Number of relationships that South Korean singles have had 2016-2023

According to a survey conducted in 2023, South Korean singles have had an average of 3.7 partners. The average number of partners that South Korean singles decreased slightly compared to the previous year. 

Social background

As youth unemployment is getting higher and the socio-economic situation in South Korea remains unstable, younger generations are more concerned with financial stability and their own health rather than finding love. Since the 2010s, young Koreans in their 20s and 30s began to be called the “3-po generation” or “Sampo” in Korean. This name is a reference to the relative speed at which this generation give up on love, get married, and then give birth. Despite the greater opportunities to connect online and via social media, there has been an increase in people who feel alone in everyday life. According to the survey, younger generations who were more exposed to digital society felt more lonely than the older generations.

Online dating apps

The online dating app market reached 200 billion won in 2018 and is expected to double in two to three years. Younger generations who may be reluctant to talk face to face are increasingly looking for social dating apps. Many younger dating app users also prefer social dating apps because of the ease at which they can connect with potential partners. In Korea, the most popular dating apps were Noon Date, Amanda, and Tinder.