Suh ChangWhoon
Written by 서 창훈, a certified Korean teacher with 14+ years of experience in Japan. He previously worked as a government officer, cybersecurity consultant, and English interpreter. Today, he teaches Korean in real classrooms without complex grammar explanations — instead, he trains students’ brains to speak naturally. His unique method is now the foundation of all his Korean courses.
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Do you know how to say blind date in Korean? The most common blind date Korean word is 소개팅 (so-gae-ting). The word 소개 means “introduction,” and 팅 comes from the English word “meeting.” So 소개팅 literally means “an introduction meeting.”
Another word you will hear is 미팅 (miting), which means a group blind date in Korea. While 소개팅 is usually just one man and one woman, 미팅 is for a group, like 3 men and 3 women, or sometimes even 10 vs 10.
In Korea, blind dates are very common. Friends, coworkers, and sometimes even family like to introduce single people to each other. It feels safer than meeting a complete stranger because the person is already “approved” by someone you trust.
I will also make a short video to show you how to say blind date in Korean and how to pronounce 소개팅, so you can practice it easily. You can watch the video inside this blog.
How to Say “Blind Date” in Korean
Here are some useful phrases:
- 소개팅을 하다 (sogaeting-eul hada) → to have a blind date
- 소개팅 할래요? (sogaeting hallaeyo?) → Do you want to go on a blind date?
- 소개팅 해줄까요? (sogaeting haejulkka-yo?) → Should I set you up on a blind date?
- 미팅을 하다 (miting-eul hada) → to have a group blind date
Sogaeting vs. Miting: What’s the Difference?
So, what is the difference between 소개팅 and 미팅?
- 소개팅 (sogaeting) is a one-on-one blind date. It’s usually in a café or quiet restaurant. The atmosphere is calm, and people talk politely. It can lead to a serious relationship or even marriage.
- 미팅 (miting) is a group blind date. It’s more fun and playful. People often play games, drink together, and choose who they like. Many university students love 미팅 because it’s exciting and less serious.
Both are part of Korean dating culture, and almost every young Korean has tried at least one 소개팅 or 미팅 in their life.
Blind Date in Korea vs Other Countries
Why is blind dating so popular in Korea? Because people are very social, and it’s normal for friends to help each other find someone nice.
Also, many Koreans are shy about meeting strangers directly, so a friend’s introduction feels safer.
Sometimes, sogaeting leads to a serious relationship. Other times, it’s just a fun way to meet new people.
And of course, K-dramas and Korean reality dating shows often show sogaetings, so it became even more famous worldwide.
What Do Koreans Expect from a Blind Date in Korea?
When going on a blind date in Korea, expectations are different for each person.
Some people hope to find true love or even a marriage partner. Others are just curious and want to meet new people. A typical 소개팅 starts with polite conversation. People usually share basic information like age, job, hobbies, and sometimes even family background.
Many people hope their blind date partner is kind, well-dressed, and has good manners. Appearance is important in Korea, so making a good first impression is everything.
How Do Koreans Prepare for a Blind Date?
Koreans prepare carefully for 소개팅.
- They choose nice clothes. Men often wear a clean shirt or even a suit. Women might wear a cute but elegant dress.
- They style their hair and prepare light, natural makeup.
- Some people even practice conversation topics so they won’t feel awkward.
- Men sometimes bring small gifts, like coffee or dessert, to show thoughtfulness.
Because a blind date can lead to something serious, people want to look their best.
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Many people ask this question, but the answer is not usually. In Korea, a blind date is not about casual sex. Most people do not sleep together after the first date. They meet a few times first and build trust.
Of course, it depends on the person. Some are more casual, while others want a serious relationship. But compared to some countries, Korean blind date culture is usually more careful and respectful.
Can Sogaeting Lead to Marriage?
Yes! Many couples meet through 소개팅 and later get married. When the blind date is arranged by close friends or family, it often feels more serious. But not all 소개팅 is for marriage.
Some people go on blind dates just for fun, especially when they are young. It’s a way to meet someone new outside your usual social circle.
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What About Cheating?
It happens. Some people already have a boyfriend or girlfriend but still join a blind date for fun. In Korean, this is called 양다리 (yang-da-ri), meaning “two legs,” like keeping two relationships at the same time.
There are also stories of married people secretly going on 소개팅. This is considered 불륜 (bul-lyun), which means an affair. So yes, blind dates in Korea can sometimes lead to drama!
Korean Age System: Why Age Matters So Much in KoreaWhy Do Koreans Like Blind Dates?
There are many reasons why blind dates in Korea are popular.
- You can meet someone outside your normal social group.
- It feels safer because a friend introduces you.
- It’s exciting—you don’t know what will happen.
Even if the date doesn’t lead to romance, it can still be a fun and memorable experience.
Food in Korean – 9 Popular Food with Easy ExamplesWhat Do Koreans Talk About on a Blind Date?
Koreans usually talk about hobbies, favorite foods, movies, travel, and work. Some ask about family background, education, or even MBTI personality type.
But there are unspoken rules:
- Don’t talk too much about ex-boyfriends or ex-girlfriends.
