How to Meet Locals & Make Friends in Seoul, Korea, South

Seoul, Korea, South, Seoul, Local Insights & Practical Info, How to Meet Locals & Make Friends

How to Meet Locals & Make Friends in Seoul, Korea, South

Language Exchange Meetups

1. Language Exchange Meetups

These gatherings offer a great way to practice a new language while meeting locals eager to improve their English. The main challenge this solves is the language barrier, allowing travellers to communicate more effectively. By engaging in these events, you'll not only learn but make genuine connections.
  • Regularity: Many meetups occur weekly, ensuring you can attend at your convenience.
  • Diversity: Attendees come from various backgrounds, offering a rich cultural exchange.
  • Casual Setting: The relaxed environment helps reduce social anxiety.
  • Cost-Effective: Most meetups are free or require a small fee.
  • Central Locations: Often hosted in popular cafes or community centers, easy to reach.
Han River Picnic

2. Han River Picnic

Join locals for a picnic along the Han River, a popular activity that brings people together for socializing and relaxation. This helps overcome initial awkwardness since you can bond over shared food and the beautiful scenery.
  • Weather-Dependent: Best enjoyed during Spring and Fall when the weather is pleasant.
  • Group Activities: Many locals participate in games or sports, easy to join.
  • Shared Experiences: Sharing food aids in forming connections.
  • Accessibility: Located near subway stations and bus stops.
  • Cultural Experience: Get a taste of local customs and picnic styles.
Temple Stay Programs

3. Temple Stay Programs

Engage with locals through a cultural and spiritual experience at a Korean temple. It provides a peaceful setting to connect with others while learning about Korean Buddhism.
  • Cultural Immersion: Deep dive into local beliefs and practices.
  • Extended Interaction: Multi-day programs offer more time to get to know others.
  • Structured Activities: Bond over meditation and shared meals.
  • Language Support: Many temples offer English programs.
  • Unique Setting: Experience a different side of Seoul away from city hustle.
K-Pop Dance Classes

4. K-Pop Dance Classes

Attend a Korean pop dance class, which is a fun way to meet people who share a similar interest. The main challenge it addresses is finding a niche community where you can connect over a shared passion.
  • Energetic Atmosphere: High-energy environment fosters camaraderie.
  • Beginner Friendly: Suitable for all skill levels.
  • Popular Culture Connection: Bond over a mutual love for K-pop.
  • Central Venues: Often held in popular districts like Gangnam.
  • Regular Sessions: Consistent classes allow for repeated interaction.
Seoul Hiking Group

5. Seoul Hiking Group

Join a hiking group to explore the beautiful mountains surrounding Seoul, such as Bukhansan. It's perfect for nature lovers looking to break the ice while enjoying outdoor activities.
  • Health Benefits: Promotes physical fitness alongside socializing.
  • Adventurous Spirit: Ideal for those who enjoy the great outdoors.
  • Shared Accomplishments: Reaching summits together strengthens friendships.
  • Varied Difficulty Levels: Suitable for all fitness levels.
  • Photogenic Views: Share memorable moments through photography.
Traditional Market Tours

6. Traditional Market Tours

Explore bustling markets like Gwangjang or Namdaemun with guided tours that focus on native foods and crafts. This helps bridge cultural gaps through a shared understanding of Korean daily life and cuisine.
  • Guided Insight: Tours often led by English-speaking locals.
  • Interactive Experience: Involvement in activities like food tasting.
  • Cultural Learning: Understand traditional and contemporary Korean society.
  • Support Local Economy: Encourage sustaining small businesses.
  • Easy Access: Centrally located within the city.
Cooking Classes at O'ngo

7. Cooking Classes at O'ngo

Participate in a cooking class to learn how to make authentic Korean dishes. This activity helps you bond over a shared love for food and learn something new alongside locals.
  • Hands-On Learning: Engaging cooking experience.
  • Cultural Cuisine: Dive into Korean culinary traditions.
  • Small Class Sizes: More personal interaction with others.
  • Takeaway Skills: Gain recipes to share with friends.
  • Central Location: Located conveniently in Seoul.
Board Game Cafes

8. Board Game Cafes

Visit cafes like Dice Latte where locals and travellers gather to play board games. This breaks the ice effortlessly, as games create a natural environment for dialogue and teamwork.
  • Multiple Choices: Wide variety of games to suit all tastes.
  • Casual Settings: Relaxed environment for easy friendships.
  • Open Late: Most cafes have extended hours, fitting tight schedules.
  • Affordable Fun: Usually low cost for extended playtime.
  • Social Vibe: Encourages interaction among strangers.
Volunteer at a Local Charity

9. Volunteer at a Local Charity

Engage in volunteer work with organizations like Seoul Global Center, which hosts community support programs. This fosters a spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding while giving back to the community.
  • Meaningful Work: Contribute to meaningful causes while meeting others.
  • Variety of Options: Opportunities across education, environment, and more.
  • Community Engagement: Helps integrate into local society.
  • Language Practice: Opportunities to improve language skills in real contexts.
  • Flexible Commitment: Options for short-term and long-term volunteering.
Join a Book Club at ‘What The Book’

10. Join a Book Club at ‘What The Book’

Participate in book discussions with locals at this well-known English bookstore. It's a great way to engage intellectually while fostering deeper conversations and connections.
  • Language Support: English-focused, ideal for non-Korean speakers.
  • Intellectual Interaction: Stimulating discussions on diverse topics.
  • Regular Meetings: Consistent schedule to deepen connections.
  • Central Hub: Located in the vibrant district of Itaewon.
  • Wide Selection: Access to a variety of international books.
Attend a Korean Cooking Class at Itaewon

