I’m planning on going to college for a semester in Korea, but I don’t speak Korean well I only know how to say a few things. And do you think someone would be interested in an American living there? Also I’m not in the closet and expect the same.
The more Korean you know, the easier your life will become and the more Koreans you’ll meet — but it’s definitely pretty easy to get by without knowing any Korean and even easier to get by knowing just a little bit of Korean. Of course, I say this as someone living in Seoul. Your mileage may vary if you’re in a rural area.
And I can’t promise for certain that you’ll hook up with guys here, but I can say that every gay American guy I’ve known in Seoul has done very, very well in terms of casual or FWB situations. One guy I knew has been in several serious relationships as well. He met two of them through websites or apps (Gay.com and Grindr) and another at a club on Homo Hill.
If it’s just one-night stands or hook-ups you’re looking for, there’s tons of smart phone apps and there are also a few jimjilbangs that are notorious for being areas where gay men go to just hook up with one another. (But my one American friend said that at the one with the hottest guys, none were interested in involving him, though they were into him watching.) There’s apparently special etiquette, like having a towel covering your junk means you’re not interested in doing anything other than watching.
Being out of the closet is where it gets tricky, however. My friend has never been in a serious relationship with a guy who’s been completely out of the closet. His boyfriends have all been out with at least some of their friends, and one was out with his siblings. But none have been out with their parents. He’s always been introduced as a friend. If it’s public affection you’re worried about, there are certain things that can be totally passed off as just friendly, so even if a guy is closeted, he’ll still be at least holding your hand or leaning on you, especially if alcohol is involved. And at Homo Hill or Jongro, things are waaaaaay more relaxed in terms of PDA.
I’m pretty sure this is also you, so I’ll add it here:
“The Oppa factor lol. Do guys like it if other guys call them Oppa if they are dating?”
My friend always dated down in age, haha, so I can’t answer for sure. I’m going to tentatively say yes, though.
Anyone else have anything to add or corrections to make?
