Dating Korean Women: Where & How to Meet Women in South Korea
While exploring where to find Korean women for serious relationships, I got to talk to over 30 couples and 50+ singles who told me their stories and opinions about dating. And I was all ears, as Asian women and men have so different views on love compared to Western countries.
So I want to help all my newbies understand Korean culture, explore the unique beauty of dating a Korean girl “the right way,” as well as figure out where to search, how to ask on a date Korean girls, and many other interesting tips and advice. I’ve written more than 100 pages in my journal with insights and interesting opinions of local people about dating Korean ladies, and I’m ready to share them with you. So, fasten your seatbelts, we are arriving in South Korea!
My Romance Digest
Want to skip to the good part and get a pick at my notes about all hits of Korean women dating? Go ahead!
- 📌 How to meet a Korean woman online? SakuraDate. I’ve used many sites, but I found it works best for foreigners searching for a wife in South Korea.
- 📌 What is the best way to meet Korean women offline? Tokyo and Seoul should be your top destinations, but plan ahead, as traveling can get quite expensive!
- 📌 Social media apps and marriage agencies also work, but they come with pros and cons you must know before going for any of the options.
- 📌 Korean girls are not American women; explore all the do’s and don’t before you start dating.
- 📌 Language barriers and cultural differences are the biggest challenges, but I know the secrets to overcoming them.
Take a minute to read my tips on how to build a successful relationship with a Korean woman.
5 Interesting facts about Korean women
We are starting our journey this time with 5 awesome facts that wowed me about modern Korean girls. So let us dive in.
Korean girls are far from being conservative
The most popular stereotype about Korean woman characteristics is that they are conservative, reserved, and obedient. Oh, my…it’s far from the truth! I suppose such stereotypes exist just because many people just don’t know that after the Korean War, the big country of Korea was divided into North and South Korea, and the stereotypes might be true for North Korean ladies, but that’s only because they are under a restrictive regime.
The country might have a conservative reputation, but modern Korean girls are trendsetters in skincare, beauty, and fashion. And they don’t mind PDA, like hugging, holding hands, or sitting on each other’s laps. By the way, there is even a trend of “skinship,” which is being very touchy with your friends, but not in a sexual way.
You’ll be eating seafood on dates
While dating a Korean woman, you can skip taking your Omega 3, as you’ll be getting enough levels of them on dates. People in South Korea have one of the highest per capita seafood consumption of 78.5 kg! That’s probably why most Korean women look 20 years younger at 40-50+. So, don’t trust their looks and ask for ID, if you know what I mean.
Most Korean girls are ambitious and career driven
Dating Korean women online, it’s easy to notice that they are quite busy, which is why they join Korean dating sites. Ambitions and striving to build a successful career have become prominent Korean woman personality traits in recent years.
That’s probably why the age of first marriage is also growing, and many Korean women are getting hitched at 30+. Well, French ladies are now getting married when they are over 35, and American women are the youngest in the comparison, as they, on average, tie the knot at 28. Yet, don’t think that they are the same as Western women career-wise, as many Korean girls are skilled at balancing work, household, and raising children.
Korean girls have unique beauty standards and are not fans of lip fillers
If you wonder what are Korean women like, the first impression that pops into my mind is flawless, almost doll-like features (that’s a comparison, not a stereotype about Asian girls). Korean girls have a distinct beauty standard, with a pale complexion, large eyes, and a petite face considered attractive. Oh, and I was told by many beautiful women that plastic surgery is a big deal here. A lot of girls have treatments to meet this ideal beauty standard. But with or without treatments, Korean ladies look bomb and they are definitely worth your attention!
You’ll be surprised how well Korean women handle the conversation, as they are not low-key smart
Many Korean women value education and learning. Women make up a significant percentage of university students in South Korea, which has one of the highest literacy rates (97.97%) in the whole world. So, one of the benefits of dating a Korean woman is that she has not just the looks but the wits.
How to meet a Korean woman?
Before starting to date a Korean girl, you should decide on what type of love search you like. I’ve finished over 10 curses, so I could be a dating coach if I could only have the nerves for that… But they all emphasize the importance of having a suitable strategy when it comes to love search based on your unique personality type. So let’s talk about the ways to meet Korean ladies.
