Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Avalanche32]

Hi. I just arrived in Seoul and was wondering where the best places are to meet other Americans (or any other foreigners). I live next to the Suraksan Station and while I have met a few people, I'm hoping to meet a bunch of people so I don't spend my evenings or weekends sitting in my little apartment. Anybody have any suggestions or websites to help me meet new people here?

[EstlHope]

Hey! I live near Suraksan too. About a four minute walk from exit 6, actually. I've not been in Seoul too long myself. We should have coffee or pizza or something sometime!

My email is [email protected]. Feel free to drop me a line!

[Trip]

To meet professional foreigners and Koreans who speak English, come visit a Toastmasters club.

http://reports.toastmasters.org/findaclub/searchresults.cfm?Country=Korea%20%28Republic%20of%29&State=&City=Seoul

[jinks]

or join kOTESOL, check out www.kotesol.org to find out about Seoul Chapter meetings

[sojusucks]

You want to meet foreigners in Seoul? My advice? Take the subway to Itaewon station and walk out any of the exits. Just go to any of the coffee shops (Starbucks, Nestle, or whatever) or any of the western bars (Nashville, or whatever), or even in one of the bigger restaurants like Foreign Restaurant, Taco Bell, or whatever; just order something and be an extrovert.

Talk to those around you and let them know you are new to Korea. Most westerners here have been in the same situation and will be helpful to you. I know that if someone told me that they have just arrived in Korea and don't know anyone I would at least give them some advice and be nice to them. We ALL know it can be tough to meet people here. Just be as honest as possible and talk to others. Most other westerners will be at least helpful and some may be in the same situation as you. Take a chance and you might meet some good friends.

My other advice is to look for groups on Facebook. There are many by region (where you live) or by interest (vegans, sports, whatever).

[djz]

Head to Metropolis in Nowon. It's the foreigner bar and a good place to meet people. Just one stop on the 7 line for you...Tuesday is wings night and there's always people there to play darts and stuff.

[offtokorea]

I had a fabulous day with a woman from Philadelphia I met on the subway going to one of the palaces. Just smile and look friendly on the subway or on the street. I've met nice people (ok, one creeper) that way.

If you're religious at all, going to English-language church service is a nice way to meet people that doesn't involve getting horribly drunk (I'm not a bar fan, unfortunately). I actually went twice last Sunday, two different churches, and I rarely go to church in the US. Fun people! I met some really nice people from the Jubilee church in Seoul on the subway, but I haven't been to that one.

And there's a Seoul hiking group on FB somewhere. Don't have the link. FB in general. I've met several great people on there, on various Korea pages.

And the bars, of course. I can't say I haven't met nice people through them. I found the second church I went to last Sunday through them.

Be proactive. Don't stay home all day and mope! That's what I do in the US (I'm shy), but you have to overcome your anxieties if you hope to meet people in a foreign country.

[War Eagle]

meetup.com or adventurekorea.com trips

You'll get to do some fun things in Korea as well as meet other foreigners looking for new friends.