So, you've moved to Korea—or maybe you're planning to. The food is amazing, the cities are exciting, and everything feels new. But there's one thing that many foreigners quietly struggle with: making real Korean friends.
It’s not that Koreans are unfriendly. In fact, they can be incredibly kind and warm. But building deeper, lasting friendships? That’s where things get tricky. You might find yourself going to meetups, joining language exchanges, or chatting with coworkers... yet still feeling a bit on the outside.
If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. In this guide, we’ll break down why making local friends in Korea can be hard, and more importantly, how to actually succeed—with practical tips that have worked for real people in 2025.
Table of Contents :
- Why Making Korean Friends Can Be So Hard
- What Foreigners Say: Real Experiences in Korea
- The 5 Best Ways to Make Korean Friends in 2025
3.1. Join Local Language Exchange Communities
3.2. Try Hobby-Based Social Groups
3.3. Use the Right Apps to Meet Locals
3.4. Host Small Gatherings Yourself
3.5. Learn Cultural Cues That Build Trust - Understanding Cultural Gaps: What You Might Be Missing
- Final Thoughts: Don’t Give Up, Just Adapt
- FAQ: Making Local Friends in Korea
Why Making Korean Friends Can Be So Hard
Let’s be honest—making friends as an adult is already tough. Now add a new language, unfamiliar social cues, and a culture that values close-knit circles built since childhood. That’s the reality many foreigners face in Korea.
In Korean society, friendships are often formed early—through school, military service, or long-term workplaces. As a result, many Koreans already have solid friendship groups by the time they’re adults. It’s not that they don’t want to meet new people—it’s just not always something they actively seek.
There’s also the issue of language and formality. Even if you speak some Korean, navigating honorifics and indirect communication can be confusing. You may worry about saying the wrong thing or coming off as too forward.
And finally, cultural differences in socializing matter. In many Western cultures, it’s normal to invite someone you’ve just met to hang out. In Korea, that might seem a bit fast or even awkward.
What Foreigners Say: Real Experiences in Korea
If you check Reddit or Facebook expat groups, you’ll see a familiar theme:
“Koreans are kind but making real friendships takes time.”
“I meet people, but they don’t follow up.”
“I’m friendly at work, but that’s where it ends.”
Many foreigners describe their first year as lonely, even if they’re constantly surrounded by people. Language exchanges and group meetups can help, but they often feel transactional—like everyone is there just to practice English, not build a relationship.
Others say they bond better with fellow expats because of shared struggles and language comfort. But still, most of them want local friends—to better understand Korea, feel included, and have deeper cultural connections.
So what’s the solution? Keep reading—we’ve got five real strategies that are working in 2025.
The 5 Best Ways to Make Korean Friends in 2025
Join Local Language Exchange Communities
Language exchange groups are everywhere in Korea, especially in cities like Seoul, Busan, and Daegu. But here’s the trick: don’t just go once or twice. Become a regular. Show your face consistently. That’s when people start opening up.
Try platforms like Meetup, HelloTalk, and LanguageCast events. These aren’t just about swapping vocab—they’re low-pressure spaces to build connections.
Pro tip: Don’t just speak English—show effort in Korean. Even if it’s simple, it builds respect and breaks the “just another tourist” image.
Try Hobby-Based Social Groups
Hobbies create natural connections. Whether it’s a hiking club, book club, dance class, or even pottery, joining a group around shared interests helps you bond beyond small talk.
Websites like Naver Café, Everytime, or Facebook Groups often list hobby gatherings open to newcomers.
Real example: One expat joined a weekend cycling group. At first, he was the only foreigner, but after 3 weeks of regular riding, he was invited to dinner with the group. That’s how trust starts in Korea—through time and consistency.
Use the Right Apps to Meet Locals
Yes, dating apps exist—but that’s not what we’re talking about here. Apps like Slowalk, Somoim, or even Tinder (with clear intentions) are often used in Korea for casual hangouts or new friendships.
The key is to be clear about your goals in your profile. Say you’re looking to make Korean friends and learn about the culture—not just “practice English.”
App tip: Use KakaoTalk to continue conversations and suggest a group coffee meet-up after the first chat. Most people feel safer and more open in group settings.
Host Small Gatherings Yourself
You don’t always have to wait for an invitation. In fact, taking initiative can work well in Korea—especially if food is involved.
