Making friends in South Korea

• I have been living for 6 weeks in South Korea now - and all my friends are foreigners!!! Why is it so hard to make Korean friends? Sometimes I get the impression that they prefer to stay amongst themselves. This is not really what I expected when I came here cause I would really like to learn something about the local culture.

  19 May 2007, 04:46 Benjamin

Replies

• Friendships in South Korea

  Why don't you try it over the internet? This is quite common in South Korea.
  
  Check out this for example:
  
  http://www.koreancupid.com/default.cfm;jsessionid=cc30cc82fa0c6d701b28

  Chris 20 May 2007, 09:20 - Report

• Making Friends in Korea

  I felt the same way. How is this working for you? Making Korean friends here? The Korean culture seems very shy initially meeting people. I'd like some advice too on this. I know speaking English can make lots of friends, but the goal is to learn Korean.

  Anon 01 Jul 2007, 08:37 - Report

• Korean Friends

  Hi, after learning about the difficulty in making Korean friends, I am hesitant about going to Korea to study Korean language. If I cannot meet Korean people there, I'd rather stay in HK to study (because it would be the same). Anybody especially Koreans can give me some advice.

  True Heart 23 Jul 2007, 06:40 - Report

• my view as a korean myself

  hi~ i'm korean living in seoul. kkk...do you guys really think that it's hard to make korean friends? ^^ i don't think so. i know many people who'd love to make friends from other countries (including myself..kk) and we just don't know how to make foreign friends and where..
  
  as you get to know us koreans more and more, i'm sure you'll find us very friendly and nice... hope you make a lot of great korean friends as you wish~
  
  hope to see you guys in seoul~~ ^^ ciao~

  nicky 02 Aug 2007, 03:28 - Report

• Friends in Korea

  Hi Nicky,
  I will bein Seoul to attend a conference and would certainly like to know the locals and the culture, so please let me know if you or anyone is willing to Chaperopn me....I am 37Y doctor from Wales, UK... so please let me hear back from you if you are interested... [email removed]
  Dr. Shamsi

  Mik/Shamsi 14 Aug 2007, 12:03 - Report

• Korean Friends

  Hello,
  
  Just reading through some of what has been said here, I agree that the Korean people will seem very much content to stay amongst themselves. However, it is a fear of English that puts them at distance, be the bolder person embrace them first and you will be surprised how open they will be. Just make the first initiative, and of course any efforts to serioiusly speak the language will be greatly appreciated.
  
  I've been to Korea twice and lived there for several months, if you are a Christian a good place to make new friends is at a church.

  Mike 01 Sep 2007, 08:08 - Report

• hi

  Hi here,i would like to get any friend in south korea.am from africa-uganda
  Cantact me at this email. [email removed]

  yasin 07 Jan 2008, 10:30 - Report

• Am think so

  All the people in the world are want to make friends with each other, also me too!
  
  and about my e-mail address is [email removed] am from Cambodia.
  
  hope we meet in one time in Seoul

  Maneta 16 Jan 2008, 08:18 - Report

• want to make korean friends

  I awant to make korean friends,i am an chinese college student .i ke to hear from you .my name is gao xian yun ,in hefei city.my msn:[email removed],qq:93324544,e-mail:[email removed]

  gxy 19 Jan 2008, 09:48 - Report

• Looking for a korean friend who can issued me an invitation letter to came to south korea for visit.

  Hi.
  I am happy to get you as a korean friend.I am actually preparing to came there in KOREA but i have a problem of invitation letter.It will be a good occasion to know each order.
  Can you send to me an invitation letter,so that i will come there in korea.I have a appointment with the embassy of south korea on monday,28 january 2008 for visa(if you can issued it to me by that day, i will be very greatfull).
  My name is FLORENTIN MEDJIOPO MEDJIOPO(Cameroonian) , email: [email removed] and telephone number is : 0027 783 427 732
  Please if there is someone who can help me, send it to me by email.
  
  Nice to meet you, and i short that you will appreciate me.Please send to me your number.
  
