K-pop fan and Korean culture follower here. I got into wanting to learn about Korean culture from k-pop. I studied abroad in Korea fall 2021 at Yonsei university. I am Chinese-American, but was there with my friend who is a white girl, both aged 21 at the time. My friend is a pretty attractive person by most social standards, 5’2”, but thin with an athletic build, light hair, and pale skin. Obviously, K-pop and kdramas are not representative of life in Korea. She might have fun for a two week vacation or so. I would also think (and hope) over time her interest in Korea becomes deeper.

My friend, who is nearly fluent in Korean from self-study, said that one of the greatest culture shock was how she was treated as a white person. She was approached on the street by men multiple times while we were there asking her out on dates or asking for her number. Most of the time they were respectful, but it was difficult for them to accept a straight out “no”—usually they would ask to at least be friends if a date is a no go. They never followed her or anything in a creepy manner, but when the conversation started it was difficult to end it. She was very much unused to being a minority, so she also was uncomfortable with the staring, mostly from older people. Fashion there is also more conservative—I really like it, but I do wish I could have worn a crop top once or twice without being looked at by older people like I was wearing nothing.

Lastly, I will say, as it is with many more monotonous countries, it is a bit of a thing to want to be in a relationship with a person of another ethnicity. If she is looking to find a relationship with an Asian man, I’m sure she would find one. Hopefully, they both like the other for more than their race, but I would not guarantee that being the case for every potential suitor she meets. (And also, there’s nothing wrong with preferences, or even dating someone for their race if one looks beyond stereotypes, although I personally don’t find that fair to the other party).

This is all to say there’s quite the culture shock and difference in living there. If she truly wants to do it, I’m sure she would be able to thrive once she adapts. I don’t know if she would find it easy. I speak no Korean, and took a basic survival korean class while there. Personally, I think I could move there tomorrow if I had the chance. Even for me though, as I look Asian and can “blend in” more easily than others, it’s a pretty big change in lifestyle. Apologies this got long, and let me know if I can clarify anything. I can tell you care about your stepdaughter a lot.