Tell us your story about dating Korean man, loving Korean man, marrying a Korean man, or even just having a secret crush. Whether he is a K-pop celebrity, a guy in your school or someone you met online, we want to hear it.
How did you two meet? Why do you like him? Does he know you like him?
This is a place to share your story, if you have questions you want answered, click on the ASK US tab above. Leave your story in the comments below, and your story just might end up being featured as one of our Your Korean love story posts.
This is the story of my first love. DJ and I met as classmates my freshman year at university, and gradually grew closer as friends. Last year, DJ’s senior year, we ended up living in the same dorm. Since we had several classes together we began working on homework together. After a while I would wake him up from study naps, we would watch movies together, talk late into the night about everything. DJ would tease me to get a Korean boyfriend, taught me about dating customs in Korea. I would tease back that he should get an American girlfriend. DJ knew he was going to graduate school in Korea, and said he would feel bad to date a girl for such a short time. I was thinking of studying abroad to Korea but I wasn’t sure. DJ always said if I come to study that we should go out and he would take me around.
According to our friends, apparently it was way too obvious that we both liked each other, though neither of us said it out loud.
Over summer, I visited the countryside and we could not talk online so much, but we still sent messages and music back and forth. When this semester started I gathered my courage, and wrote a letter, where I told him I liked him, but he has not responded since. Recently I got accepted to a Korean study abroad programme. If I see him it will be interesting, but I think if I don’t its ok, I have happy memories and no matter what next spring will be a blast!
I was prepared for going to South Korea a year ago, as I need some information I tried to search for a new friend and met a good lady. She gave me some information about Korea (since she went there twice) then she introduce me to a Korean guy through Facebook. At first he just gave me information about his country and then one day as we were having a rough day we start to talk about other things and since then we become closer and closer, we talk about anything and sometimes we make some funny things together for example we imitate each other facial expression and snap a pictures. ^^~. Slowly we develop feeling toward each other. Even though we didn’t officially declared as couple but we do knew about our feeling to each other.Fight, laugh everything we’ve been through together. Few months later, I went to Korea. Right before our first meeting we still had a huge fight .Hahaha, but we’ve pass through and met ^_^ . I still remember he told me this “no matter how bad I treat you I still lost to you, honestly I never met a women like you entire of my life, I still can’t figured out why I am so bad to you, someone told me sometimes when we love or very close to each other we will hurt them a lot, I am so sorry for treating you that bad, but really I can’t hide or lie anything to you.”After a while, we seldom contact due to his busy schedules. However, two months later he decided to visit me and my family :). It was awesome! These past months due to his busy schedule we struggling a bit, but after all it will end up either he or me contact each other again.
I met this Korean man online. At first I never expect that he will contact me, he asked my phone number then I gave it. After a day he called me while Im at work, I find it surprising when he said he will come after a week. I just ignore what he said because I think he’s kidding me. I received a mail from him saying that he’s now in our country, and I replied back saying I wish he’ll enjoy his stay. Im expecting that he will see me asap but he did not, after a day i got a message from a local number saying that he is the korean man, he asked me if we could meet. We met in a mall near the hotel he’s staying. I am hungry that time so I asked him to have late lunch. We did eat in a restaurant and I noticed that he is looking at me very carefully I act as if I didnt notice it. He asked me to go to his room and get the presents that he prepared for me, he gave me the room key and he stayed in hotel’s lobby. I really dont know what is my gift so I spent almost 20 minutes looking at his room, and that time he went inside and he gave me he’s gifts.. :) I am shocked at first because I never expect he will give me those things. The thing that really surprised me was when he hugged me on the street while Im waiting for a cab going home.
That man has been visiting our country every month since we met keeps on sending messages and calls me frequently. However he became cold since the month of August, he didnt visit here and didnt call me a lot, he sends messages but not the same as before. Surprisingly, he called me yesterday and he told me he will visit here this December. I am a bit confused of what he said because as we know, they find it hard to express themselves using English language. What I remembered was he told me he’s working very hard to buy this expensive product… Im wondering what will that be and a little excited as well :)
Hello~ I am an American woman currently living in Seoul. I’m dating a Korean guy (from 포항 actually) who doesn’t speak any English. Me met on a pen-pal site a few months before I moved here and knew relatively soon that we would be interested in dating once I got to Korea. I really am the luckiest in the world, because my boyfriend is extremely open minded to cultural differences and we have been able to compromise on anything that we didn’t originally see eye to eye on. It is pretty crazy that I had to travel thousands of miles and learn a new language to meet the love of my life, but it was more than worth it.
Seeing as I’ve only recently entered into a relationship with a Korean man I don’t have many romantic or special moments, but I do have a few that I believe to be wonderful memories.
My most memorable moment was when the boyfriend…
This comment got chosen to be featured in Your Korean love story post. You can read the rest of it there.
I would like to apologize in advance for flooding this section with my replies.
“I took to reading it and, at the middle section of the book, stapled to the page was a letter. A love letter, He had written his feelings to me in this letter as he was too shy to confess to my face.” –How thoughtful of him to do that.
Hi everyone! I’m glad I found this site. I don’t know if I really want to ask anything. I just want to share my “Loving a korean guy” story. By the way, I’m Asian but not Korean. So here it is:
I just started my internship last week. I met this Korean guy. He is 24 years old I think, tall, funny, plays piano and guitar, with good voice, always eat and loves sweet food and Shin Min Na (a korean actress). At first, I’m intimidated to talk to him and although he’s kind of cute (many people thinks he’s VERY cute) he’s not my type really. On my second day, we started talking to each other and we became “friends” in an instant. I even help him find “cute girls” and tease him. We always tease each other, fight, laugh together and he even sings to me also whenever I ask him to.