  Best regards,
  FLORENTIN
  

  FLORENTIN 24 Jan 2008, 10:52 - Report

• hi~im korean guy it's also really hard for us to find western friends too

  hi~ everyone out there? i'm korean guy 23 years old
  just about to finish my military service..
  i was reading some articles..in korean forum and
  end up sighin up here anyway i was actually surprised
  that there's so many foreigners wanting to make korean friends. coz i thought the other way.. i thought
  you guys just want to hang out with ur own or something.
  i just wanted to say.. that it's not something about cultural things..(maybe part of it)but we (between koreans and westerners) don't seem to comnunicate very often with eachother. that's why many korean men are
  afraid to approach western girls. they firmly believe
  that westerners don't like asian. so no chance of them
  trying to approach as i was once one of them.
  but i just want all of you to know that it's just simply
  langauge thing.. and just lack of knowledge about eachother.. there' a lot of korean men(including me) or women wantin to make cool friends from all over the world. i myself try to find one to talk to or share
  information , new life style.. and stuff. it's really
  hard for me(us korean men) to find good foreign friends
  you know why? of course nowdays you can c a lot of
  foreigners walking by at the street. but almost none of
  them speaks korean and never try to talk to us
  the only place you can find them.. is bars at late night
  or stinky club. so it is really difficult to even make
  friends or keep in touch of them i find that all the interest foreigners are finding is drinking culture.. or
  is it simply their way of life?? i'm not sure..
  well. i didn't plan on writing this much . but it happened k thanks for reading. and if anyone out there
  who has any opinion about this it would be greatly appreciated..
  

  sonrey 27 Jan 2008, 01:13 - Report

• hi

  it will be great freindship with a korean girl just under 17 years.... i am looking new friend of a korea..

  razkonp@yahoo.com 02 Feb 2008, 11:52 - Report

• Happy new Year 2008 ,I'm seeking sincere pen pals between 20-99 years old.

  Happy new Year 2008 ,I'm seeking sincere pen pals between 20-99 years old.I decided to take a chance to search for new people from all over the world which I AM NOT ASKING FOR MONEY-LOVE-ETC.
  
  Would you mind being pen pals with me ? Myself , I am living in the middle of pacific ocean (hawaii) and enjoy writting to people by email nor postal mail. I can exchange postcards -used stamps -etc.
  
  Reason looking for pen pals in china-canada-korea-mexico-philippines, will be traveling to exchange culture & gift to anyone willing meet for cup coffee or lunch in the city okay ?
  
  I'm trying to help my personal pen pals gain more friendship which it's free to join .Check out " yahoo 360 page PacificOceanPenPals"
  
  [email removed]

  Beatriz Capati ( from hawaii ) 05 Feb 2008, 07:08 - Report

• I WANT TO MAKE KOREAN FRIENDS!!!!!

  HI! MY NAME IS FLORY I'M FROM COSTA RICA.....I LOVE SOUTH KOREA.....AND MY DREAM IS VISIT KOREA ONE DAY.....
  I WANT MAKE KOREAN FRIENDS,TO SPEAK SPANISH OR A LITTLE OF ENGLISH..........
  MY E-MAIL IS [email removed]
  I HOPE THAT I CAN MAKE REALLY GOOD FRIENDS.........
  
  NOTE: PLEASE IN THE SUBJECT, WRITTE KOREAN FRIEND OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.............

  FLORY 09 Feb 2008, 04:25 - Report

• I WANT MAKE KOREAN FRIENDS!!!!!!!!!!

  I WANT TO MAKE KOREAN FRIENDS!!!!!
  
  HI! MY NAME IS FLORY, I'M A 20 YEARS OLD GILR,FROM COSTA RICA.....I LOVE SOUTH KOREA.....AND MY DREAM IS VISIT KOREA ONE DAY.....
  I WANT MAKE KOREAN FRIENDS,TO SPEAK SPANISH OR A LITTLE OF ENGLISH..........
  MY E-MAIL IS [email removed]
  I HOPE THAT I CAN MAKE REALLY GOOD FRIENDS.........
  
