17 Fun Date Ideas Based On Korean Dramas And Variety Shows

Korean dramas and variety shows are always fun to watch, but they’re also full of awesome date ideas that you can try out with that special someone. Whether you’re looking for group date activities or something romantic to do one-on-one, this list has you covered. Start planning your next date and check out these great date ideas from your favorite shows!

Tandem Bike Riding

Riding a tandem bike together is an adorable date idea that’s seen in several dramas like “W” and “The Smile Has Left Your Eyes.” So for your next date with that special someone, why not rent or borrow a tandem bike? You can explore your neighborhood, a local park, or ride it around for a fun date in the city, all while chatting and getting to know each other a little better.

Picture Booth Photo Session

What cuter idea for a date than finding a photo booth and taking pictures together like in the classic drama “Personal Taste”? Not only does it let you snuggle up to that special someone, but it also provides a memento to remember all the fun! For your next date, consider heading to the mall and taking some smashing pictures.

Virtual Baseball

Next time you’re looking for a fun date idea, see about virtual baseball like in the drama “My ID Is Gangnam Beauty.” This is a fun and unique date that many people probably haven’t done before, so you’ll get points for originality. Plus, you can show off your batting skills or get help on your swing from your date!

Picnic

This classic date idea has been featured in countless dramas and even some variety shows (does anyone else remember the Girls’ Generation episode of “Running Man”?). But, there’s a reason why it’s so popular. Picnics are a fun way to get outside, eat good food, and get to know your date. Take a page out of “Strong Woman Do Bong Soon” and go on a picnic with someone you care for.

Observatory

What’s more romantic than looking at the stars, like in “Touch Your Heart”? Whether your city actually has an observatory, a planetarium, or just an open field where you can lay to check out the night sky, you can’t go wrong with stars. For your next date, consider checking out the wonders of space. Your date will love it and so will you!

Cardboard Boat Race

Cardboard boat races were all the rage on “Running Man” for a couple of episodes a few years ago and are the perfect date idea for groups. All you need is some cardboard boxes, tape, plastic wrap, and a body of water. If you’ve got a group date to plan, this low-budget, fun idea is sure to be a hit!

Cooking Together

They say the way to someone’s heart is through their stomach. Why not use that to your advantage and plan a date centered around eating? For an inexpensive and unforgettable date, use “Please Take Care of My Refrigerator” as inspiration and try to cook a meal using only ingredients you’ve got in your refrigerator. You could even make it a competition to see who can come up with the best dish.

Hike

If you’re trying to get out of the house more, like the boys in “It’s Dangerous Beyond the Blankets,” hiking could be a great option for a date! You can walk, talk, take in the scenery, and have a laid-back date. Bring a backpack with some food and you could even enjoy a picnic on the way!

Aquarium

Check out what’s living under the sea with a date at the aquarium, inspired by “I Hear Your Voice.” Not only will it give you a chance to chat and learn more about each other, but it will help you feel like a kid again as you wonder at all the amazing creatures in the sea. Plus, it can be a pretty romantic place to steal a kiss and confess to that special someone!

Double Speed Dance Off

Admit it — ever since “Weekly Idol” made the double speed dances popular, you’ve been dying to try it yourself. So, why not make it a fun date activity? Pick some well-known dance songs like “Thriller,” “Cupid Shuffle,” or “Cha-Cha Slide” on YouTube, set it to double speed, and have a blast!

Arcade

Although the arcade might not be the first place you think of for a date, it can be a fun and exciting way to spend a few hours getting to know someone, like in “Cheese in the Trap.” With endless games, you and your partner will never be bored or run out of things to do at an arcade, making it a great date option.

Giant Jenga

If you’re into games, this “Running Man” inspired date idea should be right up your alley. Make your own giant Jenga game out of cardboard boxes or, if you’re feeling really ambitious, out of wood from the hardware store. Some parks and game centers even have giant Jenga sets you can rent. Although your own version might not be big enough to sleep on, you can make the game more exciting by wearing a blindfold, only using one hand, or writing truth-or-dare questions on the blocks.

Boating

Boating is a cool and romantic date option that a lot of people overlook, maybe out of fear of capsizing like in the drama “Playful Kiss.” But being out on the water is relaxing and also gives you a better chance to get to know your date without all the distractions on land. Whether you choose to use paddle boats, pedal boats, or motor boats for your date, you’re sure to have fun.

Fishing

For those who love nature and eating, you can’t go wrong with a fishing date. Inspired by “Descendants of the Sun,” you can rent a boat or sit on the shore to try your luck at catching some fish. If you’re looking for a crafty element, you could even try making your own fishing poles. Just be sure to check what your local regulations are for fishing first, since you might need a license for this particular date option depending on where you live.

Exercise

If you’re looking for a way to get that special someone’s heart pounding . . . try going on an exercise date! Whether you go golfing like in “Boys Over Flowers,” go for a run, or lift weights together, this is a fun and low-budget date option that’s good for you too.

Grocery Shopping

Going shopping is always a fun way to spend time on a date, but it’s especially rewarding if there’s food involved. Although you might not have any commercials to reminisce about like in “You’re Beautiful,” you can always see who can find the weirdest food, the most delicious food, or the most expensive food. Or you can raid the foreign food aisle and try some treats from other countries. If you’re creative, even grocery shopping can be a fun date!

Ice Skating

This is a classic date idea that’s been seen in many Korean dramas, including “Full House.” There’s just something undeniably fun and romantic about skating on a giant sheet of ice with someone. And there’s an added bonus — it gives you the perfect excuse to hold hands!

Which date idea are you going to try first? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

When erinunnie isn’t working or going to school, she enjoys writing, reading, playing the piano, singing, and (of course) listening to K-pop and watching K-dramas. Connect with Erin on Twitter to keep up with her latest obsessions!

Currently watching: “Hwayugi”; “The Return of Superman”; “I Hear Your Voice”
All-time favorite dramas: “Boys Over Flowers”; “The Great Doctor”