A double date can break the ice and ease any awkwardness between a group of singles still getting to know each other. Even for long-time couples, double dating adds a fresh perspective to their routine quality time. If you’re looking for exciting double date ideas, draw inspiration from some of the most well-loved Korean rom-coms and learn to create unforgettable experiences.
1. Rooftop Barbecue
As many K-drama fans know, the mention of barbecue can signify a cute meet-up, a couple getting outed, or the revelation of inner thoughts (usually due to someone drinking too much soju). In episode 15 of Run On, which stars Im Si-wan, Shin Se-kyung, Sooyoung Choi, and Kang Tae-oh, a rooftop KBBQ session becomes the place for the two couples to reveal their love languages and a lesson on who makes and gets the lettuce wrap first.
Take advantage of the glorious weather and fire up the grill. Go to the deli for fresh meats, whip up a spice-filled marinade, and let your oppa flex his best pit master skills for some matchmaking fun.
2. Glamping
Pitching outdoor tents has become a typical scene in K-dramas to the point that viewers can name their favourite camping couples. One of the most memorable glamping mayhems comes from episodes 29 and 30 of The Secret Life of My Secretary. Secret lovers Do Min Ik and Jung Gal Hee, his secretary by day, go on a beachside escapade. But, in true K-drama fashion, the two spend the night together with Gal Hee’s siblings!
Having other people around can excite a dull evening and provide extra support when planning a double date near a beach or lake. Just make sure you can spend quality time alone with your S.O. And if the trip goes south, you can always run to your bestie’s tent for advice. Here’s hoping their partner won’t mind.
3. Winner Chicken Dinner Date
Fried chicken gets a lot of love in South Korea, as highlighted in top K-dramas like Goblin, Crash Landing On You, and The King: Eternal Monarch. In Reply 1994, two lead characters even go on a group dinner date at an American chicken chain named after a colonel. Who says you can’t follow suit?
A double date doesn’t always have to be fancy. Ditch the pressure of a fine-dining restaurant and choose a casual diner, café, or bar with good eats. Get takeout, binge on your favourite Korean rom-com, and chill at home. Of course, there’s no better combo than Korean fried chicken and beer to get everyone in the mood to mingle.
4. Amusement Park
In What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim, a narcissistic vice-chairman of a company (Park Seo-joon) relies on his capable secretary (Park Min-young) for nine years. When she decides to quit, he surprises her by booking an amusement park, allowing her to indulge in her favourite merry-go-round ride.
Recreate this magic with friends at an outdoor fair or amusement park. Get hearts racing on roller coasters, share moments on a Ferris wheel, and relive the excitement of childhood.
5. Brunch Double Date
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo is a coming-of-age story about a collegiate female weightlifter finding romance while pursuing a gold medal. It features a memorable date episode where the lead claims to be dating her crush, leaving everyone speechless.
The takeaway from this episode is the inspiration it gives for your double date venue. While not your typical first date, a brunch affair is a terrific option for couples looking for slow mornings that roll into boozy afternoons.
For more ideas, take inspiration from the beautiful café scenes in What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim. An art gallery-turned-coffeeshop is the perfect brunch haven for a creative bunch. Alternatively, you can head to a greenhouse café and take advantage of the peace to connect.
6. Self-Care Sessions
In Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha, a city dentist (Yoon Hye Jin) moves to a small seaside town after losing her job. There, she unexpectedly falls for a local handyman (Hong Du Sik) whom she has nothing in common with. The twist: sometimes, love has a way of finding you when you show yourself some TLC.
But an escape doesn’t always mean leaving your stressful job, packing your bags, and moving to a seaside community in the middle of nowhere. Instead of dropping everything immediately, turn to a self-care double date to unwind. Book a pamper session for four and treat yourselves to a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna). Go to a nail salon and get the works! A hand and foot spa will allow you and your friends to enter a cosy state of romantic serenity.
Why not accompany your date as a show of affectionate support when they get their crooked teeth checked and treated? Better yet, synchronise dental appointments and get matching smile makeovers with ClearCorrect aligners.
You can also have a self-care date sesh without heading out. Create a warm and inviting atmosphere like in Du Sik’s home. Prepare sheet masks, thick blankets, and fresh tea. Switch on your favourite K-drama series to marathon while you have your couple pamper session.
On your next night out in tandem, embrace romance and realise your Korean drama fantasies with your yeobo (sweetheart in Korean, ICYDK). Which of these K-drama-inspired ideas will you be adding to your double date rotation? Enjoy!
References:
Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (TV Series 2016–2017) ⭐ 8.6 | Comedy, drama, fantasy. (2016, December 2).
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (TV Series 2021– ) ⭐ 8.4 | Comedy, Drama, romance. (2021, August 28). IMDb.
Reply 1994 (TV Series 2013) ⭐ 7.7 | Comedy, Drama, romance. (2013, October 18). IMDb.
Run On (TV Series 2020–2021) ⭐ 7.4 | Drama, romance. (2020, December 16).
The Secret Life of My Secretary (TV Series 2019) ⭐ 7.3 | Comedy, romance. (2019, May 6). IMDb.
Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo (TV Series 2016–2017) ⭐ 8.3 | Comedy, romance. (2016, November 16). IMDb.
What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim (TV Series 2018) ⭐ 8.1 | Comedy, Mystery, Romance. (2018, June 6).
