Moving to Korea as a foreigner can be a whirlwind. I mean, there is a new culture, a new language, and a whole new way of making friends. But don’t worry, making Korean friends isn’t as intimidating as it sounds.

If you are a foreigner in Korea and you would like to make local friends, here are five solid, practical, and totally achievable tips for building genuine friendships in Korea. So grab your best smile, maybe a few Korean phrases, and let's dive in!

Learn the Basics of Korean (Even the ‘Hello’ Counts!)

Yes, you don’t have to become fluent in Korean overnight. But learning even a few basic phrases will work wonders. "Annyeonghaseyo" (hello) and "Gamsahamnida" (thank you), are some key phrases that will win you points. Locals really appreciate it when foreigners make the effort to speak their language (everywhere in the world), even if your pronunciation is a little off. Plus, it’s a great icebreaker! You’d be surprised how many friendships can start with a simple “hello” and a big smile, even if it’s followed by a slightly embarrassing "I’m still learning!"

Dive into Cultural Activities (You’ll Be a Local in No Time)

You’re in Korea. Why not embrace everything the country has to offer? Participating in local cultural events, from festivals to K-pop dance classes, they can all create the perfect opportunity to meet like-minded people. Sign up for a Korean cooking class or visit a local food market. Koreans love to share their culture, and you’ll likely make friends with fellow foodies or festival-goers along the way. The icing on the cake? Showing that you’re genuinely interested in Korean culture will make you stand out. So, don’t be shy.

Use Social Media and Apps to Your Advantage

There’s no shame in using apps to make new friends, especially when you’re in a new country. Social media is alive with opportunities to meet locals who are also looking to make friends. Apps like HelloTalk, Meetup, and even Facebook groups are all full of people who want to connect. Just join a language exchange group or a K-Drama fan club. You’ll quickly find that the app world isn’t just for cats and memes, it’s also for creating genuine connections!

Join Group Outings and Gatherings (Korean Style)

Korean culture loves group activities. Whether it’s a weekend hiking trip, a group dinner at a BBQ spot, or a "noraebang" (karaoke) night, Koreans prefer meeting in groups over one-on-one hangouts, especially when you're just starting out. In fact, joining these group events can make it easier to get to know people in a more relaxed environment. You don’t have to worry about keeping the conversation going for hours; there's always someone else to chat with. You'll bond over shared experiences, like trying to sing your heart out in noraebang, or tales of your home country, which is always a guaranteed laugh.

Be Patient

Friendships aren’t like instant ramen. Building real friendships takes time, especially in a new country with a different culture. So don’t expect to meet your new BFF on day one. In Korea, relationships are built slowly, and trust is something that grows over time. Be prepared to put in the effort, don’t expect immediate invites to “family gatherings” just because you made small talk at a café. Keep showing up to social gatherings, keep learning about the culture, and keep engaging with the people you meet. And remember, patience is key. Friendships in Korea are like making kimchi. It takes a while (to ferment, you can say), but when it’s ready, it’s worth it!

Making friends in a new country is always a challenge, but with these five tips, you’re well on your way to building strong, genuine relationships in Korea.

Embrace the culture, learn the language, and don’t be afraid to take that first step. Your new Korean friends are out there, waiting for you to join in on the fun. Happy friend-making!