๐ค How to Make Friends in Korea as a Foreigner
Making friends in Korea might feel intimidating at first, especially if you're new to the culture or the language. But don’t worry — with the right mindset and strategies, you can build strong, lasting friendships with Koreans who are often warm and loyal once you break the ice.
๐ Table of Contents
- 1. Why It Feels Hard (at First)
- 2. Understanding Korean Approach to Friendship
- 3. Best Ways to Meet Koreans
- 4. How Learning Korean Helps
- 5. Did You Know?
- 6. Self-Study Tips for Building Confidence
- 7. Want to Learn More Korean?
๐ 1. Why It Feels Hard (at First)
Koreans may seem reserved or formal when you first meet them. This is partly cultural — there’s often a clear boundary between acquaintances and close friends. But once you break through, friendships tend to be deep and loyal.
๐ฌ 2. Understanding Korean Approach to Friendship
Friendships in Korea often develop through shared experiences — school, work, hobbies, or food. Unlike casual Western friendships, Korean friendships can feel more intense but also more supportive.
๐ Tip: Spend time regularly with people and show consistent interest. That’s how trust builds in Korea.
๐ 3. Best Ways to Meet Koreans
- Language exchange apps: HelloTalk, Tandem, or Meetup Korea
- Clubs & Groups: Join hiking clubs, cooking classes, K-pop fan meetups
- University Programs: Many schools host international buddy programs
- Volunteer Events: Help local charities and meet like-hearted people
Don’t be afraid to say hello first. Many Koreans are just as curious about your culture.
๐ฃ️ 4. How Learning Korean Helps
You don’t have to be fluent — even basic Korean shows effort and respect. Learn friendly expressions like:
- ์๋ ํ์ธ์! (Annyeonghaseyo!) – Hello!
- ์ด๋ฆ์ด ๋ญ์์? (Ireumi mwoyeyo?) – What’s your name?
- ๊ฐ์ด ๋ฐฅ ๋จน์๋์? (Gachi bap meogeullaeyo?) – Want to eat together?
These phrases can break the awkwardness and lead to meaningful conversations.
๐ก 5. Did You Know?
According to a 2022 Seoul survey, more than 80% of foreign residents in Korea said they wanted to make Korean friends, but only 36% said they actually had one. The most common barrier? "I don’t know how to start." Just one conversation can change that.
๐ 6. Self-Study Tips for Building Confidence
- Practice common small talk phrases in Korean
- Watch Korean reality shows to learn casual conversation
- Journal your experiences and reflect on cultural moments
๐ 7. Want to Learn More Korean?
Want to connect more naturally with Korean friends? ๐ Book a friendly italki lesson with me here and let’s make Korean learning part of your real-life conversations.
Making friends in Korea might take time — but it’s absolutely worth it. ๐ฑ Keep smiling, keep trying, and you’ll find your people. Let’s discover more about Korean life together right here on the blog! ๐
