Yes, Korean couples do hug in public, but it's generally more reserved than in many Western countries, with holding hands and side hugs being common, while full-body hugs and kissing are often saved for private settings or become more acceptable among younger generations in trendy areas like Hongdae. While cultural views are evolving, strong PDA (Public Displays of Affection) can still make older Koreans or those in traditional settings uncomfortable, so many couples opt for more subtle "skinship".
While it's not uncommon to bump a few elbows on a crowded street, South Koreans aren't big on touching someone they don't know. This means hugs and shoulder pats aren't welcomed between strangers.
Holding hands is common. Kissing is only common on back alleys after a alcohol filled night near the hongdae park. Otherwise, it is not common to see in public at all.
Public displays of affection (PDA) in Korea are generally more reserved than in many Western countries. While holding hands, linking arms, or small pecks on the cheek are becoming more common, particularly among younger couples, anything more than that is often frowned upon in public spaces.
You may be familiar with the “three-day rule” popular in Western cultures. However, that rule does not apply when dating in Korea. In fact, it may be taken as a sign of disinterest if you don't contact someone immediately after the first date and let them know you had a good time.
Weekly Work Limit: 52 Hours
Despite the 40-hour workweek cap, South Korea's labor law permits employees to work more than 8 hours in a day without violating the law, as long as the total weekly working hours do not exceed 52 hours. This system gives businesses flexibility.
The brushing method recommended to general persons in Korea is the 3-3-3 brushing method campaign, which involves only toothbrushing behavior (the time and frequency); 3-3-3 means brushing one's teeth 3 times per day, within 3 minutes after having a meal, for at least 3 minutes each time.
So, how do Korean guys treat their girlfriends? Whether they're older than you or not, South Korean men will typically want to be in a protective, responsible, and respected role while in a relationship. This desire to be "Oppa" can be an amazing thing when you're in a relationship with a Korean man.
In some more conservative countries, such as islands in the Caribbean and some countries in Southeast Asia (such as Laos, Cambodia, and Thailand), PDA is frowned upon and will attract negative attention.
Koreans consider it rude to look someone directly in the eye, cross your arms or legs, or have your hands in their pocket when you are speaking to them. Koreans usually focus their eyes on the lower neck of the person they are talking to and try to avoid staring.
The majority view was that virginity should be kept until marriage, with 88.1% of the group. For the survey of male students, 16.2% admitted to having had coital experiences, mostly with their girlfriends (74.7%).
Here are 6 fictional K-drama red-flag men we are absolutely obsessed with.
The Youth Protection Revision Act, commonly known as the Shutdown Law or Cinderella Law, was an act of the South Korean National Assembly which forbade children under the age of sixteen to play video games between the hours of 00:00 and 06:00.
Saranghae
“Saranghae” means, as we said, I love you in Korean, but it can also have the meaning of “I care about you“, and can be used to express love for your friends or beloved ones. We can therefore also say “saranghae” to our family members.
Here are the most famous unspoken rules in Seoul, the ones locals follow and visitors quickly notice: Give & receive with two hands 🙇♂️ Don't pour your own drink 🍶 (refill others, they'll refill yours) Turn your head away when drinking with elders 🍻🙈
Current status of PDA in Australia (2025)
In Australia, PDA is not recognised as a separate diagnostic category within diagnostic manuals such as the DSM-5 or ICD-11.
In most of the Western world, such as Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, and Latin America, public displays of affection such as holding hands, hugging, and occasionally kissing are generally common.
Public Displays of Affection (PDA)
Japan values emotional restraint in public spaces. Even longtime couples tend to keep affection private, with the unspoken idea being that closeness is something to be shared at home, not out in the open.
Traditional Terms of Endearment
여보 (Yeobo) - A classic term used between married couples, similar to "honey" or "darling." 자기 (Jagi) - Equivalent to "baby" or "sweetie," used between couples. 애인 (Aein) – “Romantic partner / lover.” A neutral and widely used term for someone you're in a romantic relationship with.
Marriages between South Korean men and foreign women are often arranged by marriage brokers or international religious groups. Men pay money to match-up and meet their spouse on the moment of their arrival to South Korea.
Flirting in Korean often involves playful and affectionate expressions that convey romantic interest. Phrases like "나랑 사귈래?" (Do you want to date me?) and "한 잔 할래요?" (Do you want to grab a drink with me?) are commonly used to initiate romantic interactions.
By encouraging children to brush their teeth after every meal at home and in school, Korea has come to view toothbrushing as not only a matter of hygiene, but also an act of "social etiquette," according to Cho Hyun-jae, professor of dentistry at Seoul National University.
Common Korean Etiquette
1) Take your shoes off at the door when entering any residence, temple, or guesthouse. 2) Greet people you meet with a short bow—essentially a nod—and soft handshake using both hands. 3) Give and receive any object using both hands.
In East Asian cultures, such as Japan, Korea, and China, kneeling holds a prominent place in social etiquette and is deeply ingrained in everyday life. Kneeling, often in the seiza position (sitting on one's heels), is a common way to show respect to elders, superiors, or guests.