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When it comes to making friends with Koreans, understanding the culture and ways of connecting is key. Building relationships across cultures can be a wonderful experience that broadens horizons and creates mutual understanding. To make deep and lasting friendships that cross cultural boundaries, remember these important tips!
Stay open-minded to the new culture
Being open to new experiences and embracing the culture is important when making friends from a different background. Don’t be afraid. Bravely step out of your comfort zone to explore Korea, its traditions, food, and exciting places! Just being curious and interested in their culture can help you connect with Koreans.
Understand Korean ways
In Korea, casual small talk on the street and greetings with unfamiliar neighbors might not be common. Some Koreans can seem reserved or shy, especially when meeting new people. This isn’t because they’re unfriendly, but it’s part of the culture. Patience and a positive attitude can help you build meaningful friendships over time.
Show respect and politeness
Korean culture highly values politeness and respect, especially towards elders. Using polite language and gestures like bowing and saying “Annyeonghaseyo” (Hi) or “Gamsahamnida” (Thank you) can be seen as a respectful attitude toward Koreans. While non-Korean individuals are not expected to follow all formal manners, showing respect is greatly appreciated.
Language learning can open locals’ hearts
Trying to learn a bit of the local language can really impress Koreans and open doors to new experiences. Even knowing a few basic phrases can make a huge difference of the quality of your life in Korea as your genuine effort and interest is appreciated. You can join language exchange groups or activities to practice your language skills and make Korean friends who want to improve their English. They will gladly introduce you to the Korean language and culture. This reciprocal friendship can result in a mutually beneficial and positive dynamic.
Connect through shared interests
Overcoming language and cultural differences might seem challenging, but finding common hobbies or interests can bridge the gap. Whether it’s about travel, sports, food, music, or art, shared passions can help you build genuine relationships. Joining clubs or attending events related to your interests is a great way to meet like-minded Koreans.
How to meet new Korean friends
One of the quickest and most exciting ways to make local friends is attending offline events. Also, the digital age has opened numerous opportunities, offering a convenient approach. Mobile apps provide access to diverse groups. For instance, it’s easy to find various social circles through open chat groups in KakaoTalk. Also, the Meetup community app introduces a variety of interest-based gatherings and social events.
Festivals: Participating in music festivals, concerts, or other events not only allows you to enjoy your favorite activities, but also gives you a chance to meet new Korean friends.
Language exchange: Using language exchange apps like “HelloTalk” can be very helpful when learning Korean. You can also discover offline language exchange events through “Meetup.”
Travel: If you’re a travel enthusiast, staying at hostels offers an excellent opportunity to interact with fellow travelers. Also, “Couchsurfing,” an online community for backpackers, provides a platform to connect with locals who share a passion for travel.
Sports: Engaging in exercise programs or joining sports groups on base is another good option, as there are many Korean employees on the base. Also, attending off base sports classes and programs is a great way to connect with a variety of local individuals.
Mobile apps for making local friends
Hello Talk: Learn Languages
HelloTalk - Learn Languages - Apps on Google Play
HelloTalk - Language Learning on the App Store (apple.com)
Meetup: Social Events & Groups
Meetup: Social Events & Groups - Apps on Google Play
Meetup: Social Events & Groups on the App Store (apple.com)
Couchsurfing: Travel App
**Required a monthly subscription of $2.40
Couchsurfing Travel App - Apps on Google Play
Couchsurfing Travel App on the App Store (apple.com)
BEST THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR KOREAN BUDDIES!
When you're introduced to a new country and culture, the most lasting memories might not be from tourist attractions or local cuisine, but more often from the connections you make with the people around you. Local friends turn out to be your greatest teachers, offering insights not just into culture and language, but also how to fully explore your new home and make the best of your time there.
When you make Korean friends, you will encounter certain cultural differences. However, once you open your heart to embrace the new culture, your Korean pals will become an important part of your time in the country. Koreans are known for their warmth and affection towards friends, so take time to get to know and learn from your new friends.
Here are the top activities that will quickly transform your Korean acquaintances into cherished companions!
1. Have a feast at a Korean BBQ restaurant
Sharing delicious food together is a great ice breaker and bonding activity. Korean BBQ is a must-try cuisine that allows you to feast on a variety of meats and side dishes.