  NOTE: PLEASE IN THE SUBJECT, WRITTE KOREAN FRIEND OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT.............

  FLORY 09 Feb 2008, 04:31 - Report

• I love to make Korean Friends

  I'm Spanish living in England, I am 37 years old and next year if nothing change I will finish my degree in Information Systems. I know a little late, you probably would say, but I love to travel to Asia and make a living over there if I can. I would like to change and learn your culture.

  joseph_ccc@msn.com 15 Feb 2008, 12:44 - Report

• what up

  whats up!!
  i'm ryan from korea^^
  i'd like to make new friends~!!
  briefly,im 25yrs and study for an architech!!
  
  i can help you to learn about korea culture or korean..
  i can speake english better than writing;;;
  you know making friends is not a big deal
  dont be afraid of contact me im avialable seoul&inchoen
  
  be a COOOOOOOOOL
  
  thanks!!
  
  [email removed]
  cell : 011 9956 2670
  
  
  

  Ryan(Dong Hoon,Lee) 15 Feb 2008, 03:19 - Report

• hello

  hi everyone
  
  i have been in south korean for 2 weeks and would love to meet some new and interesting people (korean or western). i love travelling, trying new things and partying it up sometimes.....
  
  hope to here from you
  contact
  [email removed]

  andrew 02 Mar 2008, 11:55 - Report

• hi everyone

  i really understand that you guys may feel its hard to make korean friends, we feel kinda shy to open at once like you said so,
  but im sure once you meet one fiend here whom you can talk, you would hit it up so fast, and get a help to be get used to , have a million of friends from her or him.
  i love to be one of them.
  whoever lives in busan feel free to contact with me .
  sorry about my poor language.
  
  e: [email removed]

  ryu 09 Mar 2008, 11:06 - Report

• aloha from hawaii

  In year 2007, best experience traveling to meet my pen pals living in philippines & china. " how far would you travel meet someone from another country ?
  would you like become pen pals ?
  
  Please, reply only if your sincere about meeting me :
  if your living in CHINA-CANADA-KOREA-MEXICO-PHILIPPINES , would you like meet for few minutes for exchange culture & history over tea or coffee okay ? Even can't leave there always people willing to build a sincere friendship with me . It might seem strange meeting people for first time, then you get vibe saying " either he/she is sincere person" which 100% your gut feeling right . Life isn't going last, why wait for things to happen ? Dare to make every goals happen right now !! Even if going take a ton of miles meet that person, take a chance to tell someone something about your culture. What would you do someone just wanted listen to your voice over the phone ? Myself saying " can't wait see you for few minutes" .
  phone number ? I will rent phone at airport .
  Canada ( toronto & montreal ) : Dec 20,2008- Jan 12,2009
  Philippines ( pampanga) & Korea & China ; Dec 20, 2010- Jan 12,2011
  
  Besides that, I'll be traveling with my daughter ( born May 6,2000) verique been learning native hawaiian hula dance for 5 years which she will dance one song for culture exchange . if you got time meet for few mintes.. Please send email SUBJECT ( lets meet in the city ) [email removed]
  ***** I will reply 100%****
  
  Beatriz & Verique Capati
  91-882 Hamoa Place
  Ewa Beach, Hawaii 96706-usa
  * F / NOV 6,1969 / mom to one girl
  

  beatriz from hawaii 26 Mar 2008, 01:16 - Report

• aloha from hawaii

  In year 2007, best experience traveling to meet my pen pals living in philippines & china. " how far would you travel meet someone from another country ?
  would you like become pen pals ?
  
