Meet Korean Women: A Personal Journey Through Korea’s Dating Scene

Published in

BrightBrides

8 min readAug 7, 2024

You know, if you’re dreaming of a partner with the figure of Park Min-young from “What’s Wrong with Secretary Kim” or the timeless beauty of Song Hye-kyo, or if you’re head over heels for the BLACKPINK girls, you’re in for a treat. I’ve spent years exploring South Korean single women mentality and dating culture, and boy, do I have stories to tell! Must read before you meet Korean women.

What makes South Korean women so unique in the dating world?

Let me tell you, after eight years in this industry and countless conversations with single Korean girls online on SakuraDate, I’ve learned that there’s so much more to them than meets the eye.

Here are some key points that make South Korean women stand out:

Ambitious go-getters: Unlike the stereotype of submissive Asian women, Korean ladies are often fiercely ambitious. My friend Jiyoung from NaomiDate, a startup CEO, once told me, “We’re not just looking for a partner, we’re looking for someone who can keep up with us.”
Beauty with brains: South Korean ladies on EasternHoneys are among the most educated in the world. In 2023, over 75% of Korean women aged 25–34 had completed tertiary education. That’s higher than most OECD countries!
Tech-savvy romantics: In the land of Samsung and LG, it’s no surprise that single Korean women are tech wizards. But they blend this with a love for romance. Think high-tech dates planned via apps, but with old-school charm.
Fitness enthusiasts: Hiking is huge in Korea. Don’t be surprised if your date suggests a mountain climb for your first meetup. It’s about staying fit and connecting with nature.
K-beauty queens: The famous 10-step skincare routine isn’t a myth. Korean women take pride in their appearance, but it’s more about self-care than vanity.

Now, let’s talk about Korean vs Japanese girls because the countries have quite a strained relationship and you can’t confuse these girls:

Independence: While both cultures value family, you’ll meet Korean singles who tend to be more independent in their decision-making. My Japanese ex, Yuki, often consulted her parents about major life choices, while my Korean friends are more likely to forge their own paths.
Career focus: Korean females are generally more career-driven than Japanese women. In Japan, there’s still a strong expectation for women to become homemakers after marriage, while in Korea, it’s becoming more common for women to continue their careers.
Dating style: Korean dating culture is more straightforward. In Japan, there’s often a long period of ambiguity before a relationship becomes official. Korean girls, in my experience, are more likely to clearly express their interest.
Social life: Korean women often have vibrant social lives and expect their partners to integrate. In Japan, there’s often more separation between personal and romantic life.
Beauty standards: While both cultures value beauty, Korean ladies are more open about their beauty routines and cosmetic enhancements. In Japan, there’s a preference for a more “natural” look.

But here’s the kicker — Did you know that South Korea has the lowest birth rate in the world? In 2023, it hit a record low of 0.72. That’s way below the 2.1 needed to keep the population steady. It’s not just a statistic — it’s a reflection of the choices many Korean women are making. So consider this when you meet Korean girl online and ask if she’s child-free if it’s a deal breaker for you.

How important is appearance in South Korean dating culture?

Okay, let’s talk about beauty standards in Korea. If you think the pressure to look good is intense in the West, wait till you step foot in Seoul.

A survey in 2022 found that over 91% of South Korean women use various skincare products daily. That’s not just a hobby; it’s practically a national pastime. And plastic surgery? It’s as common as getting a haircut in some circles. Approximately 20% of young Korean girls have undergone cosmetic surgery, and about one-third of South Korean women aged 19 to 29 have claimed to have had plastic surgery.

But before you jump to conclusions, let me share something my friend’s Korean girlfriend, Soo-yeon, told me. “It’s not about looking good for men,” she said. “It’s about feeling confident in a society that places a lot of value on appearance. Good-looking people are more likely to get a job and have more friends.”

And let me tell you, the beauty routines are no joke. I once tried to keep up with a Korean friend’s skincare routine, and by step seven, I was ready to throw in the towel. Serums, essences, BB creams, CC creams — it’s like a chemistry lab on your bathroom counter!

What’s dating like in the land of K-dramas?

Now, if you’re picturing every date in Korea to be like a scene out of “King the Land,” I hate to burst your bubble. Real dating in Korea can be both surprisingly modern and refreshingly traditional.

Take my buddy Mike, who’s been living in Seoul for five years. He likes to meet Korean girls

on a local dating app. “I thought it would be all traditional and formal,” he told me over a beer. “But our first date was at a cat café, and she beat me at every video game they had there!”