At a Korean BBQ restaurant, you get to grill the meat yourself using tongs and scissors on the grill at the center of the table. This BBQ style might seem like a challenging task for Americans who are unfamiliar with it, but your Korean friends will skillfully grill with expertise honed since they were young. They will also show you how to make dipping sauces and vegetable wraps to enjoy the most authentic Korean flavors!
But keep in mind that teamwork is important when you dine out at all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ restaurants. Try the free side dishes at the self-service stations at the restaurant. While your friend grills, grab some lettuce, kimchi and other sides for the table. You’ll be a Korean BBQ expert in no time!
Dipping sauces for BBQ
Ssamjang
Sesame oil with salt and black pepper
Onion with ponzu sauce
Green onion with a red chili pepper paste with vinegar
How to make lettuce wraps
Place a piece of lettuce in your palm.
Dip one or two pieces of meat into sesame oil and ssamjang, then place them on the lettuce.
Add additional fillings such as kimchi, onion, garlic, and rice, but be sure not to overfill, as the lettuce can tear.
Carefully fold the lettuce around the contents and craft a compact bundle resembling a small fist. Enjoy!
Recommended BBQ spots near Camp Humphreys:
Taste of Korea: Best all-you-can-eat restaurants near Humphreys for $20 or less!
2. Party at a singing room (Noraebang)
Koreans absolutely love hitting up a singing room (Noraebang) for some karaoke fun. It's a common scene in Korea to rent a private singing room where you can even order food and drinks to keep the party going strong.
No need to feel shy, even if you're not used to singing in front of others. Your Korean buddies will lead the way with unwavering excitement as singing rooms are popular no matter if you’re tone-deaf or a talented singer. Just watching your Korean friends fearlessly singing and dancing will get you into the groove of noraebang culture. Also, they can be your ultimate guides, teaching you tips such as how to use the remote control to pick your songs.
Jumping into Noraebang is a fantastic shortcut to bonding with your Korean crew without any language or cultural barriers!
Ultimate guide to Noraebang (Singing room):
Karaoke: Japanese import keeps the world singing, including Korea
3. Raise a toast with So-meak cocktail
If you have Korean friends, your experience of fun wouldn't be complete without exploring the local nightlife. They will introduce you to the greatest pairings of Korean alcoholic beverages and cuisine, such as beer with crispy fried chicken or makgeolli (traditional rice wine) along with a Korean pancake.
So-maek is a must-try cocktail unique to Korea that you have to try. The name so-maek is a portmanteau of “soju” and “maekju” to represent the blending of soju liquor and maekju beer. Unlike pre-mixed cocktails, so-maek is an artful concoction that your Korean friends will proficiently create. This mixed alcoholic beverage has a special spot in the drinking culture, and you’ll see that many Koreans enjoy this during drinking games.
The drink is a little strong, so do proceed with caution and drink responsibly. The bottom line is that so-maek is an interesting concoction to pair with Korean dishes and great company!
4. Chill out on the Han River with a Korean-style picnic
The Han River unquestionably stands out among the great picnic destinations in Korea. Thanks to the businesses and convenient amenities centered around the picnic culture near Han River Park, you can fully enjoy a splendid picnic experience without any prior preparations!
Go on a picnic adventure with your Korean friends and learn the best way to enjoy the beautiful scenery with a great meal. From finding the ideal picnic spot to renting a picnic mat and ordering delivery food, your friends have you covered.
Simply grab a bunch of your favorite snacks and beverages from the nearby stores, settle down in a nice spot with a breathtaking view of the Han River and soak up the Seoul city's vibes. Sharing this chill time with your Korean crew is another way to create everlasting memories.
How to enjoy a Korean style picnic
1. Rent a picnic mat near exit 2 of Yeoinaru Station.
2. Find a good picnic spot and set up the picnic mat.
3. Head to a convenience store to buy snacks, drinks, ice cups, ramen, wet wipes and more.
4. Order and pick up delivery food at the Delivery Zone (bring cash in case a foreign card won’t work)
5. Enjoy food and drink and chill at the Han River Park!
Yeouido Hangang Park
Address: Line5. Yeoinaru Station, Exit 2, Naver
Delivery Zone
Address: Yeoui-dong-ro 343, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Naver
FREEZE THE MOMENT AT KOREAN PHOTO BOOTHS
As you stroll around busy streets in Korea, you’ll find many photo booth options. There are numerous special photo booth shops where friends, couples or families can take instant snapshots together. Young people, parents and kids love this light-hearted activity because each booth shop has different themes and props like bunny ears and glasses to take photos with. It is also a great way to capture the moment with an instant, professional-quality photo.
