Whether you’re living in Korea, planning a visit, or just fascinated by Korean culture from halfway across the world, you may be wondering—how can I make Korean friends? Good news: making Korean friends is easier than ever, whether you’re in Seoul or San Francisco.
This guide is packed with practical tips, fun ideas, and real-life strategies to help you connect with Korean locals and Korean communities worldwide. Ready to dive in?
✈️ How to Make Korean Friends in Korea
Living or traveling in Korea? You’re already in the best place to meet Korean friends. Here’s how to make those connections happen!
1. Attend Language Exchange Meetups (언어모임)
Language exchanges are one of the top ways foreigners and locals connect. Koreans love practicing English, and you can use this opportunity to practice Korean, too. It’s a win-win!
Popular Meetups in Seoul:
- Languagecast – Weekly sessions in Hongdae (at Chloris Tea & Coffee). Just buy a drink and join the fun.
- Seoul English Party – Events in hot spots like Gangnam, Itaewon, and Hyehwa.
- Global Seoul Mates – Offers a short Korean lesson before the exchange. Entry: ~10,000 KRW.
These meetups are laid-back, fun, and full of people excited to make international friends. Pro tip: Arrive early and strike up a conversation with someone else who’s alone!
2. Connect Through Apps & Websites
Not everyone feels comfortable diving into a room full of strangers. If you’d prefer to ease into friendships online, here are a few great platforms:
- HelloTalk – A language exchange app where you can chat, voice call, and learn.
- Tandem – Similar to HelloTalk but with more structured conversation matching.
- Couchsurfing Events – Even if you don’t stay with a host, you can join group hangouts.
- SeoulMate – Offers guided local tours and friendship-building activities with Koreans.
- KakaoTalk Open Chats – Search for hobby or language groups and jump into a conversation.
3. Join Hobby Clubs or Classes
Friendship blooms where you share common interests. Join local activities and you’ll naturally meet like-minded Korean friends.
Ideas:
- Join a book club, dance class, or coding meetup.
- Try K-pop dance studios (like 1Million Dance in Gangnam).
- Go to public basketball courts or baduk clubs (Korean chess).
- Take traditional cooking classes or join art cafes.
Websites like Meetup.com, Facebook groups, and Naver Cafe are goldmines for finding hobby communities.
4. Make Friends at Work or School
If you’re working in Korea (as a teacher, in tech, etc.), your job might be your best social gateway.
- Grab lunch with coworkers.
- Attend company outings (회식 / hoesik).
- Don’t hesitate to invite someone for coffee after work.
The shared experience of being part of the same workplace or classroom naturally builds connection.
5. Volunteer or Get Involved in Charity
Volunteering is not only fulfilling—it also introduces you to kind-hearted locals who are passionate about similar causes.
Where to volunteer in Korea:
- PLUR Korea – Weekly soup kitchens in Seoul.
- Animal shelters – Walk dogs, clean, or help with adoption events.
- Habitat for Humanity Korea – Occasional builds and community projects.
Most groups are happy to have foreigners join, even if your Korean isn’t perfect.
6. Date (If That’s Your Thing!)
Dating apps and social scenes in Korea are thriving. If you’re open to romance, you might make a great friend (or more!) along the way.
Popular dating apps in Korea:
- Tinder – Yes, it’s active in Korea.
- Bumble – Growing user base in major cities.
- Noondate, Amanda, and Sky People – Korean apps with different vibes.
Even if the relationship doesn’t work out, you might still gain friendships and access to wider social circles.
7. Study Korean Locally
You don’t need to be fluent to make friends, but learning some Korean shows respect and effort—and people appreciate that.
- Try free weekend classes like those offered by CLS or Korean Class 101 meetups.
- Universities like Sogang and Yonsei offer short-term Korean immersion programs.
Studying together can turn classmates into lifelong friends.
🌍 How to Make Korean Friends Outside of Korea
Not in Korea yet? No worries—you can still meet Korean friends wherever you are. Here’s how:
1. Explore Koreatowns Around the World
Cities like Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver, London, Sydney, and Toronto have vibrant Korean neighborhoods.
- Visit Korean cafés, bookstores, or language institutes.
- Strike up conversations with owners or regulars.
- Volunteer or participate in local Korean festivals and events.
Bonus tip: Korean churches are also hubs for community activities, language learning, and cultural exchange.
2. Connect with Korean Students
Korean students study abroad in huge numbers. Most are eager to improve their English and learn about other cultures.
- Check your local university’s Korean Student Association (KSA).
- Hang out at cafés near ESL language schools or university dorms.
- Host a language exchange event at your home or a local park.
3. Join a Korean Language Class
You don’t need to be in Korea to learn Korean with native speakers. Check your local community center or cultural institute.
Try:
- King Sejong Institute – Offers government-supported Korean classes around the world.
- Local universities with Korean studies departments.
- Private tutors via italki or Preply.
You’ll likely meet fellow learners and Korean teachers who are open to cultural exchange.
4. Use Meetup.com or Language Exchange Platforms
Meetup has tons of Korean-themed groups in major cities.
Search for:
- Korean Language Meetup
- Korean Drama Fan Clubs
- K-pop Dance Groups
- Korean Cooking Meetups
Or use ConversationExchange, Speaky, or even Reddit communities like r/Korean or r/LearnKorean to meet Koreans looking for cultural exchange.
5. No Koreans in Your Town? Go Online!
Even if you’re in a small town, you’re not out of luck. Use online tools to create friendships from anywhere.
Best platforms for remote friendship-building:
- HelloTalk
- Tandem
- Discord servers for Korean learners
- Korean Penpal sites like Penpal.me or InterPals
- Dating + Friendship platforms like KoreanCupid, Seoul Friend Finder
Use Zoom, KakaoTalk, or Skype to have video chats and deepen the connection.
💬 Final Thoughts: Be Brave and Genuinely Curious
Making Korean friends—just like making any friends—starts with being open, respectful, and authentic. Ask questions. Show curiosity. Learn a little Korean. Be consistent.
Whether you’re connecting over a bowl of kimchi jjigae in Busan or geeking out about K-dramas in Berlin, the possibilities are endless.
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