What It’s Really Like to Have a Korean Boyfriend
Let’s address the elephant in the room. You’ve watched Crash Landing on You. You’ve seen Business Proposal. And now, you have a very specific image of a Korean boyfriend in your head.
You imagine a 6-foot-tall CEO who wears trench coats, waits in the rain for you, and has absolutely no other hobbies besides staring lovingly into your eyes.
As a Korean, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but… real life isn’t a Netflix script. (Although, the trench coats are real. We love trench coats).
But don’t click away just yet! While he might not be a North Korean soldier who plays the piano, having a Korean boyfriend is a unique, intense, and often incredibly sweet experience. It comes with a specific set of cultural “rules” that might shock you if you’re from the West.
Here is the unfiltered truth about what it’s actually like to date a Korean guy in 2025.
1. You Will Be Texting. A Lot. Like, ALL the Time.
In many Western countries, playing it cool is the norm. You wait a few hours to reply so you don’t look desperate. In Korea? If you wait 3 hours to reply, he assumes you have died or you hate him. We call this “Yeon-rak” (Contact). It is the lifeblood of a Korean relationship.
The Routine: You will text “Good morning.” You will send a photo of your lunch. You will update him when you get on the bus. You will call before bed. It might feel overwhelming at first (“Does he need a GPS tracker on me?”), but you soon realize it’s his way of showing care. Silence = Distance. Constant updates = Love.
2. Prepare to Be the “Less Groomed” One
This is a blow to the ego, but you need to hear it. Korean men take care of themselves. He probably gets a down-perm for his hair every month. He likely wears BB cream or sunscreen daily. His outfit will be color-coordinated.
The Reality: There will be days when he shows up to a casual movie date looking like he stepped off a runway, while you’re in a hoodie. You will feel a sudden, intense pressure to up your skincare game. Just accept it—and maybe steal his moisturizer.
3. The “Couple Look” is Not Cringe, It’s Mandatory
In the US or Europe, wearing matching t-shirts is something people mock. In Korea, it’s a status symbol. Having a Korean boyfriend means eventually succumbing to the “Couple Look.” It starts small—maybe matching sneakers or phone cases. But before you know it, you are wearing identical long padding coats in winter and color-coordinated pajamas. It’s a public declaration that says, “Sorry ladies, this Oppa is taken.”
4. He Will Carry Your Bag (Even the Pink One)
Chivalry isn’t dead in Korea; it’s just very specific. You will notice he instinctively reaches for your bag. It doesn’t matter if it’s a heavy backpack or a tiny, pink designer purse that weighs nothing. He will hold it. He will also peel your shrimp, cut your pork belly into bite-sized pieces, and cover your legs with a blanket if you are wearing a skirt. Don’t fight it. It’s not because he thinks you are weak; it’s acts of service. Just enjoy the princess treatment!
5. The “Date Course” Pressure
Korean dating is an activity. You don’t just “hang out” on a couch. He will likely plan elaborate “Date Courses.” Dinner at a trendy pasta place, followed by a specific Instagrammable cafe, followed by a walk at the Han River, followed by a “4-Cut Photo” booth. There is a pressure to curate the perfect day (and the perfect photo). If you want to just chill at home, you might have to specifically ask for a “lazy date.”
Final Thoughts
Having a Korean boyfriend is intense, fast-paced, and full of affection. It might not be a K-Drama every day—sometimes he just wants to play League of Legends instead of gazing at the moon—but the level of commitment and care is something truly special.
So, are you ready for the constant texting and the matching hoodies? If yes, then welcome to the world of Korean dating!