Korean male friends are more public with their affection for each other than Korean couples are?

Hello,

Yes...public displays of affection are very common amongst same-sex friends in Korea.

I've lived in Korea for over 5 years, coming from Canada. What I noticed early was that a lot of men would walk down the street and hold each others hands or have their arms around each other.

At first I wondered if it was a homosexual thing, but then I discovered that it was just to show friendship and not a big deal at all.

I was in a singing room with a group of Korean men, and an older gentleman was sitting next to me and had his hand on my knee for much of the evening. I was uncomfortable at first, but learned that it meant nothing more than a high-five in the west.

Also, if you go to a "mok-yok tang", or bath house, you will find that it is customary for younger men to scrub the backs of older men, and then they return the favor. Again, just an expression of friendship.

Now, after living in Korea long enough, I am able to walk down the street and hold hands with a male Korean friend (usually after an evening of drinking!) without as much hesitation.

Things are changing for couples too. There are more displays of affection, but not much. Generally, my wife (Korean) would never kiss me in public.

Hope that helps. If you want more info, visit our website, Access South Korea Now Inc.

http://www.asknow.ca/

There is a good FAQ there, and if you like, we have a guidebook in electronic format that you can use as well.

Jason

Yes.