Swipe Right in the Land of the Morning Calm: A Foreigner’s Guide to Tinder in Korea

South Korea is a country of paradoxes. It is a hyper-connected global hub driven by cutting-edge technology, yet it remains deeply rooted in traditional Confucian dating norms. Walking down the neon-lit streets of Hongdae or Gangnam, you’ll see couples clad in matching outfits (curpom or couple looks), meticulously documenting their anniversaries. But what happens when you strip away the pressure of traditional matchmaking agencies (seon or blind dates arranged by parents) and open up an app on your phone?