In Korea, matching promise rings are a new way for romantic couples to express their commitment to one another, in addition to marriage and engagement. Even though it may sound odd to foreigners, Koreans are used to getting couple rings as early on in a romantic partnership.

 Local jewelry store chains, such as Lloyd or O.S.T. Minigold has made couple rings easier to access by creating a separate section for them both on their stores and websites.

 The culture surrounding couples jewelry sets is casual. The rings celebrate the achievement of a particular milestone in a couple's relationship. This is different from a Western-style engagement where someone proposes marriage by giving their lover a ring.

 Who wears the couple rings?

 The popularity of these rings means that almost every young couple between the ages of 20 and 30 is wearing one. Ancient superstition claimed that a blood vessel ran from the ring finger straight to the chest. That belief was debunked.

 In Korea, it isn't uncommon for a couple who has been together a little while to decide to purchase matching couple bands. The bands are often used to commemorate common milestones, like an anniversary and the 100th, 200th, or 300th day in a couple's relationship.

 These days, many teenagers are wearing matching rings with their partners. Lee Ayeong said it would be easier for her to name couples who do not wear couple rings, than those that do. She lives in Seo District, Incheon.

 Couples above 30 are less likely to wear couple rings, because it is perceived as a sign they have rushed into marriage.

 Shim, Jae-won (31), a teacher in Songpa District south of Seoul, states that he has no plans to purchase rings until he is ready to make the ultimate step. Currently he is dating a girl of five months.

 "I don't think I ever wore a couple ring in a previous relationship. It's just that I never liked them. Shim told Korea JoongAng Daily: "I'll consider getting wedding bands later in my life." "I can't recall seeing any couples in their late 30s getting rings [before they tied the knot].

 How does the ring system for couples work? Does it include a proposal or not?

 In most instances, no. It is not uncommon for one person to try to surprise another on an anniversary with a present, or they may decide to go together to the jewelry store to choose the gift.

 Ye Minji, 24, is an office worker from North Chungcheong who has been dating the same college sweetheart, Ye Min-ji for more than five years.

 "I told my husband that I would like to purchase rings. I suggested that the two of us go together and choose them. Ye laughed.

 The entire process of purchasing couple rings, from initial decision through to final purchase, is no more complicated than buying any other kind of gift. And it does not even require an extravagant proposal.