Dating in South Korea

May 14, 2014
Dating in South Korea

When I first arrived in South Korea eight months ago, I never considered the dating opportunities here–or their lack thereof. I thought I would be in a location that had lots of foreigners and that I would find at least one guy who I could date.

As it turns out, that is not the case. The situation in Korea is like this–the foreign guys are either in a relationship, only looking to hook up, socially awkward, or only looking for Korean women.

To make matters even worse, I live in a very small town and Seoul is three hours away.  My location makes dating that much harder.

I am also a woman of color and even in this day and age, there are still guys who will count me out based on my skin color.  To make matters even worse, I live in a very small town and Seoul is three hours away.  My location makes dating that much harder.

Since I wasn’t meeting any guys, I decided to join a dating website called OkCupid. Again, the guys were socially awkward. After exchanging one or two messages, the guys wanted to send me dirty pictures of themselves naked. So I decided OkCupid was not for me.

I have come to the conclusion that my time and experience in Korea will be more about traveling and making friends than about dating.

I have come to the conclusion that my time and experience in Korea will be more about traveling and making friends than about dating.

Dating Korean guys just isn’t an option for me–what with the communication barrier, them being a little afraid of foreign women and them not being able to wrap their minds around the fact that my skin doesn’t rub off. I know other women who have dated and hooked up in Korea, but that just won’t be my  journey.

 

Dating in South Korea

 

Dating in South Korea

Related Reading

The Truth About Korean Men
So Much Culture Shock in South Korea
South Korea Travel Tips: Rebecca’s Take on Health, Safety and Romance
Finding Balance and Self-Acceptance in South Korea
Understanding Korean Culture
My First Korean Blind Date

Meeting My Korean Boyfriend’s Family
Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Visit South Korea

Have you traveled to South Korea and dated Korean men? What were your impressions? Email us at editor@pinkpangea.com for information about sharing your experience and advice with the Pink Pangea community. We can’t wait to hear from you.

Dating in South Korea top and content photo credits: unsplash and Danielle Fraser.

About Danielle Fraser

Danielle Fraser is currently teaching English in South Korea. She is taking some time off from her regular profession to nurture her passions for traveling, photography and writing.

3 thoughts on “Dating in South Korea

  1. Caitlin
    May 21, 2014
    Reply

    I feel you on this! I am living in Cambodia and it is exactly the same except with hooker bars thrown in the mix. And to think I brought condoms with me…HA.

  2. May 15, 2014
    Reply

    Dating as an expat, I know this pain well. Even started a video diary about my experiences dating in Europe. Thanks D for sharing your experiences in South Korea. Don’t give up, you just might find that special person as you live out your dreams!

  3. Kendra
    May 14, 2014
    Reply

    Awesome job Danielle! I love following your travels.

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