  Please, reply only if your sincere about meeting me :
  if your living in CHINA-CANADA-KOREA-MEXICO-PHILIPPINES , would you like meet for few minutes for exchange culture & history over tea or coffee okay ? Even can't leave there always people willing to build a sincere friendship with me . It might seem strange meeting people for first time, then you get vibe saying " either he/she is sincere person" which 100% your gut feeling right . Life isn't going last, why wait for things to happen ? Dare to make every goals happen right now !! Even if going take a ton of miles meet that person, take a chance to tell someone something about your culture. What would you do someone just wanted listen to your voice over the phone ? Myself saying " can't wait see you for few minutes" .
  phone number ? I will rent phone at airport .
  Canada ( toronto & montreal ) : Dec 20,2008- Jan 12,2009
  Philippines ( pampanga) & Korea & China ; Dec 20, 2010- Jan 12,2011
  
  Besides that, I'll be traveling with my daughter ( born May 6,2000) verique been learning native hawaiian hula dance for 5 years which she will dance one song for culture exchange . if you got time meet for few mintes.. Please send email SUBJECT ( lets meet in the city ) [email removed]
  ***** I will reply 100%****
  
  Beatriz & Verique Capati
  91-882 Hamoa Place
  Ewa Beach, Hawaii 96706-usa
  * F / NOV 6,1969 / mom to one girl
  

  beatriz capati 26 Mar 2008, 01:18 - Report

• hello

  i have never been in south korea but i feel like am still living in der. am so much interested in meeting peoples from korea regardless of sex, age, religion or anything else. so any body who has the interest to contact me can send me a message thru my email [email removed]
  am a female am 18 years old i am a univesity student...... to know more about me just scrap me. waitin' for some of ya to join me,,

  ruth 27 Mar 2008, 10:57 - Report

• simon

  There have a web : www.tt4you.com ,A lot of people live there,very kind of him.Now total is free to use,Make your south korea language exchange.

  simon 28 Mar 2008, 11:10 - Report

• korea frends

  i am a surveyor in china and many of my fellow workers from korea, so i want to konw more about korea culture economic. if you want to tell me more, please contact with me by e-mail: [email removed]

  fuyou_chen 05 Apr 2008, 08:05 - Report

• hi I am foreigner living in korea

  Hello people
  
  I am 26 years old male living in korea from past 2 years I have had no problem in making good friends around here in korea Korean people are really nice and helpfull if any of you guys want to know about SEOUL or how to live there you guys can connect me on [email removed], innocent_navi on skype and
  
  anyone who needs good friend who is in korea or coming to korea can connect me or call me also I dont mind Korean people or foreigners anyone my phone number 010-7213-3265

  navi 10 Apr 2008, 11:06 - Report

• Western, Korean, Hispanohablantes....

  G'day,
  
  I am a Kiwi recently landed in Korea. My sis lives here which is excellent, but I would like to make some of my own friends. I am a Christian, can speak a lil Spanish and love to meet new and interesting people. So if there is anyone out there who is keen for a coffee or drink send me a message here!
  
  

  Jess :) 12 Apr 2008, 04:48 - Report

• could you please chat with me and make friends with me ?

  I'm a man from australia,is here anybody who want to immigrate to australia?I want to find a woman in korea,if you want to live in australia from the near futher on,please contact me::::::::::[email removed]::::::::::::::

  lashley Qin 17 Apr 2008, 04:05 - Report

• I love to make Korean Friends

  HI!MY NAME IS Anvar I'AM A MAN 22 years old from UZB and WANT TO MAKE KOREAN FRIEND it will be great freindship with a korean girl under 21 years. i am looking new friend From a korea. I will never ask anything (help,money.)
  [email removed]

  Anvar 18 Apr 2008, 06:10 - Report

• Need to Interview

  Hey everyone,
  I'm working on a report on the South Korean culture at the moment, and I really need someone thats either lived in South Korean, or who is South Korean and speaks English to do a quick interview on.
  If anyone thinks they can help, please contact me at [email removed] eithin the next day or so.
  Thanks.

  Blake 01 May 2008, 05:16 - Report

• The Culture

  Just wanted to contribute my 2 cents.
  
  You know what - It's harder to make friends in Korea if you're shy + a foreigner, but I think it's the same with other countries too (i.e. the U.S.). Depending on how you're situated in Korea, there are several ways to befriend the "natives." If you're going to study abroad, you can certainly join some clubs, especially their language clubs.
  
