3 Ways That South Koreans And Foreigners Can Play Friendly

Koreans are crazy about English language education, and they idolize North American & European culture. However, when it comes to foreigners and Koreans getting along, there's still a bit of a disconnect. So, I thought I'd offer up a few suggestions on how we can all put our differences aside and play nice. 화이팅! (Fighting!)

1. Have confidence in your ability to communicate

sab / Via pinterest.com

Worry less about pronunciation and just dive in and strike up a conversation with someone. Better yet, practice speaking English (and foreigners can practice their Korean) with other native speakers. You may get strange looks from traditionalists, and people might gossip and say 'why don't they just speak in their mother tongue?' but you didn't pay out the rear for language education to just let it go to waste!

2. Visit English-speaking cafes and socalize!

K-pop to K-talk / Via kpoptoktalk.com

In Seoul, there is a new trend of meetup-style cafes that focus on bringing people together. One of my personal favourites is the 'You Are Here' Cafe in Hongdae. Simon and Martina (of Eat Your Kimchi fame), along with Hyunwoo (of Talk To Me In Korean fame) opened this cafe together and it aims to be a comfortable space for anyone and everyone to come and just be themselves. They even have a 'Speaker's Corner' booth where you can rant, chat and just let the creative juices flow. Check this place out - it's a rad spot. The food and drinks are killer, too!

Where is it? 마포구 동교동 204-53 (Mapo-Gu, Dongyo-dong, 204-53)

3. Stop staring and start smiling!

Seoulbeats / Via seoulbeats.com

This has to be the biggest problem in South Korea - awkward gawking and staring. Koreans are quite guilty of this, and even though there are a lot of foreigners in Korea now, a lot of people still stare blankly at foreigners without realizing how uncomfortable it makes them feel. Instead, smile and make them feel welcome. Foreigners should do the same by bowing when greeting or saying goodbye to people. We have to make just as much effort to follow cultural standards here, just as they should do when they travel abroad. A little bit of respect for a language and culture goes a long way!

If all else fails, you could go to a K-pop concert and scream alongside with the crowds of Korean teenagers. In all honesty, that may be the best way to start an everlasting friendship.

Korea.net - 'Korea Goes Multicultural' / Via korea.net

Do you have any ideas? How can foreigners and Koreans play friendly with one another? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!

(This post was inspired by a recent article by 'The Diplomat' that stated that Korea has an immigrant problem. I agree to an extend, but instead of looking at that article in a negative light, I thought it would be better to focus on how foreigners and Koreans can live in peace together in this beautiful country!)