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I am DONE wih dating apps. New ways to meet people?
I'm a European woman in my 20s… Anyone older or more extroverted able to give some advice? I'm posting in this sub because I hope to get some recommendations from people in the same city or situation.
I'm a European woman in my 20s. I've lived in Korea for 5 years in total, and I am able to speak Korean at work and live my life without too many language problems.
It finally happened. The last straw. I have used dating apps for a long time. I know they have a worse reputation in Korea, but I genuinely felt I didn't have many other options for meeting a romantic partner as I'm here alone. I'm sure I don't need to describe the differences in thinking around dating apps in Europe and Korea. But it's more than just that honestly.
I am a people pleaser when it comes to men, so these days I'm trying to be more firm and confrontational when it comes to guys who act inappropriately. But there's only so much lying, creepy messages, and inappropriate behaviour one person can cope with. This weekend a guy called me a kimchi woman because he paid for my ₩6,000 coffee, but I refused to answer his explicit questions about my intimate life, and told him off for asking stuff he knows is disrespectful. Not the worst by far, but it's the straw that broke the camel's back.
Does anyone have any tips or recommendations for meeting new people?Widening horizens when looking for a romantic partner?
Aside from dating apps, I've tried:
Language exchanges - Often people end up speaking in English anyway so that beginner learners can participate. It feels kinda dishonest to attend just because I want to find romantic prospects. It's kinda going against the spirit.
소개팅 / Friend recommendations - Already met the handful of people they are able to set me up with and didn't click.
Hobbies - My hobbies are either mostly enjoyed by women, like certain dance styles, or something you do by yourself, like painting. Even when I do go to mixed dance classes for example, I'm often not approached by anyone who wants to socialize. Maybe because I don't look like a person who can speak Korean.
Meeting through coworkers - I recently managed to escape from severe harrasment under a previous 팀장. I'm in a safer place now at the same company, but understandably I'm not comfortable letting my guard down at work right now.
Dating apps are so powerful because, with the amount of profiles you can see at once, you'll almost always be able to find someone you think is attractive. So, I think it wires your brain to make snap judgements. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated ~ <3
Seoul on a Budget: Tips 2026
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,… 🏠 Affordable Accommodation
Stay in guesthouses or hostels in Hongdae or Myeongdong for as low as 20,000-40,000 won per night. For a private room, try a goshiwon (student housing) starting at 300,000 won per month. Book directly with the property or use local platforms like Yanolja for discounts.
🍜 Cheap Eats
A bowl of bibimbap or kimchi jjigae at a local restaurant costs 6,000-8,000 won. For budget meals, visit convenience stores like GS25 or CU for triangle kimbap (1,200 won) and instant ramen. Street food like tteokbokki (3,000 won) is filling and cheap.
🚇 Transportation Savings
Use a T-money card for subway and bus rides at 1,400 won per trip, with free transfers within 30 minutes. A day pass costs 5,500 won for unlimited rides. Walk between nearby attractions like Gyeongbokgung and Insadong to save even more.
🎫 Free Attractions
Many palaces, including Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, offer free admission on the last Wednesday of each month. Cheonggyecheon Stream and Namsan Park are always free to explore. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village for a glimpse of traditional Seoul without spending a won.
💰 Local Money-Saving Tips
Locals often use apps like Coupang Eats for discounted meal deliveries or visit traditional markets like Gwangjang Market for cheap, fresh food. Avoid tourist-heavy areas for souvenirs; instead, shop at Daiso for affordable Korean snacks and gifts.
🎭 Free Cultural Experiences
Watch a free traditional performance at the Korea House or at the Namsangol Hanok Village on weekends. Many museums, like the National Museum of Korea, have free permanent exhibitions. Check out Hongdae street performances for live music and dance.
🍺 Nightlife on a Budget
Join a free walking tour of Hongdae or Itaewon to discover cheap bars and pubs. Many places offer happy hour deals from 5-7 PM with 50% off drinks. For a unique experience, visit a pojangmacha (street tent bar) for soju and anju under 10,000 won.
📱 Essential Apps
Download Naver Map for accurate transit directions and KakaoTaxi for affordable rides. Use Mango Plate to find restaurant discounts and coupons. For free Wi-Fi, connect to the city's public network at subway stations and parks.
this is a solid list, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card also works for the airport railroad express (arex) and you can get a discount if you buy a "climate card" from the subway machines for like 62,000 won a month, unlimited rides on seoul metro and buses. also, for free stuff, the seoul city wall hiking trail from naksan park gives you amazing views of the city and bukchon without paying a thing, plus it's way less crowded than namsan. gwangjang market is great but go for the sundubu (7000 won) at the stalls in the back, not the front ones near the entrance which are pricier for tourists
honestly the guide nails it, one thing i'd add is that the t-money card deposit is refundable at any convenience store when you leave, most people forget and just toss it. also for free stuff, the seoul philharmonic does free outdoor concerts at seoul plaza in spring and fall, just show up with a blanket. if you're near hongdae on a friday night, the playground area has buskers that are genuinely talented, way better than the overhyped clubs
i live here and a few things this guide nails. one tip that saves me money is the "climate card" for 62,000 won a month, unlimited subway and bus, even works on the airport express if you're staying a while. for cheap eats, skip the main streets in hongdae and go into the alleys behind the art center, there's a place that does dwaeji gukbap (pork soup) for 7,000 won and it's way better than the tourist spots. also, the seoul city wall trail from naksan park is free and gives you killer views without the namsan tower price tag, way less crowded too