Host a “bring-a-friend” coffee morning, brunch, or game night. Start with a few coworkers or language exchange acquaintances, and ask them to invite one person each. That’s how circles grow here.
Cultural bonus: Offering small snacks or drinks can be seen as thoughtful and generous—two traits highly respected in Korean social culture.
Learn Cultural Cues That Build Trust
Friendship in Korea often grows slowly. People might seem distant at first, but they’re watching—how you speak, how you listen, how you show respect.
Understanding social cues like when to bow slightly, when to use 존댓말 (formal speech), or when to pay for coffee first (and let them return it next time) can go a long way.
Behavior tip: If a Korean acquaintance texts you after an event to thank you or share a photo, reply warmly. Small follow-ups like that make you stand out.
Understanding Cultural Gaps: What You Might Be Missing
Even if you're friendly and open-minded, cultural misunderstandings can get in the way—especially in Korea where unspoken rules play a big role.
One of the biggest things foreigners miss is the importance of “reading the room.” Koreans call this 눈치 (nunchi)—the subtle skill of sensing how others feel without them saying it. If you talk too loudly in a quiet café, or interrupt someone mid-sentence, you might come off as rude without meaning to.
Another challenge is emotional expression. In some Western cultures, sharing personal struggles early in a friendship builds closeness. In Korea, that level of openness might feel too fast, or even inappropriate, until the relationship is more established.
Also, understand that group identity is often prioritized over individual preferences. You might want to hang out one-on-one, but your Korean friend may prefer bringing along others or joining you in a group setting.
💡 Helpful mindset: Don’t take it personally. Sometimes the “distance” isn’t about you—it’s just a cultural rhythm that takes time to sync with.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Give Up, Just Adapt
Making friends in Korea as a foreigner can feel like an uphill climb. But once you understand the social dynamics and put yourself out there consistently, things start to shift.
The truth is, many Koreans are curious, kind, and open, but also cautious about building new relationships—just like you might be in their shoes. Don’t be discouraged if progress feels slow. Trust takes time everywhere, and maybe a bit more here.
So try one thing this week:
Join that hobby group. Message that one person you met last weekend. Or just say hi to a coworker with a smile.
Your next real friendship might be closer than you think.
FAQ: Making Local Friends in Korea
Q1. Are there any apps specifically for making friends, not dating, in Korea?
Yes! While apps like Tinder and Bumble are often used for dating, platforms like SLOWALK, Somoim, and BetweenUs focus on friendship, group activities, or casual meetups. HelloTalk and Tandem are also great for connecting through language exchange with a friendship-first vibe.
Q2. Do Koreans usually invite people to their homes?
Not often. Korean social culture generally favors meeting in public places—like cafés, restaurants, or parks—especially in early stages of a friendship. Being invited to someone’s home is usually a sign of deeper trust or a more established relationship.
Q3. Is it okay to approach strangers in public to make friends?
In most cases, no. While casual conversations in settings like bars or group tours are fine, approaching strangers on the street, subway, or in quiet cafés can be seen as intrusive. Structured environments—language meetups, classes, group events—are safer and more effective places to meet people.
Q4. What role does age play in forming friendships in Korea?
Age matters a lot. Korean society places strong emphasis on age-based hierarchy. When forming new friendships, people often ask your age early on to determine the appropriate speech level (formal vs. informal). Friendships between people of the same age (동갑) tend to be more relaxed and equal.
Q5. How long does it usually take to build a close friendship in Korea?
It varies, but many foreigners say it takes at least a few months of consistent interaction. Trust builds slowly, often through repeated shared experiences like meals, hobbies, or group outings. Don’t rush it—showing patience and sincerity usually leads to stronger, lasting bonds.
Making friends in Korea might not be instant, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. With a bit of cultural understanding, steady effort, and the right environment, you can build genuine connections that go far beyond surface-level small talk.
If you’ve been feeling isolated, know that you’re not alone—and you’re not doing anything wrong. Friendship just works a little differently here. But once you figure out how the rhythm flows, you’ll find people who truly want to get to know you too.
🌟 If this guide helped you, consider sharing it with a fellow expat.
And if you’ve found your own way to make Korean friends, drop a comment—we’d love to hear your story.