11. Attend a Korean Cooking Class at Itaewon

Get hands-on with Korean cooking classes at SoBaekSan in Itaewon. It allows you to learn Korean cuisine basics while connecting with fellow food enthusiasts.
  • Interactive Learning: Promotes engagement through practical experience.
  • Cultural Insight: Delve into Korean customs and food rituals.
  • Friendly Instructors: Engaging and supportive teachers.
  • Recipe Sharing: Opportunity to exchange culinary ideas.
  • Convenient Location: Situated in a well-known international district.
Participate in Art Classes at Jankura Artspace

12. Participate in Art Classes at Jankura Artspace

Engage with locals through creative expression in art workshops. This opportunity reveals different cultural perspectives through art and is perfect for visually inclined individuals.
  • Creative Outlet: Encourages self-expression and creativity.
  • Cultural Art Focus: Explore traditional and contemporary Korean art styles.
  • All Skill Levels: Suitable for beginners and experienced artists.
  • Small Groups: Facilitates close-knit connections.
  • Talented Instructors: Learn techniques from local artists.
Explore Hangul Calligraphy Class

13. Explore Hangul Calligraphy Class

Learn the traditional Korean script through calligraphy workshops. This unique activity offers a quiet setting to meet locals interested in cultural arts.
  • Cultural Appreciation: Gain insight into Korea’s historical writing system.
  • Mindfulness Practice: Offers calm and focus during social interactions.
  • Small Group Sizes: Personalized attention and interaction.
  • Artistic Experience: Highlights the beauty of traditional Korean art.
  • Available in Major Districts: Accessible classes across Seoul.
Joining a Korean Drumming Class

14. Joining a Korean Drumming Class

Experience the vibrant energy of samulnori or traditional Korean percussion. This lively activity is ideal for music lovers looking to meet people through rhythm and music.
  • Energetic Environment: High-energy and full of excitement.
  • Cultural Sound: Learn to play traditional instruments like janggu.
  • Interactive Learning: Cooperative music-making.
  • Cultural History: Deep dive into Korean music traditions.
  • Typically Available on Weekends: Appeals to weekend schedules.
Attend Meetups for Pet Lovers

15. Attend Meetups for Pet Lovers

Join gatherings organized through platforms like Meetup for pet enthusiasts around Seoul. This allows animal lovers to connect over a common interest in furry friends.
  • Shared Interests: Easy conversation starter with fellow pet lovers.
  • Outdoor Venues: Often held in parks or pet-friendly spaces.
  • Casual and Relaxed: Low-pressure social setting.
  • Possibility to Bring Pets: Pets are usually welcome, enhancing comfort.
  • Lifelong Connections: Bond over shared love for animals.
Seoul Startup Community Events

16. Seoul Startup Community Events

Participate in events hosted by Seoul’s thriving startup scene, particularly in areas like Gangnam. This solves the challenge of meeting ambitious, like-minded people keen on innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • Networking Opportunities: Meet professionals across diverse industries.
  • Culturally Diverse: Attracts both locals and internationals.
  • Inspiration and Ideas: Exchange innovative ideas.
  • Regular Meetups: Frequent events due to booming startup scene.
  • Educational Content: Often include seminars or workshops.
Join a Local Sports Team

17. Join a Local Sports Team

Get involved in sports leagues, such as soccer or basketball, which are popular among locals. This provides an excellent avenue to meet and bond over shared goals and healthy competition.
  • Active Lifestyle: Promotes fitness and health while socializing.
  • Team Spirit: Encourages cooperation and team-building.
  • Routine Practice: Consistent meetings through regular games.
  • Language Practice: Opportunity for casual language practice.
  • Cultural Exchange: Experience sports culture in Seoul.
Live Music Venues in Hongdae

18. Live Music Venues in Hongdae

Visit live music bars and clubs in Hongdae to enjoy performances by local bands. Ideal for music fans who want to meet others in a lively and creative setting.
  • Vibrant Nightlife: Experience Seoul's energetic music scene.
  • Casual Networking: Meet fellow music enthusiasts.
  • Emerging Talent: Witness up-and-coming artists.
  • Laid-back Environment: Informal vibe facilitates conversations.
  • Frequent Events: Regular gigs ensure constant social opportunities.
Take a Yoga Class at Anahata Yoga

19. Take a Yoga Class at Anahata Yoga

Engage in yoga classes that bring together locals focused on health and mindfulness. This helps build connections through shared wellness practices and meditative environments.
  • Relaxing Atmosphere: Calming environment for easy interaction.
  • Health Focus: Connect on shared interests in yoga and fitness.
  • Diverse Classes: Offers various styles for different preferences.
  • Community Building: Regular classes encourage repeat interactions.
  • Conveniently Located: Based in popular districts.
Cultural Festivals and Events

20. Cultural Festivals and Events

Attend festivals like the Seoul Lantern Festival or local cultural events. Festivals provide vibrant settings to connect while celebrating traditions together.
  • Seasonal Activities: Varying events depending on time of year.
  • Cultural Immersion: Experience and enjoy Korean culture firsthand.
  • Public Celebrations: Open to everyone, encouraging broad interaction.
  • Visual and Sensory Experience: Captivating sights and sounds enhance enjoyment.
  • Engaging Atmosphere: Participation in festive settings encourages interaction.