At first, I wanted to talk to him because I don’t want him to be bored but then started feeling so drawn to him. Suddenly, I want to always talk to him, get close to him and he’s always in my mind. I mean, what the hell? We’ve been together for just one week so why do I feel so affected by him?
There was this time that the girl we’re teasing to him went to our department, and I felt so…disappointed? angry? insecure? I don’t know. I just want to punch him so badly that time. There was this time also that he’s late and I was anxiously waiting for him to arrive. When I thought he’s not going to show up, I feel so disappointed, sad… I don’t understand that painful feeling at all. And just when I’m in the middle of my disappointment he suddenly showed up! It’s like the world brightened up! It’s like…I wanted to punch him and say, “Why the hell are you late? I was waiting for you, stupid!” BUT OF COURSE I CAN’T DO THAT.
He asked for my number and if I have Kakao account. I gave him my number and he sent me a message in Korean character and when I asked him what is the message he said it’s, “yeppuda”. It means “pretty”, right? I didn’t asked him the meaning ’cause I think it means pretty. He personally said that to me, too.
He calls me “Duri” (a korean animation? because i love the opening song of that animation)…and I call him “Bichoso” and I’m always mean to him because I don’t want him to know or notice that I MIGHT BE FALLING IN LOVE WITH HIM? WITH JUST ONE WEEK? WHAT THE HELL? I just…I don’t know…I love how he makes me laugh, how he smiles, how we tease each other, how he says “Chebal” (with feelings and gesture) whenever I asked him to, and I don’t mind if he smells like a damn cigarette which I hate the most, and…it just hurts that I’ll be able to see him only until December.
SO WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH ME?
Hey everyone !!
So here is my story :
My name is Anne and i’m French, I met Seok Young , 3 years ago. In fact I was interested in Korean culture, language etc and really wanted to learn more so I looked for a korean penpal of a website based on this type of subjects.
He answered to my announcement saying that he wanted to …
This comment got chosen to be featured in Your Korean love story post. You can read the rest of it there.
How about a Korean American guy love story, is this allowed? LOL !
I have two stories actually. My friend and I went out for couple of drinks and as we were approaching this bar there were some cute girls standing outside but we proceeded go inside and sat down enjoying our drinks. After few minutes those girls standing outside of the bar came in and sat next to us at another table.
One in particular was very attractive so naturally I was checking her out then I noticed an accent when she was speaking so I asked her where she was from. She was from northern Italy. First question out of her mouth was “Are you Japanese or Chinese?” I was taken back at first because we Koreans are very proud of being Korean so I said, neither. I’m Korean. We laughed and we joined them for the evening. We exchanged numbers and ever since dated for 5 years. Later she confessed she planned to sit next to me hoping to meet me.
We took vacations to Europe and met her wonderful family. Had one of the best memorable times of my life. Unfortunately, we broke up due to her new job which required her to relocate to another city and I was not ready to relocate with her. I was too young, too scared..This was over 12 years ago but we still write to each other on our birthdays or special events. She is happily married now.
So after couple of years after my break up. I met another wonderful girl from Europe. I met her through a friend’s girlfriend. She told me she have a friend visiting her soon from Europe and she is gorgeous. My answer to that was “yeah, sure” you know people always say that. So I wasn’t expecting much until I laid my eyes on her. WOW !
She wasn’t kiddin’ model material. But me being cool tall simmering type play it off like I wasn’t really that interested. LOL ! Anyway we got to know each other for the two months she was here until she had to go back home. I promised her I will see here again of course never know what the future will hold but we kept in touch through emails and phone calls despite our language barriers for a year. All of my friends would tell me just forget about her,she’s not coming back there is no future with her she lives on the other side of the world. Normally I would of agreed but I felt something special about her, I felt sincere when she told me she loved me over our phone calls.
So I waited. Then the day finally came when she told me she will come see me again. I met her at the airport. More breath taking then I remembered her.
How could I be this lucky? We just picked up where we left off a year ago as if nothing happened so as time near for her to return I couldn’t let her go. I wasn’t going to let her get away again so one early drizzly morning I woke her up and drove. She kept asking where are we going. I just said we are going to have early breakfast. But when I pulled over in front of our favorite museum and ask her to walk with me outside of the museum I’m sure she must of though I was crazy. I waited for the right moment on top of the museum steps when the sun was raising I reached into my pocket and pull out a ring and got on my knees and asked her to marry me.
After 10 years of marriage and with one future model daughter we are still in love.
Don’t lose hope and best wishes.
My heart was thumping reading your love story.
“I felt something special about her, I felt sincere when she told me she loved me over our phone calls.” — I especially like this statement.
Hi everyone! This is “MY STORY” :-)
I’m Mary, 19 years old. I met a Korean guy named Peter during my internship in a company. He is 25 years old, handsome (though not my type), plays piano and other musical instruments, has a good voice, very thoughtful to his friends, has a good appetite, hard-working and very caring.
We became friends immediately after 2 days. We spend a lot of time laughing and teasing each other. Within just a week or so, he told me things he didn’t say even to his close friends. I had a lot of memories with him in just a month or so.
He always sings for me, talked about his problems, teases me, bullies me, annoys me, irritates me and a lot more.
But I will never forget the day when he gave me medicine because I was sick and absent the day before…
How he willingly accompany me to go to an amusement park even if the place will take one hour drive. And how he made me laugh because we missed the fireworks.
How he help me and my friends carry our bags and luggage when I requested to…
How he held my arm and helped me walk when I was tired walking…
How he exert so much effort to make me smile and laugh when I was angry or sad…
How he holds my hands and sings for me…
Office hours were never dull with his mere presence…
BUT EVERYTHING HAS ITS OWN EXPIRATION DATE. I knew from the very beginning that he has to come back to Korea, but I didn’t knew then that we’re going to be close friends. I LIKE HIM A LOT as a friend. Yesterday was his last day in the company. I took a video of him and ask him to give a message and he jokingly said, “Mary, I love you.” I don’t know if he is joking or what. He also said that maybe he’ll go back to my country for me.
