If you enjoy Korean dramas, K-pop, or Korean dating shows, you've probably heard the Korean expression(word) 썸 (sseom).

Many Korean learners search questions like:

• What does 썸 mean?
• What is 썸 타다?
• Is 썸 the same as dating?
• What is the Korean talking stage?

The interesting thing is that there is no perfect English translation for 썸.

Let's learn one of the most important Korean dating expressions.

What Is 썸?

썸 describes the stage between friendship and dating.

Two people like each other.

• They text frequently.
• They spend time together.
• They are interested in each other.
• They may even go on dates.

However, they are not officially boyfriend and girlfriend yet.

This stage is called 썸.

In English, people often compare it to:

• The talking stage
• A situationship
• A romantic interest

However, 썸 has a uniquely Korean feeling and culture.

What Does 썸 타다 Mean?

The expression most Koreans use is:

썸 타다

Literally, it means "to ride a 썸."

Naturally, it means:

• To be in the talking stage
• To have mutual romantic feelings
• To be more than friends but not officially dating

Example

걔랑 썸 타고 있어.

I'm in the talking stage with him/her.

Example

우리 썸 타는 사이야.

We're more than friends but not officially dating.

Example

썸만 타고 끝났어.

It ended during the talking stage.

How Is 썸 Different From Dating?

Many foreigners think 썸 means dating.

Not exactly.

When Koreans are officially dating, they usually use the verb:

사귀다

Example

우리 사귀어요.

We're dating.

A typical relationship timeline looks like this:

Friend → 썸 → Dating → Official Relationship

This is why so many Korean dating conversations focus on the 썸 stage.

Common Expressions Related to 썸

썸남

A guy you're in the talking stage with.

썸녀

A girl you're in the talking stage with.

썸 타는 중

Currently talking to someone romantically.

썸이 깨지다

The talking stage ended.

썸에서 연애로 발전하다

To develop from the talking stage into a relationship.

Example Conversation

A: 요즘 썸 타는 사람 있어?

Do you have someone you're talking to these days?

B: 응, 한 명 있어.

Yeah, there's someone.

A: 잘 되고 있어?

Is it going well?

B: 아직 잘 모르겠어.

I'm not sure yet.

A: 얼른 사귀면 좋겠다.

I hope you start dating soon.

Korean Dating Culture

One reason foreigners find Korean dating culture interesting is that Koreans often pay close attention to the 썸 stage.

People may spend weeks or even months getting to know each other before officially dating.

Questions like these are common:

• Is this person interested in me?
• Are we just friends?
• Are we 썸?
• Should I confess my feelings?

This uncertainty is why many Korean dramas and dating shows spend so much time focusing on 썸.

Seen in Single's Inferno

If you watch Single's Inferno, you'll notice contestants constantly trying to figure out who is interested in whom.

Even when they don't directly use the word 썸, viewers often describe contestants as being in a 썸 relationship when there is obvious romantic interest but no official relationship yet.

Understanding 썸 makes Korean dating shows much easier to follow.

Final Thoughts

If you learn only one Korean dating word, learn 썸.

It is one of the most common words used in Korean dating culture and appears frequently in:

• Korean dramas
• Dating reality shows
• Social media
• Everyday conversations

The next time you hear someone say:

"썸 타고 있어."

You'll know they are not officially dating yet—but something romantic is definitely happening.

Keywords

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