There's more to Korean tradition than the traditional wedding band or couples rings. Korean couple bands are a sort of promise ring: they are matching pieces young couples trade at a key milestone in their relationship.
Niki LEE, general manager for HON CO., Ltd., parent company of Minigold, explains that "the tradition of Korean couple ring exchanges developed in Korea in the 1980s & 1990s." "The idea of exchanging a ring earlier in a marriage, around milestones, became popular among Korean youth." Over time this practice evolved into a part of Korea’s broader ‘couple culture’, where couples exchange rings to celebrate milestones such as 100-day anniversary or 1-year anniversaries.
Some people believe that the inspiration comes from even earlier. "The couple ring exchanged by young Koreans today can be traced back to a long-standing tradition called ssanggarakji – literally paired rings" explains Soungeunkim, founder and Creative Director of Naschenka a Korean Jewelry Brand that has adorned Kpop Stars and Actors. In Asia, specifically in Korea, this bold style is deeply rooted within our cultural heritage. Married women used ssang -garakji - a pair with two rings - and unmarried wore just one half - called ban -garakji. "While the modern practice of couples rings has its roots in an age-old tradition of matching rings to symbolize a destiny bond, the origins of the practice are not new.
Learn what matching jewelry represent, the meaning behind them, and where to find them.
What Are Korean Couple Rings?
Think of the Korean couple ring like a promise ring, worn by each partner to signify a shared dedication. They are not mandatory before an engagement, but many couples use them to mark a special milestone.
Korean Couple Rings - Meaning
Lee explains "Korean couple ring are matching rings that symbolise commitment, love and togetherness. These rings show that the two people involved are serious and committed. For many couples, the rings represent a commitment to love and are a sign that they're serious about their relationship.
What does a Korean couple's ring look like?
Couple rings often have a minimalist design, which is not as flashy and ostentatious as engagement rings. Lee says: "They tend to be simple and contemporary designs, usually in gold or in silver. Many couples prefer minimalist bands. However, some like to add small details like engravings, diamonds, or birthstones. It's less about extravagance, and more about everyday wearability and meaning."
When do Korean Couples swap rings?
In Korean tradition the couple's rings are often exchanged after 100 days of dating, which is about three months. Lee says that couples typically exchange rings at significant milestones. For example, 100 days of a relationship. "It's considered a way for couples to show their love and commitment in a public manner and commemorate milestones such as 100 days or one year of dating."
While most engagement rings are given to women by their men, historically women were able to buy ssanggarakji rings for themselves, couples' rings function a little bit differently. Kim explains that couples' rings today are typically chosen jointly by the two partners. They reflect a mutual commitment as opposed to a one way gesture. "They represent a rich cultural heritage, where over 1,000 years of culture meet modern expressions.
How to Wear Korean Couple Rings
Lee explains, "It's very common today for couples to share money and purchase matching rings. It is a nice gesture." "This shift reflects more of an equal and collaborative approach in relationships." This trend is furthered by couples who make their rings at jewelry workshops together (like Honze Workroom, in Seoul).
The rings are usually worn on the left. Kim explains how rings are now worn most commonly on the left index finger. This is a Western custom. In traditional Korea however, there were no rules about which finger to wear. Women wore their rings where they pleased--ring, index or even pinky finger.
The couple decides. Lee says "Some couples will wear them on their right hand or different fingers depending upon their preference." "The most important thing is to have a shared meaning, not a uniform look."
Korean Couple Rings Available for Purchase
Couple rings may be a niche product that's hard to sell online. Many couples in Korea go to an atelier to design the rings. Yet, we've compiled an online list of jewelers that offer matching rings for pairs or their own versions.
Minigold
Minigold has consistently been one of the most popular jewelry retailers in Korea. Since its inception, in 1978, it has ranked very high on the Korea Brand Power Index. Its designs, which are influenced by Korean patterns, nature and architecture, pay homage to Korean culture. Nearly all of its pieces have been made using recycled materials.
Korean culture has adapted the idea of couples rings from Western culture. As a result, some Western brands are also making couples rings. Sett Men's Jewelry offers a truly unique one. It features the couple’s first initials carved out from both rings, which can only be read if the rings are laid together.
La Bouclette has been founded by a Korean-French designer (whose name translates to "little earring") with the aim of spreading Korean culture across the globe. La Bouclette sells a range of rings which would be perfect as Korean couple rings.