- Don’t ask about money too early.
- Don’t be rude to the waiter or staff—it leaves a bad impression.
On a group blind date, drinking games are common. It helps everyone relax and laugh together. But on a serious one-on-one 소개팅, it’s usually just coffee or tea.
3 Types of Bow in Korean Culture: When and How to UseBlind Dates in Korean TV Shows and Dramas
Korean blind date culture is so popular that many reality TV shows are based on it. Shows like Heart Signal, Love Catcher, and EXchange are about people living together and dating.
Korean dramas also often have funny 소개팅 scenes, like a man showing up late, or a woman pretending to be someone else. These scenes make 소개팅 feel familiar to everyone, even if they haven’t tried it themselves.
From My Original Story Style Breakdown™ — A New Way to Truly Understand Korean
This is just one sentence from a complete learning system you won’t find anywhere else. — designed to help you understand Korean naturally, without getting lost in grammar rules.
When you can truly understand Korean sentences this way, speaking becomes much easier.
🟡 Sentence 1 of 7
Original Korean Sentence
사자가 코끼리를 잡아요.
Pronunciation Guide
사자가 (sa-ja-ga) 코끼리를 (ko-ggi-ri-reul) 자바요 (ja-ba-yo).
Meaning and Context
사자 (lion)
→ The lion — the one taking action now in the story.
가 (subject marker)
→ Points out that the lion is doing the action.
코끼리 (elephant)
→ The one the action is done to.
를 (object marker)
→ Shows that the elephant is the object being caught.
잡 (to catch, grab, take)
→ The action — the lion catches or grabs the elephant.
아요 (polite ending)
→ I’m telling you this in a polite and friendly way.
Real-Life Usage
잡아요 is common when talking about catching or holding something.
English Translation
The lion catches the elephant.
Literal Translation
Lion catch elephant.
Pattern Practice
사자가 토끼를 잡아요.
고양이가 쥐를 잡아요.
아이가 공을 잡아요.
강아지가 장난감을 잡아요.
In my full Story Course, each sentence comes with even more — depending on the sentence, you’ll also find grammar tips, pronunciation flow advice, and culture insights to help you truly understand and use Korean.
FAQs (What You Might Still Wonder About)
1. ❓ Is the blind date Korean word “sogaeting” used in everyday conversation, or is it more formal?
Many people wonder if 소개팅 (sogaeting) is casual slang or something you can use in any situation.
2. ❓ What makes a blind date in Korea different from a blind date in other countries?
Korean blind dates have unique rules and cultural expectations that surprise many foreigners.
3. ❓ How do you politely say no after a blind date in Korean?
“오늘 즐거웠어요. 그런데 연애 감정은 잘 안 생기는 것 같아요.”
(“I had a good time today, but I don’t think I feel romantic feelings.”)
Another common phrase is:
“죄송하지만 좋은 친구로 지내면 좋겠어요.”
(“I’m sorry, but I think it’s better if we stay as friends.”)
Koreans try to reject softly without hurting feelings. Ghosting is less common after a 소개팅 because it’s introduced by a friend.
4. ❓ Do older people in Korea also go on sogaeting, or is it only for young people?
소개팅 is popular among students and young professionals, but people in their 30s and 40s also go on blind dates in Korea. In fact, for older people, 소개팅 can feel more serious because they are often looking for a marriage partner. Sometimes families or matchmaking services help arrange it. So yes, sogaeting is for all ages, not just the young.
5. ❓ How to say blind date in Korean if it’s arranged by family, not friends?
When a blind date is arranged by parents or relatives with marriage in mind, it’s called 선 (seon). It’s more formal than a normal 소개팅. A 선 meeting is usually for people who are serious about marriage. So while 소개팅 (sogaeting) is a casual blind date, 선 is a family-arranged date with a strong marriage purpose.
6. ❓ Are there any unspoken rules for paying the bill on a blind date in Korea?
Yes, there are. On a typical blind date in Korea, the man often offers to pay, especially if he invited the woman. But many women offer to split the bill because it shows independence. Some people follow the “first date rule” where the man pays for coffee or dinner, and if they meet again, they take turns. The most important thing is to be polite and thankful.
7. ❓ Can you find love through a blind date in Korea even if you don’t speak Korean?
Yes, it’s possible! Many Koreans are curious about foreigners and open to dating them. If you don’t know how to say blind date in Korean, your friend might still arrange a 소개팅 for you. Some people speak English, and it can even be a fun cultural exchange. But of course, learning a little Korean shows respect and makes communication easier.
Final words
Now you know how to say blind date in Korean: it’s 소개팅 (sogaeting) for one-on-one dates, and 미팅 (miting) for group blind dates. In Korea, blind dates are part of everyday life. They can lead to love, marriage, friendship, or just a funny story to tell.
In the next video, I’ll show you how to pronounce 소개팅, and I’ll teach you simple phrases you can use if someone invites you to a blind date in Korea. Stay tuned and watch it inside this blog!
Watch Heart Signal – a popular Korean blind date reality show