#1. Online dating sites & apps
The first and most popular way to meet Korean women is through dating websites. They differ mainly based on user intentions. Generally, there are 2 main types of dating services to meet a Korean woman who is interested in foreign men, which are:
- International dating sites
- Mail-order bride sites
The first usually has single Korean women who are searching for more casual relationships, communication, and having some spicy chats online, while the second is more about finding soulmates and potentially marrying.
When it comes to the sites themselves, here are some platforms for dating Korean girls that I recommended.
1. SakuraDate
Best for:
Chat and photo exchange with girls from Korea and across Asia
What I can say about it:
SakuraDate is not just a Korean dating site but an international service with over 300K monthly visits that singles use to find love without borders. It has everything to find a Korean lady for a casual or more serious relationship. But the platform is partly-paid and advanced features, like messaging or photo/video change, are paid.
More Information
SakuraDate
Gender ratio:
59%
41%
2. EasternHoneys
Best for:
Meeting singles from Asian countries like on a social media platform
What I can say about it:
Eastern Honeys has over 270K monthly visits and is a niche platform for different types of relationships with Korean girls and singles across the Asian region. The platform has an 80 to 20 male-to-female ratio, multiple communication ways, and verified and active members, so it’s a decent place for dating a Korean girl.
More Information
EasternHoneys
Gender ratio:
55%
45%
3. TheLuckyDate
Best for:
Instant chat with hot South Korean girls and singles intentionally
What I can say about it:
This modern and user-friendly site is an international dating platform that has over 340K monthly visits. Though it’s not just a Korean dating app, but a dating service with singles from all over the world, your choice is not limited. But if you want to meet Korean girls, there are handy free filters to help you out. But note that communication is not free, as TheLuckyDate is credit-based.
More Information
TheLuckyDate
Gender ratio:
58%
42%
4. OrchidRomance
Best for:
Long-distance romance with Korean girls and ladies from other Asian countries
What I can say about it:
OrchidRomance is a popular Asian girl dating place that has over 600K visits monthly and thousands of active users. It’s free to join, and its niche specialization in the Asian region makes it great for your Korean girl search. The site offers everything for searching, communicating, and establishing a relationship online.
More Information
OrchidRomance
Gender ratio:
38%
62%
Visits/Month:
1.2M
#2. Visiting South Korea
Your TravelingFrenchMan could not miss the chance to add my few cents on the unique mix of traditional and urbanized beauty of South Korea. That’s the place you’ll never regret visiting. Though, I regret my non-stop-baby-crying flight from Tokyo to Seoul… It’s not hard to meet Korean girls IRL, but it requires far more effort and at least basic knowledge of Korean culture and traditions. I enjoyed my time in the country so much. I met many new friends and went on a date that was fun, but unfortunately, things didn’t go as I planned. And your loyal romance guide TheTravelingFrenchMan is still single and ready to mingle!
#3. Social media apps in Korean dating culture
As the country has the 3rd highest rate of social media users, looking for a Korean girlfriend on Instagram or Facebook is not a bad idea. But don’t get your hopes high, as it’s not easy to start dating this way since most girls just don’t check out their DMs. Also, social media platforms are not Korean dating apps, and they don’t have all the needed features like convenient search or verification. But they still can help to connect women from Korea.
I was trying to find Korean dates on Instagram and contacted over 30 girls that had amazing photos and not a big following count. But I got only two replies and none of the girls agreed to go on a date with me. Well, they didn’t deny my offer directly, but were very diplomatic and made good excuses. So, as you can see, Instagram search left me with nothing. But it still might work for you if you are ready to invest a lot of time and don’t get hurt by being left on read all the time.
#4. Marriage agency & brokers for dating Korean girls
Parents in Korea frequently use marriage agencies and brokers when looking for a good match for their kids, especially in more conservative families. However, a variety of circumstances, including city, belief in traditional values, and the reputation of the agency or broker, can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of these services. Also, agencies charge way more than a specialized dating site while basically getting the same job done. Speaking of me, I didn’t get a chance to try this option out, but I’ve asked locals about matchmaking agencies, and after hearing those prices ($3,000+ and no time limits), it was clear this one wasn’t for me.
Do’s and don’ts of dating a woman from South Korea
Dating a Korean girl is not the same as a relationship in the West. Though there are many similarities, to have a successful serious relationship with a Korean lady as a foreigner, you should know how to date Korean girls. So here are some do’s and don’ts.
Do’s
- Be respectful. Respect and show interest in Korean culture and your girlfriend’s background.