Today he said that he misses me. Just the thought of not seeing him in the office… it feels so empty, sad and heart-breaking. It just hurts so so much…
It makes me want to cry because I know I might never see him again. I’m not ready to say goodbye to him. I’m also confuse about what I really feel for him. All I know is I just want to see him again before he leave my country. But we are very far from each other. I don’t know :((((((((((
I actually have a sad dating/loving Korean story. In January of 2008 I took a philosophy of religion class and was assigned to read parts of Christian Testament. I am Jewish and unfamiliar with Christian Testament. I was walking around some parts of campus and asking some guys if they were Christians and could help me out. I ended up walking back to my class, and next to me walked a tall, dark and handsome Asian man. I ended up asking for his help, which he seemed happy to do so. I actually thought he was Chinese, although he told me he was Korean. I walked him to his car and we ended up talking. I asked him if he wanted my phone number and he said sure. I gave him my number and had a strong feeling he would call. Next day he called and two of us went to a Japanese restaurant followed by a trip to a water fountain where we shared our first kiss and then we traveled to a bookstore where we walked around and he claimed to have read a bunch of books. He had a cold during that time and kind of passed it on to me, or so I thought. He returned to work and dropped me back home. He also introduced himself to my mom, much to mine surprise. I recall losing an earing in his car, where he returned and I was able to find it (Mom said it meant a forever type thing.) I thought that was it for a day. Few hours later I get a surprising phone call from him where he picks me up again where we travel to gas station and then to another place. Then we have a flat tire. He changes the tire, but surprisingly the spare tire also ends up being flat! We end up taking a taxi and he drops me back home.
Officially he breaks up with me few weeks later, but our relationship would still be seen as boyfriend/girlfriend. He taught me a lot of interesting tidbits about Korean culture, also taught me to use chopsticks, to appreciate and enjoy Korean spicy food, and also taught me a lot about history, and about old fashioned etiquette of Korea. He also introduced me to cool bands and Korean music of the 1990s as well as awesome love story movies.
He also appreciated the culture I am from (Russian Jewish), was respectful of me. He enjoyed Russian cuisine my mom made, also enjoyed listening and talking with my folks.
In all we were together for two and a half years before he made a decision to return to Korea. We still talk once in a while and I suppose my emotions of missing him won’t leave me.
i met my bf in a penpal website cause im planning to visit south korea this year, at first i was just looking for a friend who can teach me korean so i sent him a msg and luckily he replied.
we added eachother on kkt he told me he was from busan, i told him i was from ny and we started from there :) … he then asked me if i was in a relationship i said no, but maybe we can go on a date when i go to korea! he laughed and said he would love that.
then we started calling and texting eachother everyday, he would even txt me from work! he said he never did that with anyone else, later he asked me to be his gf! and obviously i said yes.
he came from korea to see me on dic 29 for 5 days, just cause he really wanted to be with me those were the best days of my life! i’v never been so inlove.
we are planning to meet again but this time im the one going there! :) i couldnt ask for more.
Here is my story!
I live in Thailand, in an international environment. I go to an international school in an international place. And one day, a good friend of mine but in a different school, he was stalking me on Facebook. So Sangjin, the korean guy, saw that, and said that I looked cute! So that good friend told him to add me, and we started talking everyday. We didnt meet up yet. And then one day, he had a school trip, and I don’t know why but I got extremely jealous, because I couldn’t go with him, I didnt even meet him, and he’d see other girls in bikinis and sleep with other girls. So one day before the trip, I told him that I’m an extremely jealous person. Then when he went on the trip, I couldn’t stop thinking about him seeing other thin girls in bikinis, whereas I’m not overweight, but I’m not the skinniest either.
Suddenly, he decided to call me, just to make sure that everything was okay. And I was crying on the phone because I have never been so much in love with any guy, and even though we werent dating, I just didnt want to lose him. We managed to speak for a good 15 minutes, and I always hate calling, so this was like a record for me.
And then he came back, and we finally decided to meet up. I organized a sleepover with some good friends, and I invited him too. And then when I finally saw him, I thought: “This is the one”. He didn’t ask me to be his girlfriend yet though.
So hours went by, everyone was either on the xbox or on the laptop, and then it became evening. Everyone had to shower, but I only had one shower. So we did rock paper scissors, and he made sure somehow, that me and him would end up last, so that the rest was like inside and drying their hair and stuff. So when everyone was inside, he took me to my balcony, and we chatted for a while about the trip and that nothing happened. And eventually he asked me to be his girlfriend (:
Three months has passed, and we’re still together. And that’s a record for me, my only serious relationship was… Never.
And I can honestly say, that Korean is the sexiest language out there. Italian sounds too spaghetti, Korean is just incredible. Every time he comes over, I ask him to speak Korean, and he’d say Saranghae, but that’s it, because it’s awkward for him ): Luckily for me, he always speaks Korean with his mom, and that’s when I enjoy listening to him so incredibly much. It doesn’t matter what he says, everything just sounds lovely!
Right now, we’ve had many ups and downs. Many downs, actually. But mainly, that’s because he’s a headboy in his highschool, and he gets a lot of attention from girls because he’s quite flirty, although he doesn’t realize that he’s flirting. And I on the other hand, go to a school with many Thai or Korean guys, and they apparently love European girls (I’m Dutch myself), so I get quite a lot of attention from guys. So we fought A LOT about our jealousy problems, because he is VERY jealous too. But in the end, I told him that all this fighting was us being afraid to lose each other.And now, we don’t get jealous at all. He stopped talking to almost every other girl, and I also stopped talking to other guys, so that we would be happy again. And so far so good!