  If you're a "foreigner" and being dropped off from the getgo, your options are harder, but still achievable. In general, I've found from my experience that the native Koreans would love to have a "foreigner" friend, but are often too shy to approach them. I personally wouldn't suggest finding your friends at some club, (just like how you wouldn't realistically search for a long-term relationship at a club) for several reasons, but I won't digress on this issue.
  
  As listed above, try the internet (I'm weary of this option though). Or, volunteer at some organization and make friends there. Or, post up adds offering English lessons, and if the student is around your age, you can befriend him/her. (I say around your age because Korea is very age-conscious and treat you based upon that.)
  
  Moreover, depending on what your motives are, you may want to seek different venues. For example, a platonic relationship vs. romantic relationship, etc etc.
  
  Wow, I just noticed that this thread is like a year old...
  
  I personally am ethnically Korean but born + raised in the states, so I may be able to give you some tips. Albeit, not as much as some others who actually lived in Korea for 1+ years, but maybe a different perspective on things.

  E 05 May 2008, 09:16 - Report

• nice meeting you

  Oh my friend,
  Hoping you are fine and living good.Nice having your address, I wanna be your friend, for first friendship cannot be seen or even be touched, it must be felt within the heart.Hoping you feel just the way i do.Wow, friends are like clothes, without them you feel naked!I guess am right.
  Am gloria jefferson , I will tell you more about myself, my family and all that maybe necessary in this relationship when you reply to this mail.If this interest you, get back to me on my email : [email removed]
  Yours dearly
  Gloria.

  gloria jefferson 06 May 2008, 04:24 - Report

• hi

  Dear Brothers and sisters,
  I am an Indian my name is Beatrice and working in a mission anmely bethesda Mission. We are working for children adn women from rurala nd triabl areas. Our mission is a faith based mission. We were having a school for little ones, the owner came and vacated us, we dont have a place to go. We need a place to educate these children. I know korean brothers and sisters are having great concern for Indian Children. Our web page is
  http://worldgospelhope.org
  Please jpin hands and help these ones. Those who want to contact us can do so via this email
  [email removed]
  You can visit us, we do take volunteers for the work.
  with love,
  beatrice
  Maranatha

  Beatrice Dewin 09 May 2008, 12:21 - Report

• hi every one

  I want to contact korean evangelists and missionaries. Anyone there, I want to invite them to my place.
  If you are interested, please contact this email address. I am from bangalore, India.
  [email removed]

  Bubbleje 10 May 2008, 12:06 - Report

• hi

  i was in Korea and im interested to make friends in korea whois able to speak english
  [email removed]
  add me please.

  emado 25 May 2008, 01:20 - Report

• Whatz up

  Hello everyone.
  
  My name is Dennis and 27years old. I came to korea april 1, 08. So far i lived in korea for about 2month and i would really love to make friends here. I live in Bundang in kyungkido and teaching english here. By the way i'm half korean half Japanese but from US. Pretty weird case i guess...
  My E-mail address is [email removed]
  
  By the way i can speak Korean, Japanese and English.

  Dennis 31 May 2008, 06:04 - Report

• hi everyone

  my name is Sam from Thailand ,,want to make friends with you ,,,i don't know how to describe myself ,,,but nice to meet you and talk with me by msn: [email removed] or [email removed] ,,,nice to meet you again friends,,,,,yo yo !!!!

  Sam 11 Jun 2008, 11:18 - Report

• hi,gud morning

  Im elvi,actualy i want make a friend with korean girls n guys...i think i have fall in love with korea. ups sory forgot to telling u my country..i from Malaysia..i give u my e-mail [email removed]..

  elvi 12 Jun 2008, 05:55 - Report

• Wanna meet korean friend!!