There's more to Korean tradition than the traditional wedding band or couples rings. Korean couple bands are a sort of promise ring: they are matching pieces young couples trade at a key milestone in their relationship.
Niki LEE, general manager for HON CO., Ltd., parent company of Minigold, explains that "the tradition of Korean couple ring exchanges developed in Korea in the 1980s & 1990s." "The idea of exchanging a ring earlier in a marriage, around milestones, became popular among Korean youth." Over time this practice evolved into a part of Korea’s broader ‘couple culture’, where couples exchange rings to celebrate milestones such as 100-day anniversary or 1-year anniversaries.
Some people believe that the inspiration comes from even earlier. "The couple ring exchanged by young Koreans today can be traced back to a long-standing tradition called ssanggarakji – literally paired rings" explains Soungeunkim, founder and Creative Director of Naschenka a Korean Jewelry Brand that has adorned Kpop Stars and Actors. In Asia, specifically in Korea, this bold style is deeply rooted within our cultural heritage. Married women used ssang -garakji - a pair with two rings - and unmarried wore just one half - called ban -garakji. "While the modern practice of couples rings has its roots in an age-old tradition of matching rings to symbolize a destiny bond, the origins of the practice are not new.
Learn what matching jewelry represent, the meaning behind them, and where to find them.
What Are Korean Couple Rings?
Think of the Korean couple ring like a promise ring, worn by each partner to signify a shared dedication. They are not mandatory before an engagement, but many couples use them to mark a special milestone.
Korean Couple Rings - Meaning
Lee explains "Korean couple ring are matching rings that symbolise commitment, love and togetherness. These rings show that the two people involved are serious and committed. For many couples, the rings represent a commitment to love and are a sign that they're serious about their relationship.
What does a Korean couple's ring look like?
Couple rings often have a minimalist design, which is not as flashy and ostentatious as engagement rings. Lee says: "They tend to be simple and contemporary designs, usually in gold or in silver. Many couples prefer minimalist bands. However, some like to add small details like engravings, diamonds, or birthstones. It's less about extravagance, and more about everyday wearability and meaning."
When do Korean Couples swap rings?
In Korean tradition the couple's rings are often exchanged after 100 days of dating, which is about three months. Lee says that couples typically exchange rings at significant milestones. For example, 100 days of a relationship. "It's considered a way for couples to show their love and commitment in a public manner and commemorate milestones such as 100 days or one year of dating."
While most engagement rings are given to women by their men, historically women were able to buy ssanggarakji rings for themselves, couples' rings function a little bit differently. Kim explains that couples' rings today are typically chosen jointly by the two partners. They reflect a mutual commitment as opposed to a one way gesture. "They represent a rich cultural heritage, where over 1,000 years of culture meet modern expressions.
How to Wear Korean Couple Rings
Lee explains, "It's very common today for couples to share money and purchase matching rings. It is a nice gesture." "This shift reflects more of an equal and collaborative approach in relationships." This trend is furthered by couples who make their rings at jewelry workshops together (like Honze Workroom, in Seoul).
The rings are usually worn on the left. Kim explains how rings are now worn most commonly on the left index finger. This is a Western custom. In traditional Korea however, there were no rules about which finger to wear. Women wore their rings where they pleased--ring, index or even pinky finger.
The couple decides. Lee says "Some couples will wear them on their right hand or different fingers depending upon their preference." "The most important thing is to have a shared meaning, not a uniform look."
Korean Couple Rings Available for Purchase
Couple rings may be a niche product that's hard to sell online. Many couples in Korea go to an atelier to design the rings. Yet, we've compiled an online list of jewelers that offer matching rings for pairs or their own versions.
Minigold
Minigold has consistently been one of the most popular jewelry retailers in Korea. Since its inception, in 1978, it has ranked very high on the Korea Brand Power Index. Its designs, which are influenced by Korean patterns, nature and architecture, pay homage to Korean culture. Nearly all of its pieces have been made using recycled materials.
Korean culture has adapted the idea of couples rings from Western culture. As a result, some Western brands are also making couples rings. Sett Men's Jewelry offers a truly unique one. It features the couple’s first initials carved out from both rings, which can only be read if the rings are laid together.
La Bouclette has been founded by a Korean-French designer (whose name translates to "little earring") with the aim of spreading Korean culture across the globe. La Bouclette sells a range of rings which would be perfect as Korean couple rings.