I hope you enjoyed this huge story of me and him, sorry if it’s too long! I just get very excited to talk about our relationship, because he is such an amazing guy, and I’m still madly in love with him. Repeating this story (I told this story to many friends!) just makes me realize every time how cute he is, how caring and how much I love him. I suppose that these feelings are just teenagers in love and little chance that we will end up marrying, but I’ll let that be. I really am not worrying about us in the future, I’m just concentrating on right now.
And right now, I want to spend my life with him.
Hi Jennifer, I am happy for you and it is a nice story, I can feel through the sentence being young and being in love with a beautiful person and what a wonderful thing that is, judging from the Korean dramas I watch these Korean guys are very good looking and tenderhearted and with eyes that are difficult to resist. I am also dutch and live in Glasgow, but if I had the chance I would catch the next plane to Korea (is one of my dreams), and I agree with you Korean is one of the most beautiful and sexiest language there is and their love songs really touch my heart. ” geniet van dit moment in je leven, groetjes.”
Hi
I was browsing for some helpful tips about dating a korean and I found your blog. I found it very helpful. Anyway.. I just want to share my story and perhaps ask for your advice.
Well, I had my first boyfriend (a korean) last year. We started online and then he went to my country to see me personally. Unfortunately we didnt make a good couple together so we broke up after a few months. I started doubting myself and and my self-esteem suffered a lot because of the break-up. Also, I thought that starting a relationship online was a bad idea in the first place.
OUt of boredom.. I downloaded badoo (a phone app for meeting people) and chatted with another Korean for just chatting purposes around October. Let’s just call him Charles. He wasnt really good in English but for some reason.. I really enjoy chatting with him. Also, even he’s struggling in communicating with me.. he developed a habit of chatting with me for almost everyday. We started in badoo and then switched to Kakao Talk. After around three months of continues chatting.. we developed something special.. and then one day I just realized he’s my boyfriend and I’m his girlfriend. So far… so good. He’s planning to visit me around June.. a few months from now (He needs to save up… first). Well, I’m thrilled and excited. At the same time, I feel scared.. because I keep on thinking that “What if it wont work out? What if it will be just like my first one?”
I know that it’s not good to compare the ex and my new boyfriend but… I just dont want to repeat the same mistakes and heartaches.. So far, I objectively think that Charles is really a better boyfriend for me than the last one.
Well, Charles wants to visit my house too.. and he’ll meet my parents as well. But i dont know if that’s a good idea… I’m flattered that he thought of the idea of visiting my family but I dont know if visiting my family will help our relationship.
Well, our age gap is seven years.. I’m 23 and he’s 30. So far, it’s not an issue yet..
Just like any normal girls.. I would commit this mistake of ‘over thinking’ future things.. I’m trying to stop myself.. so I’m not gonna write them down hahahhaha…
^^ Please.. if you have any opinions.. or advice / tips for me… please reply.
Thaaaaaaaaaaaaaaank yooooooooooooou! Kamsahamnida! ^^
<3
Hi~
I really like your blog. I was browsing for some tips the other night on how to know if a korean guy likes you and I saw your blog. I immediately loved it!!! Your love story with kimchi man is so awesome~ I feel so envious of you hehe >///<
Thank you so much!!!
Anyways~ here’s my story ^^
During my second year in college, I became classmate with this korean guy in a subject. Our teacher seated him next to me and asked me to help him out in some things. I was shy to talk to him because I don’t know how much english he knows so I only just talk to him sometimes, like REALLY sometimes because I was sooooo shy. I would smile at him when we pass each other but other than that, nothing. By this time, I knew I was crushing on him.
Then during our third year, we became classmates almost in all of my subject. I was a little bit excited, thinking I would become closer with him but unfortunately that did not happen.her than friends. He asks me about some school-related stuff and I answer him. Then one time, he messaged me on facebook and asked for a copy of our reviewer because he didn’t have one. I helped him and he said I was so kind. We talked some more and then he asked for my number! (well he already had mine before but he said he lost all of his contacts) At first, he would only text me to ask if class is starting or if we had quizzes. Then we started telling things to each other like what I was doing, what he was doing. We would text each other almost everyday but I’m the one almost always starting the conversation. He would ask if I was home already and when I tell him I’m still on my way home, he would say take care. When we’re texting during lunch or dinner, he would tell me to eat. Then during valentines day, I found out about his lovelife. Turns out he was single and he told me about his ex-girlfriend. I find it really nice that we got this close.
But still when we see each other, I still have a hard time talking to him. Not because of the language barrier because he can somehow understand my native language (I’m Filipino by the way ^^). I feel so shy talking to him and because I don’t know what to talk about with him. And my friends are not helping at all. When I seat next to him, or when I talk to him, they give me this knowing look with that sly smile on their face I can’t help but blush!
All in all I’m happy that I’m able to be close to him. But I wonder if he sees me more than friends. I mean I have been crushing on him for a year and our sudden closeness makes me hope that maybe I have a chance with him. But he’s 24 and I’m 19. I’m worried that maybe he sees me only as a friend or just a little sister. Maybe I’m misunderstanding our closeness. Maybe I’m just over thinking things. I’m thinking of giving up because maybe we’re better off as friends.
