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Let’s say you’ve got a date set up with a Korean, but you’re not sure where to go. The big day is coming soon, and you want to make a good impression. 악!
Or maybe you want to switch things up and have a Korean-style date with your significant other. Time for an adventure!
Below are the “Top 5 Korean Date Ideas” that you can do to have a Korean style couple experience. You can do many of these anywhere in the world, no matter what city you’re in.
As a bonus, we’ve also added the “Top 5 Seoul Korean Date Ideas” so you can give them a whirl the next time you’re in the capital city.
Some of the words below are written in Hangul, which is the Korean alphabet. If you can’t read Korean yet, then you can impress your date by learning to read before you next meet! You can learn the Korean alphabet for free in about 60 minutes here.
Let’s plan this thing!
Top 5 Korean Date Ideas
1. Cinematic Adventure
Koreans love going to the movies. It’s a huge date place, especially in the bitter cold winter months. Korean movie tickets can generally be booked three days in advance, and you can even choose your seat ahead of time.
Try going for the couple seats in the back, sometimes called the “Sweetbox”. They’re roomier, and they allow you to sit close to each other and cuddle up during the movie.
Some of the movie theaters in Korea are quite large. The CGV Theater in Gagnam goes up to the 10th floor!
These two love Korean date ideas!
If you want to have a Korean movie experience in your area, try looking for a local theater that plays Korean movies. This type of theater will usually be available in bigger cities with large Korean populations, such as the CGV Theater in Los Angeles.
If you’re not near one of those cities, try downloading Korean movies and watching them at home. You can also download a movie in English and get the Korean subtitles from a site like Cineast to get the Korean theater feel.
2. Karaoke
Also known as “노래방” (“singing room”), karaoke is a popular date activity to do anywhere in Korea.
Although it’s similar to karaoke in many countries, the Korean version is slightly different. With “노래방”, you get an entire room to yourself instead of singing in front of a group of strangers. You can order drinks (beer, soju, soda) and snacks (fruit, nuts, dried squid) from the waiter.
Many cities have singing rooms, so you can reserve one for yourself and your date.
Some couples really get into their Korean-style dates!
Or if you prefer to stay local, download some songs on the home computer, grab a microphone, and have a karaoke party at your place!
3. “Cha” Course Meal
When Koreans have a night on the town, they visit various establishments together as a group. During the course of the evening, they may visit 2 – 5 different places, which they refer to as “차”s (rounds). An example schedule:
- 1차 (Round 1): Dinner at a BBQ restaurant
- 2차 (Round 2): Drinks at a singing room
- 3차 (Round 3): Drinks and light food at a bar
For your date idea, you design your own “Cha” course meal mixing in any combo of events you like. You could even do food and drink from different countries, but still keep the same Korean date feel!
4. Authentic Alcohol
Whether your plan is to be out in the city or stay in the comfort of your own home, you can add in a Korean date element by getting some authentic Korean drinks.
For alcohol, try picking up some soju. Some common brands are:
- 참이슬 (Chamisul) – meaning “real dew”
- 처음처름 (Chum-Churum) – meaning “like the first time”
- 좋은 데이 (JoeunDay) – meaning “good day”
Remember to shake before drinking!
Photo: Graham Hills
For beer, you can go with brands such as OB, Hite, Cass, or Max.
5. Leisurely Shopping
This doesn’t have to be shopping with an actual intent to purchase something.
Instead, you can do what Koreans call “아이쇼핑” (window shopping).
Grab your date, and head out to the popular shopping area in your area. Spend your time enjoying each other’s company while you stroll form shop to shop seeing what what new items are out. Mix in an hour or two chatting at a cafe, and the Korean date experience will be complete!
Top 5 Seoul Korean Date Ideas
1. Namsan Tower
Seoul Namsan Tower in Korea
Also known as N Seoul Tower, this landmark is one of the major tourist attractions in Korea. This 236 meter (777 ft) tower was built in 1969 and is located in the heart of the city.
Attractions include riding up in a cable car, getting a great view of the entire city, and passing through the Teddy Bear Museum!
Most importantly, you can visit the “Locks Of Love” area to show your affection in padlock form.
Add your lock to the tens of thousands of couples who have done the same to symbolize their eternal love.
2. Samcheong-dong
Samcheong-dong is a popular and trendy neighborhood in the center of Seoul. Located next to the well-known tourist area of Insadong, it’s quickly becoming one of the most famous places to visit in Korea.
Lots of small boutique shops, art galleries, and unique cafes are tucked away in the narrow streets in this quaint area of the big city. Grab your date and head to Samcheong-dong during the day to enjoy unique atmosphere of the area.
3. Myeongdong
Myeongdong is one of the major shopping spots in Seoul, and for good reason. It’s jam-packed with almost any store you can think of, so you’ll likely be able to get all your shopping done in one visit.
Lots of people are on their Korean style dates!
Plus there is plenty to do! You can stop by the Seoul Global Cultural Center to get pictures taken in Hanbok (Korean traditional style clothing). For lunch, make sure you chow down on kalguksu, a tasty soft noodle soup with dumplings. Stop by the famous Kyoja restaurant to get the real deal.
4. Han River
The Han River is large body of water that separates the northern part of Seoul from the southern part. All along the river are various parks, restaurants, and cafes, which are great places to take a date.
The Han River is especially popular in the evening, where you can take a stroll along the riverside while enjoying the romantic view of the cityscape at night.
A late night stroll by the Han River
5. Cheonggyecheon Stream
Cheonggyecheon is a large stream in the center of the Seoul that has been converted to a modern public recreation area. It’s a fantastic place to take a walk, especially in the evening when the bustle of the city has slowed down.
A quiet evening near the Cheonggyecheon Stream
What are your favorite Korean date ideas?