Blind Date in Korea – How?

Have you ever been on a blind date? Have you ever flirted with a stranger, just because he/she looks like your type?

Probably you’ve seen some scenes from Hollywood movies where a guy approaches a girl in a café because she looks pretty. In Korea it isn’t common to do it that way. If you want to meet someone new to get a boyfriend or girlfriend, you usually go on blind dates.

I, myself, have never been on a blind date. But I’ll share some information about it, which I’ve got from a book called “Sleepless in Seoul” by Vera Hohleiter. If you watch Chitchat with Beauties, you probably know her as one of the German panels on the show.

Usually you get your blind date’s contact information through friends. They find someone who would match with you. How does it work? You meet with your blind date somewhere, usually in a nice restaurant which is neither too cheap nor too romantic. Well, because it’s only the first meeting.

Introduce yourself. Say how old you are, what’s your occupation, etc. You might meet someone who shares the same interests with you. Even if not, you’re lucky if you can talk “properly” with your date. Imagine having someone who isn’t talkative at all!

Such blind dates are called Sogaeting. Sogae means “to introduce” and –ting comes from “meeting”. Sometimes there are also group blind dates. Then you either create pairs within the group or you stay with the others the whole time.

I personally wouldn’t want to experience such a blind date. I can’t imagine dating any stranger. Even if I would, he should be talkative and good-looking. He should not be boring but not talk too much either.

So would you? Why do people go on blind dates, anyway? Especially in Korea. Get to know more about the reasons behind those Sogaetings!

Also check out G-Dragon's sogaeting skit! Featuring Seungri, who has arranged the blind date for him, Daesung, Dara, CL and Minzy. And of course, G-Dragon's date! Guess who it is?

Jump to 2:47 to see his sogaeting story!

Courtesy of IceAlarcon