What do you think? Do you think I have a chance with him? Or am I over thinking this?? Help? ><
Thank you so much !!!
anyong,
i am european, and i met him 3 months ago.
he is the brother of one of a good friend of mine.
we had something very intense for a week here in europe.
now he is back in Korea.
at first the intensity of what we had felt like love for both, but when he left, after a month or so he clearly told me it was too difficult to deal with distance, especially cause we just have been together for one week.
all i can think about it s him.
i would like to know if he still thinks about me or i was just a european fling, something that was meaningful just at that time and then disappeared in his abroad memories.
we still keep in touch but it is like a very formal way to do it:::how are you, what are you doing bla bla bla….i am planning to go to korea soon and probably even working there but i am so scared i will be disappointed by the whole thing between me and him….i swear i never had something that strong in my life and i am literally thinking about it every second.i just would like us to have a chance but i dont want to look ridiculous being the only one in this loving state of mind with him. i dont seem to be able to read his mind now that he is far, but when he was here nothing was as clear as what we felt for eachothers. i would like to have your opinion….is it just the distance or he is just still keeping in touch because he wants to be kind and that s it?
Hi! Just to start it off I’m a 17 year old Asian and I have a friend whose cousin is married to a Korean guy and this Korean guy has a brother and a cousin (plus his little bro) living with them.
My friend and I are close since we’re both into kpop aside from our usual fangirling, she would tell me about what goes on with her interactions with the Koreans at her home. One time, she told me that they (the Koreans) would ask her about me all because I keep on popping in their conversations. It felt awkward at the same time happy. The brother suddenly talked to me on facebook, I got a little scared because I really didn’t know what to do or what to respond to him even if he did speak English. Although my anxiety got me, my almost-friendship with the brother was good. Then comes the cousin named David
It started off December of 2012, my friend was on a vacation in South Korea and she chatted me up on facebook one night saying that the Korean guy’s cousin was handsome and that he looked my ultimate K-crush–plus we both had the same birthday! I think she also mentioned that we were the same age. I brushed it off but I couldn’t help but feel a little jealous and giddy.
Our talks about family became a little too frequent. She told me really good things about David but a little anti social because he grew up without interaction with people (it was a little too personal so I’m not going to say it). When she didn’t talk to him for a while because school got us busy–he was close to tears saying that he didn’t want to lose a friend and he also wanted to make friends but he didn’t know how to. When she told me that… something in me sparked and I wanted to be his friend and get to know him better. I wanted to shatter that wall he was building and be the reason why he would have future friends. It was there I realized that I was crushing on a real life guy and not on an idol.
I swear I almost flipped when she told me during a school festival that David asked to see my picture–back then he also wanted to talk to me but i was busy with my school requirements so it didn’t happen–and the little bro exclaimed that I resembled David’s ex-girlfriend (his first girlfriend I may add) even his dad thought I was her. My friend backed me up and to my further surprise his father had said that maybe David should start seeing me (as in date me) but our paths wouldn’t cross.
I haven’t talked to him but though my friend’s words… I feel like I already knew him before we even meet. I’m hoping one day we would meet and I would see the real David hiding behind those walls.
Actually, I wanna share my story. It’s kinda unbelievable. T.T
I am from Singapore. One year ago, I met him. Ever since that day, he has become someone very important to me.
At the beginning of 2012, I signed up for the Diploma Studies in Business Administration with KHEA. I reluctantly turned up for Orientation Day along with my best friend of seven years, who had just come out of a long-term relationship then. Admittedly, since I had her beside me, I was sure I had someone to rely on in school, and thus did not bother making friends or even striking a conversation with anyone. When the venue of the Orientation was almost fully filled with unfamiliar faces, she turned to me and asked coyly, “Did you see any cute guys?” I rolled my eyes, and replied “No” coldly. Being the fun person she is, and unsurprising persevering in such matters, she asked me to take a closer look around.
Suddenly, at this very moment, a tall, fair-skinned, charming guy with a good build walked in. I can’t explain it but I just can’t take my eyes off of him. Everything tangible about him, like his dress sense, physique and looks are perfect to me. But above that, it is still amazing to me that even though I didn’t know him, and has never spoken to him, I felt like I knew him. There was an unexplainable connection to this stranger. It was as though time stood still and he was a transparent piece of menagerie, waiting for me to indulge in his enigma someday. There was a familiarity in him which I find comforting; it is beyond my articulation in words.
For the many months after, I would secretly watch him from afar.. Seeing him around would brighten up my day for no particular reason. Short and accidental encounters with him remain vivid in my mind.. Halfway into the program, my class was split up into two pathways – namely General Studies and Business Administration. On the first day of the third semester, I did not see him in my class. I felt a sense of unusual sadness dawning on me; my heart felt heavy. It turned out that he had chosen a different pathway.
By the forth (and last) semester, everyone in class had become friends. One of his closer friends was in my class. One day, I was chatting and mingling around randomly when another Singaporean friend of mine asked if I had an “eye candy” in class. I felt that it was harmless to confess my fondness of him since he wasn’t in my class, and since we were already graduating. I didn’t know his name or nationality back then, so I described his looks to them. Due to the fact that most of the boys in class were pretty short, they immediately knew who I was referring to. His close friend heard and seemed amazed that I had said that, so he asked me “Were you referring to my friend?”
Ever since that day, news spread wilder than fire, and eventually to the protagonist himself. I found out that he was actually South Korean. He got hold of my contact number and the rest is history. What left me dumbfounded and in disbelief was that his friend later told me that on Orientation Day, he noticed me as well. What are the chances of such an occurrence happening in real life? I do not believe it till this very day; cheesy love stories like these which we read in novels and watch on television seem so fictitious; how could I ever believe that it was happening to me? It’s just all too good to be true. A perfect love story like this came with a price. And indeed, from the day we went official, we struggled with many differences.
Let me sidetrack to our world 50 years ago. 50 years ago, globalisation was practically non-existent.. Only the affluent could afford travelling fees. People were very much confined to finding love within their own communities where they share common languages and background. What was considered the norm now seems very restrictive.
