Learn Korean - For Beginners [ Monthly Update ]

Don't believe everything you see in k-dramas

Now I'm sure many of you are here because you either like k-pop or k-dramas. Maybe even both. And I'm here to tell you: DO NOT BELIEVE WHAT YOU SEE IN K-DRAMAS

We all know how sweet and manly the male characters are, but if you think you're gonna find your own gentleman in South Korea who will treat you the way k-drama boyfriends treat their girlfriends then maybe you should reconsider.

Now, I'm not saying that it's not possible to find the one and only in South Korea, but make sure you don't get the wrong idea from k-dramas.

Yes. There are a lot of kind men in South Korea, but their traditions might differ A LOT from your own.

Koreans are very conservative. The dating culture is very influenced by societal expectations. If you've read some of the other chapters about Korean culture, you might know what I'm on about. Traditionally and culturally in Korea, women are the ones to do the housework. If you watch the show "The Return Of Superman" you'll also notice, that even though the father is taking care of the kids for those 48 hours, the rest or the time it would be the mother's duty to take care of the house and children EVEN IF SHE HAS A JOB TOO. Of course there are a few exceptions in the show where the men are actually doing their part as a father but don't be fooled by the romantic lives of k-dramas.

So if you come from a country or culture where both partners are equal when it comes to housework, then reconsider dating or marrying a Korean man. A lot of them are toxic when it comes to households or even just dating in general. Many are controlling and have a patriarchal mindset. Many even are possessive and jealous and NOT in the k-drama way you're imagining.

This is something a lot of non-Koreans AND Koreans have spoken out about. Especially where Korean men only date Western women to have fun until they realize that they can't stay with you or marry you because you don't share the same traditions. Because his family expects him to date a native Korean due to societal expectations and pressure that often leads to toxic dynamics. This all comes from traditional gender roles.

You can watch videos on socials where people talk about their own dating experiences in Korea.

Be careful out there. Don't let k-dramas plant unrealistic dating expectations in your head. They're not all romantic when it comes to real-life. You might be lucky but don't make it the stereotype. 

Good luck ~