- Take the lead. Take initiative in approaching women in Korea, as well as in planning dates.
- Try to look your best. Take care of your looks and avoid revealing clothes because Korean girls don’t like it.
- No direct confrontations. Be polite and avoid having arguments with strangers.
- Follow the adventure. Be open to trying new things, as Korean culture and cuisine have so much to explore.
- Notice your partner’s efforts. Show your appreciation for your lady’s efforts, as in Korea, it’s a crucial societal concept.
Don’ts
- Don’t be too direct and pushy. Though modern Korean society is more liberated, they still keep the traditional values.
- Avoid making assumptions based on stereotypes. Every second Korean girl complains about it, so make sure to avoid that.
- Not too much PDA. French kissing is undeniably pleasant, but not in public, especially if you are dating women from Korea.
- Don’t ignore local traditions and customs dating a Korean girl. You don’t need to fully understand some things to help your partner feel that you make an effort for them, but knowing at least something about Korean culture and traditions is important.
- Don’t talk too loud and be too flashy and showy. It’s usually seen as a sign of bad taste, and most Korean women simply hate that.
As you can see, the do’s and don’ts of dating a Korean girl are not that hard to follow. Korea has a different culture, and the ones who can adapt to it will get a long-lasting relationship.
Challenges in dating Korean Women
Relationships are never a bed of roses. When you are considering dating a Korean girl, you need to explore what difficulties you may face. But don’t worry, your loyal TravelingFrenchMan got you covered! So here are some challenges you may face.
Language barrier
Thanks to my friend Éliott, a French teacher at Seoul National University, who speaks fluent Korean, I was quite comfortable in the country. Also, many people in Korea knew basic English. However, Korea has a moderate level of English proficiency, meaning you might have some problems interacting with other people. In fact, I had a hard time talking to Korean guys and ladies who were over 35. This can also be a big problem for dating, as when a lot is lost in the translation, it’s hard to pick up the pieces.
Then how are Korean women who don’t know English communicate when dating foreigners? Oh, mighty Google Translate does wonders! Yet I would still recommend learning Korean, at least at a basic level. Unfortunately, I’m too stupid to learn Korean or any other Asian language for that matter.
Cultural differences
The Korean style of communication, the high value of Korean families, and traditional gender roles are quite different from the more straightforward individualistic and feminist Western world. These differences influence dating culture in Korea, which can add challenges to dating a Korean girl.
Single but not ready to mingle
During my thorough Googling, I found some interesting stats:
- 40% of households in South Korea now consist of just one person
- The number of single-person households is growing from 12.7% in 1995 to 33.4% in 2021
- After the pandemic, over 10% of men and 20% of women told that they didn’t wish to marry
These stats show that relationships with Korean guys and girls can be hard just because many singles are just too good at being single. But as they say, “Amour difficile est plus cher et plus rare,” which translates as “Difficult love is more precious and rare.”
Tips for a successful relationship with a Korean woman
If you found your perfect match and don’t want to spoil everything, I’ve got a few extra tips for you as your Korean Cupid.
Get into the K-culture
You know how they say that the spice of life is variety? Well, Korean culture brings a whole new level of spice and excitement to life. So explore and discover more about Korean culture. There are many exciting things to learn about Korean guys and girls, like K-pop stars, K-dramas, and K-beauty. Trust me, every Korean girl will appreciate your dedication!
Surprise your Korean girl, but don’t shock her
Everyone enjoys a pleasant surprise, so why not be original in your actions? While dating a Korean girl, try sending her a silly GIF or a hilarious meme. It’s a great approach to express your affection and prove that you notice the tiny things. Also, good old flowers and presents of traditional courtship work wonders. Believe me, I’m French, and I know what I’m talking about.
Conclusion
I think that dating in Korea can be a fun and exciting adventure for a Western man. The natural beauty of local women and cool urban vibe mixed with hints of oriental tradition are just one-of-a-kind. And if you want to start dating a Korean girl fast, pick a niche dating service, and after you two connect, come and visit your girl in her hometown.
FAQ from readers
Do Korean women like Western men?
Yes. But not all Korean ladies are open to relationships with foreigners or to any relationships at all.
Can a foreigner trust a Korean woman?
Yes and no. You should not trust a person just because of his or her nationality. Everything depends on the particular person, and you should always be cautious.
Can an American experience any language barrier with a Korean woman?
Yes. Less in the urban area and more in smaller cities distant from the capital.