  Psst..hey its me^^ I wanna meet some korean friends really. Im from Malaysia and Im a chinese ^^ and im 19 years old. My email> [email removed]
  Come on! ^^ email me

  Jun 14 Jun 2008, 03:51 - Report

• hello

  Hi Guy,
  
  Me yaqoob christ gill form paksitan. i am finding here a friend of korea. so i love korea so much. [email removed]
  Thanks & Regards

  yaqoob christ gill 17 Jun 2008, 10:12 - Report

• Pyeongtaek City

  I am coming to Pyeongtaek City in a month's time to teach English - is anyone from around there? Can anyone tell me more about this city?! That would be fantastic!

  Joyce 19 Jun 2008, 05:53 - Report

• we far but so near if near as so far too

  Hi all i'm vannak i live in cambodia,it my interested of korea so i want to have korean friend too.onoe other i want to find very far girlfriend as korean girl.
  if someone like to me please by
  +855 16 400 446
  Email. [email removed]

  whitetiger-e 20 Jun 2008, 08:57 - Report

• Pyeongtaek City

  Joyce,
  
  I have American friends that live in Pyeongtaek. I am sure they could help you. If you would like to receive some information on that area, please email me and I can give you their email address. My email address: [email removed]. My name is Nate.

  Nate 23 Jun 2008, 01:33 - Report

• Hey, I will be your Korean friend in Seoul.

  Hi, This is Oliver. I'm male and Korean.
  
  I want to foreign friends interseted in making local friends in Korea but I can't find them.
  
  If you are in the same position with the first original author of this post, plz email me.
  ([email removed])
  
  We will share our cultural things each other in Seoul. Thank you very much.
  
  Best regards / Oliver ([email removed])

  Oliver 30 Jun 2008, 05:58 - Report

• People to hang out with in Seoul

  Hi! I am coming for a short vacation visit to Seoul on the 16th of September. I am doing some research now and was wondering whether there people I can hang out with while I am there. I am a guy by the way, 32 years and currently working in Singapore. You can mail me directly at [email removed], if you would like to hang out for drinks or go around town. Never been there before, so would like to meet a group of fun loving people that I can hang out with. Cheers!

  Navin 01 Jul 2008, 10:34 - Report

• hi.

  I'm looking for friend.
  I'm 21 years old,female.
  I'm korean. I wanna come to know you more and make friendship with you.
  If you like too, email me here: ciro624ori @hotmail.com

  kimberly jones 01 Jul 2008, 02:57 - Report

• Hi guys here is the news, visit our forum where you find Korean Friends

  Know how to entertain yourself through our site where you can:
   Find Language Exchange Partners
   Meet Foreigners or Koreans and find people who have the same hobby as you and have fun.
   Take part in a new events where you can socialize with Foreigners
   Share your opinions with Foreigners and Koreans on a different topics
  PS: Enjoy your ice cream while it is on your plate!!!
  Visit our forum!!! Please click on http://www.worknplay.co.kr/forums/main.php and go to the Networking Abroad section.
  For upcoming events click on http://www.worknplay.co.kr/entertainment/main.php

  Qobiljon 03 Jul 2008, 09:23 - Report

• Friends

  Hi there, I'm 29 year old male from Malaysia. I would like to make some Korean friends to understand their culture and language more. Might be visiting korea end of this year, would be great if i get a local to show me around. I'm easy going and mischievious @ times. Feel free to drop me a note at [email removed] anytime.

  Paul Teoh 03 Jul 2008, 09:48 - Report

• If you want to make friends naturally Here we go!!!

  http://www.worknplay.co.kr/forums/main.php and go to the Networking Abroad section.

  Bob 04 Jul 2008, 01:28 - Report

• making friends in korea

  i am joshua s wah from Liberia,30 a male want to make friends in south korea.
  this is my email [email removed]

  joshua s,wah 11 Jul 2008, 11:28 - Report

• i will be in Seoul

  I will arrive in Seoul the 14th of August. I'm a 29 year old American male who will be attending Korea University for a year.
  
  I'd be interested in meeting some cool people to show me around Seoul.
  
  I like music, art, coffee, and adventure.
  
  If you want to show me some nice places and things in Seoul email me
  
  [email removed]

  josh 22 Jul 2008, 03:51 - Report