But don’t think it’s all casual and easy-going. Korean dating culture can be pretty intense. There’s a thing called “coupled holidays” — unofficial celebrations for couples that happen almost monthly. Valentine’s Day, White Day, Rose Day, Kiss Day… the list goes on. Miss one, and you might find yourself in the doghouse.

And here’s a fun fact — couples in Korea often wear matching outfits. I’m not talking about accidentally wearing the same color. I mean full-on coordinated outfits. The first time I saw it, I thought I was seeing double!

What should you know about Korean dating etiquette?

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. If you’re thinking about where to find Korean women, there are a few things you should know beforehand.

First off, age matters. A lot. In Korea, everyone is considered a year older than their international age. And that one year can make a big difference in how you’re expected to interact. My friend Jack learned this the hard way when he casually addressed his slightly older date by her first name. The look she gave him could have frozen lava!

Then there’s the concept of “confessing.” In Korea, relationships often don’t start until one person officially confesses their feelings. It’s not enough to go on a few dates and assume you’re a couple. You need to have “the talk” and pronounce “I like you, let’s date.”

And let’s not forget about couple rings. If you’re in a serious relationship, be prepared to wear a couple ring. It’s like a pre-engagement ring, and it’s a big deal. I once saw a guy get in hot water because he forgot to wear his couple ring to a date. Trust me, you don’t want to make that mistake!

How can you meet Korean women in the US?

Hey, I get it. Not everyone’s up for a long-distance relationship or a trip halfway across the world. The good news? You don’t have to book a flight to Seoul to meet Korean women. There are plenty of opportunities right here in the US.

First things first — the US is home to a significant Korean population, with vibrant communities in several major cities. Here’s where you can start your search:

1. Los Angeles, California:

Koreatown is the epicenter of Korean culture in LA. Check out the popular Chapman Plaza on 6th Street. It’s packed with Korean restaurants, cafes, and shops. In 2024, the annual LA Korean Festival in September is a must-visit.
The Sawtelle Japantown area, despite its name, has seen a growing Korean presence. Try your luck at the trendy Cafe Mak on Wilshire Boulevard.

2. New York City, New York:

Manhattan’s Koreatown on 32nd Street is always buzzing. Keep an eye out for events at the Korea Center on 5th Avenue.
Flushing, Queens is another hotspot. The popular Korean grocery store H Mart often hosts cultural events.

3. Atlanta, Georgia:

Duluth, just northeast of Atlanta, is known as the ‘Seoul of the South’. The Gwinnett Place Mall area is transforming into a Korean cultural hub.
Don’t miss the Atlanta Korean Festival in October, held at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds.

4. Seattle, Washington:

The Lynnwood area north of Seattle has a growing Korean community. Check out the Lynnwood H Mart Plaza for authentic Korean experiences.
The Korean Street Food Festival in Bellevue (usually in July) is gaining popularity.

5. Washington D.C. Metro Area:

Annandale, Virginia is often called “Koreatown” by locals. The Annandale Shopping Center on Little River Turnpike is a great place to start.
Look out for events at the Korean Cultural Center on Massachusetts Avenue in D.C.

Now, you might be wondering, Paul, that’s great, but how to meet Korean women actually there? Well, I’ve got some tips for you:

Language Exchange Meetups: Many Korean Americans are keen to improve their English or maintain their Korean. Sites like Meetup.com often have Korean-English language exchange groups in these areas.
K-pop and K-drama Fan Clubs: Trust me, these are goldmines. K-pop dance classes are huge. I’ve seen guys join these just to meet Korean women (and end up actually enjoying the dancing!).
Korean Churches: If you’re religious, Korean churches are central to many Korean American communities. Even if you’re not Korean, many welcome visitors.
University Campuses: Colleges with significant Korean student populations often have Korean cultural clubs that host events open to the public.
Korean Festivals: These are fantastic for meeting people in a fun, relaxed environment. The food’s usually amazing too!
Korean-owned Businesses: Cafes, bookstores, and beauty shops in Korean neighborhoods are great places to strike up conversations.
International Dating Sites: Use apps popular with Korean Americans. In 2024, SakuraDate, NaomiDate, and EasternHoneys are hits in the Korean American community.

Remember, the key is to approach these places and events with a genuine interest in her culture. My buddy Mike met his girlfriend Soo-jin at a Korean film festival in New York. “I went because I love Korean movies,” he told me, “meeting Soo-jin was a bonus!”

One last tip — learn a bit of Korean. Even just a few phrases can go a long way. When I first stumbled through “annyeonghaseyo” (hello) at a Korean market in LA, the smile I got from the cute cashier made all the tongue-twisting practice worth it!