In our contemporary society, with globalisation and advancements in technology, endless possibilities across horizons are now possible. In addition, the physical and communications infrastructure has caused the prevalence in long-distance relationship these days. It astounds me and makes me wonder if people from old days could have found their soul mate if they lived in a more open world back then. Now that we are in year 2013, people from all over the world are opening up their minds to new ideologies. As the saying goes, ‘You can’t control who you fall in love with.’ Similarly, I never expected that I would meet someone I like so much; much less that he is Korean.
Looking back in retrospective at our currently blossoming relationship, we have come such a long way. The amount of obstacles, barriers and differences we faced was unbelievable.
The first major problem we faced was language. His first language is Korean, while mine was English. There were many instances when he tries his best to explain his thoughts and views, or heartfelt feelings to me, but I still misunderstood his meaning. This is very damaging to the relationship and I have since learnt to be more patient, and to always always clarify any doubts I might have. In the past, I sometimes chose to avoid the whole problem. He says something which he did not communicate across accurately, while I feel hurt silently by his comments. Since then, I have chosen a different approach, which is honesty. I express to him all my sadness and unhappiness now, simply because I do not like bearing grudges or feeling any resentment towards him. These days, after clarification, we always move on happily by making sure that the information he tries to deliver across, is exactly the way I perceive it.
Also, the difference in languages has created much laughter between us as we are always amazed at each other’s method of greetings and exclamations. In the Korean culture, when speaking to others, it is the norm for them to give animated expressions to show that they are interested in the conversation, and that they feel engaged. In Singapore, we give pretty mundane expressions that reflect our exact mood. The first time he met my mom, I told him to wave and say “Hi, Aunty” but he ended up bowing and acting uncomfortable and awkward which made me chuckle.
Secondly, due to the differences in culture, which is defined as the values and beliefs of a particular community, it affects our ways of perceiving things greatly. Our ideas of what is normal, severity of a matter, as well as love differs accordingly. For example, Koreans are expected to uphold stringent table manners in front of the elders, while this is evidently more lax in Singapore. In Korea, it is considered rude to lift bowls or plates off the surface of the table. It should always remain on the table at all times; otherwise it is frowned upon as a beggar having his meal. In Singapore, it is normal for the Chinese to lift their bowls, and put the edge of the bowl against their mouths to eat.
Moving on, the attitudes of Singaporeans and Koreans are very different. In Korea, sons are perceived as being more valuable than daughters. So, their attitude towards accomplishments is that they simply do their part as a son/daughter, student, brother/sister and that is good enough. Parents over there save up their whole lives to pay for their children’s education, wedding etc. However in Singapore, independence is emphasized by parents and equality between men and women is greatly promoted.
Lastly, my boyfriend and I would always have debates about the ideal of beauty. A feature on the face which Singaporeans consider beautiful is not the same in Korea. For example, Koreans feel that handsome men should have single eyelids because double eyelids make them look girly. However in Singapore, aesthetics are not so specific. Both are acceptable and okay; it really depends on the entire look as a whole.
To conclude this, dating a Korean man has definitely opened up my eyes to more things which I never knew about. The reflective nature of this assignment has helped me to see what went wrong, and what I can do differently in the future. The crux of cross cultural management still comes down to one word: EFFORT. In order to manage a cross cultural relationship well, both parties should always put in effort to understand, to compromise and to clarify. It is not easy to meet someone so special in such a huge world, so it is instrumental to remind ourselves to never ever take our friends or boyfriend/girlfriend for granted. I am sure that with all these, trust can be built over time. And even though we both grew up 2901.43 miles away and 4669.27 kilometres apart, I am sure we will be good.
HI :) My name is Daniel. I met my Korean girlfriend MinGin while she was studying abroad last year. She is the love of my life. Recently she applied for graduate school. She got into good schools in the United States. But I think that she is going to choose to stay in Korea for graduate school.
It looks like more years of long distance are in store for us. I found your blog in a moment of sadness and uncertainty. I’ll keep my head up. if you can do it then we can too.
Hyunkyu or Hk as everyone calls him, is Korean, and I’m Sophie, about as English as they come. This is our young love story :)
Hyunkyu and I met on my first day at a new school, and he and I instantly clicked. He’s the funniest, cutest and happiest person I know and I love everything about him, especially his smile ! We’ve been through so many ups and downs together, from 2010 to today.
We’ve only been together for 14 months or so, but wow. He’s so amazing, from making cute videos and speaking in Korean to ‘mailing’ letters into my locker. We’re soon to graduate and his parents are finally letting him come to the UK with me to experience it this summer, before we leave next June! I’m so excited :)
I gave everything to my baby and I’ve never had a single regret. We are still discussing him going to the military, I’m honestly worried about him and I am scared to lose him, even just for 2 years. We basically live with each other at the weekends and waking up to him is perfect in my eyes.
One day I imagine us in a little house with a few children, lots of dogs and cats, I know everyone says we’re too young to know anything about forever, but I think thats the reason theres so many divorces etc in the world.
We’ve been together through so much, and we will continue to be together for a long time to come.
Saranghae Hyunkyu. xo
I meet him in an express bus. We were heading to Malacca from Singapore. He started admonished me when he saw me was watching Sungha Jung’s video from my smartphone. Do you know him? I came from the same country like him. (Him) Oh really? You are Korean? Sorry I talked to you in Malay just now because I thought you were Chinese. (Me) it’s ok. My name is Myunsuk 21yo. (he and shake my hand spontaneously) I was shocked. I quickly pull my hand back. I’m Janna 18yo. Nice to meet you. I . Actually this story is too long to share and i just want to inform you guys what make me really like him.
