Most Matchmaker Users Driven by Search for Perfect Partner

The primary reason single men and women turn to matchmaking services is because they expect to be introduced to someone who fits their ideal type. According to a recent month-long survey by matchmaker Red Hills of 116 single men and women, 52 respondents or 44.8 percent said they use the service because they believe it can find them good matches.

The second most popular reason, chosen by 22.4 percent of respondents, was the frequency of dates the service provides. Some 12.1 percent said they use the service because it is trustworthy and an equal number said they do so because others recommended it. Ten people or 8.6 percent said the matchmaking service is cost efficient.

When asked why they think they are still single, 56 people or 48.3 percent said it is because they have few chances to meet people of the opposite sex. Twenty five respondents or 21.6 percent said it is because they are too busy with work, and 15 people or 12.9 percent cited a lack of personal confidence. Ten people or 8.6 percent said they are afraid of the cost of dating someone and another ten said they are not interested in getting married at all.

"The results are a reflection of the situation in Korea where people work the longest hours in the OECD and it is extremely difficult to land a permanent job," a Red Hills staffer said. "The increasing number of people using matchmaking services partially stems from the psychological pressures faced by people who are so busy with work that they can't afford time for socializing."