Optimistic orientation is linked to several benefits, including better-coping skills, lower stress levels, and better physical health. This study aimed to identify whether optimistic orientation is associated with physical frailty and whether it is related to each component of physical frailty. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of 2019 survey data from the Korean Frailty and Aging Cohort Study, which included 1203 participants aged 70–84 years. Frailty was defined using the Fried frailty phenotype and optimistic orientation was assessed using the Life Orientation Test-Revised. Optimistic orientation and frailty were negatively correlated (r = −0.214, p < 0.001). After adjusting for several variables, the relationship between optimistic orientation and physical frailty was only significant in women (odds ratio OR = 2.960, 95 % confidence interval CI:2 1.375–6.371). Regarding the relationship with the five components of the physical frailty phenotype, the least optimistic women were more exhausted (OR = 1.829, 95 % CI: 1.224–2.732) and weaker (OR = 1.955, 95 % CI: 1.197–3.192) after adjusting for age, body mass index, alcohol consumption, smoking, education, marital status, social activity, living alone, family income, cognitive state, nutritional status, comorbidity, and depression. Optimistic orientation was negatively associated with physical frailty only in women. Among the components of physical frailty, exhaustion and weakness are associated with optimistic orientation in women. •Optimistic orientation was associated with physical frailty only in Korean older women.•Exhaustion and weakness were associated with optimistic women.