He is a talk active person. He tells all about Korea such as his country, culture, K-pop, and Korean food. I also tell him all about my country, culture, k-pop and Malaysia food because he wants to know it. I told him that I really like k-pop and I know all about Korea. I asked him shall I call him oppa? He was laughing. He told me that ‘oppa ‘ is too special and he call me back as dongsaeng.. I remember that he told me that I am daebak! (대박) hahaha I reply him hwaiting! (화이팅)
He is a kind person. He adjusted the air conditioner for me because I could not reach it. Yeah my hand is too short and my height only 146cm. He also offered me his junk food but I did not take it because as a Muslim we cannot eat something that does not have (Halal logo). Moreover, he took my phone from my hand and touches the Korean languages application so that it will appear in front of the main screen and he told me that it was easy for me to learn Korean. I told him that as a Muslim I cannot touch man other than my own family even it just shake hand. Yeah.. He apologized because he did not know. It’s ok.
He is a funny person. We were chatting and laughing too loud while the others in the bus were sleeping. There were a couple of old Chinese sat in front of us and they woke up and look at us. Yes, we had disturbing them. Sorry uncle. Sorry aunty. I told him to slow his voice but only for the first 2 minutes then his original voice came back because he was too excited chatting with me. Haha He want me to took his picture in the bus so he gave his phone to me.. 1.. 2.. What?? He poses with his mouth opened and the palm oil tree as a background. Maybe he want to look cute.. haha yeah he is.
He is a romantic person. He unplugs my earphone from my phone and attached it to his phone. He said that he want me to hear his favorite Korea song. Buzz. The old group band artists in Korea. It is a ballad song. Yes he like it. I remember that he dislike UKISS Shut up song. He sang the part in this song which he dislike.. sshi sshi shikeuro (shut up) so funny. He always smiles.
He is a simple person. He was wearing a black shirt, yellow pants and a pair of slippers.. yeah with a blue cute luggage. His hair does not look like Kpop artist but it just nice. I like it. He really love chatting with me even I am not pretty like other girls.. yes my hair was covered by scarf, I am short, a bit fat, brown skin(Asian skin) and nobody want to be my friend especially Malay man. But it different from his look and he really don’t mind with it.
Our friend relationship was end at the Malacca Central. I go back to my home town in KL and he was looking for his friend there. I really miss him so much.. 오빠, 보고싶다.. What I can say is Korean man are really… you know what I mean.. but sorry to say. They are really different with Malay man.. This is my own opinion.. 감사합니다..
Hello^^
I am a south east asian girl and I am 18 y.o. I have an oppa from Changwon and he is very nice. he is 20 y.o (international age). we met online in a site. I told him that I like his country and asked him whatever I am curious about Korea. he replied me with his friendly answer and asked me if I have a soc.med to continue our talking. then we changed our skype id and after that we became closer. he texts and calls me a lot. eventhough he is busy he still can make time for me. he likes to call me “babo”. and he really likes to tease me a lot.. I hate it because he always call me babo in fact I am not a babo person. I really dont know what’s on his mind. one day, I asked him why you really like to tease me? and he said that’s because you are (saying my name). so what if I am not (my name)? if you aren’t (saying my name) then you aren’t babo. aiss jinjja this guy really makes me crazy. I asked him is babo a lovely nickname he gave to me? and he said yes. he also said that I am a special girl who needs to be teased. do you think that he likes me or something like that? I am confused..
I joined a pen pal website hoping to learn some more things about Korean culture. One day, I received a message from this particular Korean guy (JW). His messages were short, so I thought his English would not be that good. We just asked each other about interests and in one message, he suddenly asked if we could be friends. I thought we were already friends, because pen pals are like friends, right? So I said yes and then he asked for my kakao id.
After that, we started messaging each other almost every day (or every other day). He’s a very funny guy, but it seems as if all our conversations ends up turning into some kind of joke. He doesn’t really ask me about myself and I don’t really ask about him either. We just have really fun, random conversations.
I kind of got the idea that he might be flirting with me…just small hints, like when I asked if I got a reward for answering something correctly, he sent me a heart emote. I just brushed it off, because I thought we were just friends. We had only been messaging each other for maybe a month or so.
I asked him to teach me Korean and how to say “teacher” in Korean. He gave me a Korean word 남편. I didn’t know the meaning, but he told me to call him that.I later searched up the word and found out it meant “husband”. I wondered if he was just making fun of me since I am a foreigner (Chinese American).
One day, we were joking around and talking about something. I don’t remember what. But I asked him if he knew where I lived, and he said I didn’t, so I said “Hubby, I think we should get a divorce, because you don’t know where I live!” Then I told him he could ask me anything he wanted.
He began asking about my interests, I already knew that we had very little in common. But after that, he asked “Do you like me?”
Confused, I asked if he meant just as friends. His answer was vague: “Of course, because we cannot meet”.
I assumed that meant we would just be friends, so I said “Yes!”
Later, I asked him the same question, but his response shocked me. He said he “loved” me but added that we could not meet. (He is currently in army service and gets discharged at the end of the year.)
After that, I did not know how to react or what to expect from him. Nowadays, we are just flirting with each other, but I don’t know how serious he is. We have a lot of cute conversations though, especially when he teaches me Korean. He always teaches me the lovey dovey phrases, like “I love you” and “I miss you”. I asked him who I would say those phrases to, and he said “Me!” haha.
Hi everyone! :) I thought long and hard if I should post my (our) story on here, and finally decided “Why not!?”. It will be eternalized forever on this wonderful world we call the Internet.
In short, I was completing an internship abroad in an Embassy (not in SKorea), and realized that my newfound love for the Korean language was more than just a passing trend, and that it could greatly serve my future career goals. As a result, I registered for a language exchange program online and met Mr. M (I shall call him that for anonymity purposes hehehe). He was looking to improve his English and me my Korean skills. Perfect match.
