Why seeing people again matters to me at Fake Buddies

I tried meetups in Seoul, but often never saw the people again. That experience shaped what I wanted from Fake Buddies.

Oct 05, 2026

When I tried meetups in Seoul, I could have a good conversation and still never see that person again.

We’d say we should meet again. Often, it stopped there. That’s one of the experiences I carried into starting Fake Buddies.

I’d come to Seoul from Busan and spent years working in kitchens. Six days a week, 12 to 17 hours a day, didn’t leave much space to make friends. After I left that job, the pandemic made meeting people difficult in a different way.

So when I could finally attend meetups, I wanted friendship. At some of them, language practice or partying seemed to be the main reason people were there. I can understand that. It just wasn’t always what I was looking for.

## The second meeting is what I think about

For me, the question became: will we have a reason to see each other again?

I don’t think a single event can promise anyone a friend. But I wanted Fake Buddies to be a community where getting to know people could continue beyond one introduction. That’s an intention I care about, rather than an outcome I can guarantee for every person.

If you’re choosing an event, I’d start with something you actually want to do. It gives you something to talk about while you’re getting comfortable. And if you enjoy talking to someone, you can suggest a next plan without making it a big occasion.

Fake Buddies brings locals and internationals together in Seoul. If that sounds like something you’d like to try, take a look at what’s coming up. Check the listing for the date, meeting point, price and sign-up details before you make plans.

Current events: https://fakebuddies.com/