In Korea, blind dates (or so-gae-ting) are the way to go for many singles. Here at Time Out, we’ve arranged a “Seoul-gae-ting” for two savvy Seoulites to see if it works.
THE DATE
Appetizers at Da Korner
142-1, Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu(02-792-6013).
Beer at Record Issue
57, Hoenamu-ro 13ga-gil, Yongsan-gu (facebook.com/RecordIssue, 010-6300-6139).
Cocktails at Southside Parlor
4F, 218, Noksapyeong-daero Yongsan-gu (facebook.com/SouthsideParlor, 02-749-9522).
Ddeokbokki and soju at Fusion Pocha
18, Noksapyeong-daero 54-gil, Yongsan-gu (02-790-9839).
GP: She was a bit reserved at first, told me she didn't speak English well but she was fantastic. Seemed content to go with the flow, and I was happy to discover that we shared an interest in music.
Sihwa: I was a bit late and he was standing in front of the restaurant. He was exactly the same as his picture. His voice was good and he did his best to lead the conversation—I appreciated that.
GP: We traded viewpoints about where we were and what we wanted in life, a relationship and so on. I think we both understand one another, but that didn't necessarily equate to chemistry.
Sihwa: It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t awful. We talked about a lot of things and the conversation was pretty serious at times. Talking was fun and time went quickly. He’s a good listener, but I didn’t feel anything romantic. I just felt like we could be good friends.
GP: We waited awhile until a cab came along, I thanked her for a pleasant evening and she shot me a text to let me know she got home safe.
Sihwa: It was a bit difficult to catch a cab so we had to walk a bit. After we got home, he sent me a message saying he enjoyed our conversations and he’d be in touch soon. No word after.
GP: ♥♥♥♡♡ I don't think either of us "fit the description" for the other person. If anything, I think we'd make better friends.
Sihwa: ♥♥♡♡♡It didn’t feel romantic, but he seems understanding and kind. I’d like to hang out, again. But I think he is in the friend zone.
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