After about a month, our conversation diverged from the usual food, hobbies, work related topics, to a more personal information sharing phase. Instantly we felt like we became best friends. We shared everything with one another, and woke up and went to sleep with nicely considerate and sweet text messages on none other than KakaoTalk. We slowly also realized that we shared many interests, including dance, visual and performing arts, cultural traits and traditions (although I am not Korean, I am of former Yugoslavian decent), life plans, etc. It was wonderful to find that one person with whom you could share your deepest thoughts, and a person whose words could comfort you when you need them most. Our entire relationship was based on communication (in his broken and cute English mostly, and my occasional attempts at writing Hangul :P ).
After almost 2 months, I decided that, once back at home, I would meet him face-to-face. We live about 4 hours apart, in different cities, but we nonetheless decided that distance would not be an issue, since we put much emphasis on communicating through messages and calls, as well as that occasional care package. :D:D:D :) :) :)
I was nervous, and so was he, but after that one date, we felt entirely comfortable with each other; as though we’ve spent 10 years alongside one another.
About Mr. M. He is a professional actor, dancer, and choreographer. He worked in the field for 8 years in SKorea, and decided to recently move to Canada to pursue his dreams along the same lines, but in front of a different public. In addition, he is working towards establishing his own performing arts company, so let’s cross our fingers that it works out. He is a wonderful human being, who cares about me to the deepest level (that includes feeding me daily vitamins every day haha, making breakfast and dinner, taking me out for strolls to clear my mind and ward off stress, making kimchi and mailing it to my mom who is utterly addicted to it, planning our future travels, expressing his concerns about my career and studies, pulling me towards him as we closely brush near fast moving cars – because he’s just that scared to lose me and I think it is the sweetest thing in the world -, making me dance anywhere and everywhere, etc.etc.etc.). Basically, he allows me to abandon myself and enjoy every moment with him, as well as reciprocate with the same level of care, attention, and concern for him as he has for me.
He is 30, and I am 26. Our relationship is moving quicker than I would have expected; however, I’ve realized now what my mother has been telling me for years: when you find that ONE special person, you …just…know…. and there are no such things as norms and rules for how your relationship should necessarily progress. You do what feels right.
I wish I could share many more details with you guys, but that would require blog post after blog post. :) Maybe I shall write my own K-Drama script and submit it for all to view hehehe.
On that note, I hope that all your love endeavours remain as wonderful as mine are currently, and that you find much happiness and fulfilment in life and love. :)
Best,
NaNa
I am good friends with my young Korean chef colleague and I have a secret crush on him even though I have a Mexican boyfriend..
It was a summer of 2010 when I decided to spend my summer vacation in one of the popular cities in Philippines. While I was there, my relationship with my boyfriend fizzled then we broke up. That time, I was with my foreigner cousins and one of them is leaving for Australia so we decided to hit the clubs that night. It was in that club that I met the first Korean man in my life (I think he is my first love too!) At the beginning, I just ignored him (he was dancing behind me.I didn’t know he was Korean) but when my cousins left me in the dance floor, that’s when I decided to look at this man. First thing I noticed were his muscular arms and broad shoulders. I can’t help but smile (I like men with great bodies *giggle*) and I can never forget my first question to him, which was, ” Do you swim?” He was surprised at the question and told me he was a swimmer when he was in highschool. So we continued dancing and talking (more like yelling against the noise in the club). Then he asked for my number. I was wary at first, thinking he might be just a player but sensing my hesitation, he showed me his contact list to prove I am the first non-korean in his phone. so I gave it but didn’t expect Oppa to contact me anyway. Then it was time for him to leave (they have a curfew at the English academy where he was studying at that time). I was disappointed ‘coz I had a great time with him. Right then, a drunk woman holding a beer and cigarette was heading my way with unstable steps. Oppa was so quick in pulling me into him before the woman fell down & passed out. Right then, when he touched my hand, I felt something…an electric kind of sensation that I never felt before. I felt my heart beating so fast. It was new to me.I never felt those things with my ex boyfriend. But before I could say anything, oppa bid me goodbye for his friends are hurrying to leave. All I could think of is “will he contact me?” I didnt bring my phone then, so I was also rushing to go home. When I went home, I immediately searched for my phone and there it was..a message from him saying he had a nice time and he wished we could see each other again. Fast forward to the next day, Oppa told me that when he sent that message, he was waiting for me (for the whole hour) outside the club, hoping to talk to me more without the noise. He made his friends wait together with him too! but since I didn’t bring my phone, I didn’t know he did just that!so i apologized profusely and explained to him…
Since we are staying at the opposite ends of the city, it was difficult to meet.although, we try our best.One time, after he finished his class, he quickly went to meet me at a mall wherein, I was only able to stay for 30 mins! (it took him more than that to get to where I am) that’s when i’ve fallen harder for him. On our last day together (since I have to leave and go back to my hometown), Oppa traveled for 2 hours just to see me near where I was staying. we tried to spend every remaining hours happily.
Sadly, oppa didn’t want to have a long distance relationship. so we ended what we had on that last date. Here’s the weird part. On my last night in the city, I decided to hit that club where he and I first met for the last time. we didnt communicate anymore so I had no idea where he is. When I was dancing with my cousin & trying to forget him..Lo and behold, Oppa was at the entrance. our eyes met. we couldn’t believe the coincidence!he approached me..with a sad look in his eyes and asked me to dance with him for a while. I held him like there’s no tomorrow. and I gave him my last kiss…
after that, I haven’t heard anything from him. I still wonder a lot about him until now. I can never forget, oppa staying up til wee hours at dawn just talking despite having a class in a few hours. He even learned how to say words in my language..and gave me a Korean moniker, Jang Mi (which means Rose). I plan, when I get the chance to go to Korea, to maybe look for him)…if destiny will intervene again, I am sure our paths will cross again :)