For Koreans, these photos signify more than a fun time. Koreans often keep these snapshots in their wallets or display them at home or in their offices.
While enjoying time with your buddies downtown, stop by at a photo booth and give it a try! Don’t forget to plan a fun and creative pose before capturing the moment. The photos make great souvenirs and a nice addition to your scrapbooks for lasting memories!
Things to know for successful photographs
It usually costs 4,000-5,000 won to print out 2 sets of 4 frame photos. The cost can vary depending on number of photos printed.
Photo booths are usually operated unmanned and available 24 hours a day.
Choose a shop that provides a QR code for a photo and video with a printed photo. You can even have these media files on your mobile phone at no additional charge.
Most shops offer use of various props such as oversized glasses, playful hats and bunny ears. Take your time to browse the props and pick several that you’d like to try.
Before inserting money into the machine, make sure to plan the poses in advance and practice them.
Insert money or credit card in a photo machine, and select a background, frame and other options to decorate the photos.
The default setting only provides two sets of photos. Be sure to select the appropriate quantity based on the number of friends with you.
Once you’re done with selecting, the machine will instantly begin taking photos.
Photo Signature
This shop has its branches all over Korea and makes it easy for first-time visitors with English instructions and guidelines. It features a lovely interior with large mirrors for hairstyling and posing practice. With a variety of prop options, visitors can capture playful and adorable photos, as well as romantic ones. Also, you can save the resulting photo and a snap video to your phone with the provided QR code.
Pyeongtaek Station branch
Address: Jayu-ro 6, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, Naver map
Hongdae branch
Address: 20 Hongik-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Naver map
SPEAKIN' KOREAN: TALK TO KOREAN FRIENDS
Here are helpful Korean phrases to know for effective communication when interacting with your Korean friends! These are semi-formal phrases which are more likely used between friends.
WORDS
Friend: Chingu (친구)
American: Miguk-saram (미국사람) / Miguk-in (미국인)
English (Language): Yeong-eo (영어)
Korean: Hanguk-saram (한국사람) / Hanguk-in (한국인)
Korean (Language): Hanguk-eo (한국어)
GREETINGS
Hi: Annyeonghaseyo (안녕하세요)
Nice to meet you: Mannaseo bangawoyo (만나서 반가워요)
How have you been?: Jal jinaesseoyo? (잘 지냈어요?)
See you next time: Daeume bwayo (다음에 봐요)
Take care: Jal ga (잘 가)
EXPRESSION
Thank you: Gomawoyo (고마워요)
Sorry: Mianhaeyo (미안해요)
Yes: Neh (네)
No: Aniyo (아니요)
I like it: Joayo (좋아요)
Really?: Jinjjayo? (진짜요?)
QUESTIONS
What’s your name?: Ireumi mwoyeyo? (이름이 뭐예요?)
What’s your KakaoTalk id?: KakaoTalk id-ga mwoyeyo? (카카오톡 아이디가 뭐예요?)
What do you like to do?: Mwo ha-neun-geo joahaeyo? (뭐 하는거 좋아해요?)
Would you like to eat something together?: Gachi mwo meo-geul kkayo? (같이 뭐 먹을까요?)
What are you up to?: Mwo haeyo? (뭐 해요?)
CONVERSATION
I’m American: Jeoneun miguk-in ieyo (저는 미국인이에요)
I’m not good at Korean: Hanguk-eo jal mot-haeyo (한국어 잘 못해요)
I want to learn Korean: Hanguk-eo bae-u-go sipeoyo (한국어 배우고 싶어요)
Let’s hang out!: Gachi nolja! (같이 놀자)– informal
Let’s eat chicken: Chicken meokja (치킨 먹자) – informal
Let’s go watch a movie: Yeonghwa-boreo gaja (영화보러 가자) – informal
