure that both parties are happy with the arrangement and have agreed to marry one another.
-Since marriages in South Korea are typically arranged by families, there is an expectation that both parties will get along well from the beginning of their relationship. If they don’t, it could lead to problems down the road when trying to get married officially.
