Create meetup in Seoulchevron_right
Select a place on the map to change the location.
I want to meet
Verified required?
wants to a walk at fmd_goodThe Spot
wants to drink coffee at fmd_goodRoastery No. 7
wants to sport at fmd_goodLocal House
explore Seoul Guides
bar_chart Trends in Seoul
Will be Visiting Next year, best way to meet people in advance to hang out with?
Facebook groups like "Seoul Foreigners" or "Seoul Social Meetups" are still active and a solid bet for finding people your age. Since your friend has Army experience, he might know some spots in Itaewon or near Yongsan Garrison, but for meeting locals in their 30s, head to places like Yeonnam-dong or Mangwon-dong -- there are plenty of casual bars and cafes where English-speaking Koreans hang out.
For the high-speed rail, book a KTX ticket to Busan or Gyeongju in advance on the Korail website; it's about two and a half hours from Seoul Station and a great day trip. If you're picking up Korean, apps like Papago are better than Google Translate for real-time conversations, and knowing just "annyeonghaseyo" and "kamsahamnida" will get you a long way in server-restaurant settings.
the "seoul buddy" program through the city's tourism site pairs visitors with local volunteers who speak english. it's free and low key, you just fill out a form a few weeks before you go. way better than random facebook groups imo because you know the person actually wants to show you around
for the rail, take the ktx to gyeongju instead of busan. it's only 2 hours and the station is small and easy to navigate. the ancient tombs and temple are right near the station too, you can walk to most stuff. also the korail app lets you buy tickets in english but you need a credit card that works overseas, some us cards get declined so have a backup
Since your friend did a tour here, he might already know about the language exchange bars in Hongdae or Itaewon. Places like Thursday Party or Dolce Vita usually have a mix of locals and foreigners on weekday evenings, and people are pretty open to chatting. If you want something more structured, check out the Seoul Global Center's cultural programs they run free tours and classes that are great for meeting other travelers. For the high speed rail, KTX from Seoul Station to Busan is about two and a half hours and costs around 60,000 won one way definitely worth it for the experience.
Best Food in Seoul (2026)
Begin your food journey at Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul's oldest traditional markets. Try the iconic bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) at Suni's Bindaetteok for 4,000 won, or the… 🍜 Where to Start
Begin your food journey at Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul's oldest traditional markets. Try the iconic bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) at Suni's Bindaetteok for 4,000 won, or the spicy tteokbokki at the central food alley. The market is open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM and is a 5-minute walk from Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1).
🥩 Must-Try Korean BBQ
For an unforgettable Korean BBQ experience, head to Mapo-gu's famous Meat Alley near Mapo Station. Visit Wangbijib Myeongdong (32-3 Myeongdong 2-gil) for premium hanwoo beef, with set meals starting at 40,000 won per person. They are open from 11:30 AM to 10 PM, and reservations are recommended for dinner.
🍲 Soul-Warming Soups
When the weather turns chilly, warm up with a bowl of samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) at Tosokchon Samgyetang in Jongno-gu (5 Jahamun-ro 5-gil). Their signature dish costs 19,000 won and comes with a whole young chicken stuffed with rice and ginseng. Arrive before noon to avoid the long lines, as they open at 10 AM and close at 10 PM.
🌮 Street Food Hotspots
Myeongdong's street food stalls are a paradise for snack lovers, especially from late afternoon to evening. Try the cheese-filled hotteok (sweet pancake) at the main pedestrian street for 3,000 won, or the grilled skewers at the Myeongdong Kyoja corner. Most stalls operate from 11 AM to 10 PM, and prices range from 2,000 to 5,000 won per item.
🍜 Noodle Heaven
For a bowl of handmade kalguksu (knife-cut noodles), visit Myeongdong Kyoja (29 Myeongdong 10-gil), a legendary spot since 1966. Their kalguksu costs 9,000 won and comes in a rich chicken broth with dumplings. They are open from 10:30 AM to 9 PM, and expect a short wait during peak hours.
🍚 Bibimbap and Beyond
Experience a traditional dolsot bibimbap at Gogung in Insadong (30-1 Insadong-gil), where the hot stone bowl creates a crispy rice crust. The Jeonju-style bibimbap is 12,000 won, and the restaurant is open from 11 AM to 9 PM. Pair it with a bowl of their homemade doenjang jjigae for an extra 5,000 won.
🍰 Sweet Treats
Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to Cafe Onion in Seongsu-dong (8 Achasan-ro 15-gil), known for its trendy industrial vibe and pastries. Their signature pandoro (Italian sweet bread) costs 6,000 won, and the cafe opens at 8 AM. For a traditional dessert, try hotteok at the Seoul Folk Flea Market near Sinseol-dong Station.
🍺 Night Market Eats
After dark, head to the Bamdokkaebi Night Market at Banpo Hangang Park (open Fridays and Saturdays from 6 PM to 11 PM). Sample fusion dishes like kimchi fried rice balls (5,000 won) or grilled cheese skewers (4,000 won) from the food trucks. Take the subway to Express Bus Terminal Station (Lines 3, 7, 9) and walk 10 minutes to the park.
honestly the guide nailed most of it but i gotta shout out the ssamgyeopsal at samwon garden in apgujeong. it's pricier than mapo alley but the pork belly is thick cut and they grill it over charcoal which makes a huge difference. also if you're at gwangjang market don't skip the mayak gimbap, it's those tiny seaweed rolls with carrot and spinach, three bucks for a tray and they're dangerously addictive
one thing the guide missed is sundae (korean blood sausage) at the gwangjang market stall near the main entrance. it's like 3,000 won and they serve it with salt and peppers, really underrated street food. also for the bamdokkaebi night market try to go on a friday when there's more food trucks, saturdays get packed with families and the lines get ridiculous