Korean couples love to exchange matching rings, but they don’t bother with the legalities

Korea’s marriage rates are shockingly low, and continue to decline. Yet, countless people can be seen wearing a ring in their left ring fingers, including teenagers who wear school uniforms.

couples matching jewelry are another way in Korea for couples to express their love and commitment, besides marriage or engagement. Although it may seem strange for those who are unfamiliar, many Koreans get couple rings at the beginning of a relationship.

Local jewelry chains such as Lloyd, O.S.T. Minigold, O.S.T. and Lloyd have made it easier to find couple rings by creating a section on their websites.

Before diving into the culture of couple rings, it’s important to remember that they are completely casual. The rings are intended to celebrate a milestone in the relationship. They’re not like Western engagement rings, where a partner offers a ring and asks for their partner’s hand.

Who wears these couples rings?

A ring on the left ring finger is likely to be worn by a young couple in their 20s or 30s, based on its popularity. A superstition from ancient times claimed that a vein ran directly from the left ring finger to the heart. This belief has been disproved.

It’s not uncommon in Korea for couples to choose matching rings after a short time together. The bands are used to commemorate milestones such as an anniversary, or the 100th and 200th days of a relationship.

Many teenagers wear matching rings to show their commitment to the person they are dating. “It’s easier to identify couples who don’t wear couple rings rather than those who do,” says 18-year old Lee A-yeong who lives in Seo District of Incheon.

Couples over 30 may wear couple rings less often than couples younger in age, as it could be misinterpreted by others as an indication of a rush to marry.

Shim Jae Won, a 31-year-old teacher from Songpa District in southern Seoul, said that he will only buy rings once he’s ready to take the next step. He has been dating his girlfriend for five months.

“I have never worn couple rings before in any romantic relationship, because I just don’t like them.” Shim said to the Korea JoongAng Daily that she would consider buying wedding rings in later life. “I’m not sure if I’ve ever seen couples in their 30s buy rings [before getting married].

How does the system of couple rings work? Does it require a proposal to be made?

No, in most cases. You can surprise your partner with a gift on their anniversary, or you can go shopping together in a jewelry shop.

Ye Min-ji (24), a Cheongju resident who works in an office, has been dating her college sweetheart for five years.

“I first told him that I wanted rings and suggested that we choose them together. Ye laughed. “We just got the rings that I wanted.”

Couple rings are as simple to choose as any other gift. They don’t require a big event or even a proposal.