Summer in Korea can be brutal, which is why breaking the ice is a great way to lighten the mood when meeting someone new. But breaking the ice doesn't have to involve cheesy jokes or awkward small talk. You can also break the ice by asking great questions that lead to great conversations.
Just make sure to avoid questions about sex, religion, and politics. Instead, ask your language partner about their experiences living in Korea and their home country. For instance, many native English speakers in Korea struggle with navigating the healthcare system, finding good food and shopping spots, and dealing with challenging working conditions. Anticipate these issues and offer to lend a helping hand.
To get the conversation going, try these 10 questions that will improve your chances of forming lasting friendships:
What did you do in your country?
What did you study? What's your passion? What motivates you?
Why did you move to Korea?
What do you like and dislike about Korea?
Do you have any siblings? How did your family react when you said you were moving to Korea?
Tell me about your parents and family.
What are your favorite travel destinations and where do you want to go next?
What do you know about Korea?
What are your plans for the next 5 years?
What are some things you miss about your home country?
Remember, these questions are all about finding common ground and sharing experiences. So, be ready to answer them yourself and be open to learning something new about your conversation partner. Who knows? You might just make a new friend and beat the heat at the same time!
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