If you want to make friends in Korea, start with a language exchange app or a group built around a shared interest. You do not need fluent Korean to begin: showing interest in each other’s language and hobbies can help keep a conversation going.
Choose an app with a clear purpose
- HelloTalk and Tandem focus on language exchange. Write a short profile describing your Korean level, interests and what you want to practise.
- Tandem explicitly states that it is not a dating app. Respect other members’ learning goals and boundaries.
- A profile or match does not verify someone’s identity. Be careful with personal information and arrange a first meeting in a public place.
Meet through a shared activity
Look for campus international exchange, culture, sports or volunteering clubs, or a reading or running group. Check your university’s international office or Study in Korea for current exchange opportunities. Recruitment periods and eligibility vary by institution.
Start a conversation without pressure
Use polite Korean with someone you have just met. Hobbies, favourite dramas and food can be useful opening topics; avoid intrusive questions about politics, religion or income. Translation apps and simple phrases can support a conversation. If a custom is unfamiliar, ask about it openly. Language progress and friendships develop at different speeds for different people.
Summary from the WeBring blog