A Brunch That Bridged Worlds

It's a feeling many of us who have moved to a new country know all too well: the challenge of making local friends. It can sometimes feel like there's an invisible wall, built from language barriers and cultural differences. On a sunny Saturday in October 2023, we decided to do something about that.

We gathered for our first "K-Friends Connect" brunch. The idea was simple: bring together international residents and local Koreans in a cozy cafe, share a meal, and see what happens. Over delicious food, something beautiful unfolded. We didn't just talk; we connected. Using a simple emotions table, we shared how we were feeling, opening the door to honest conversations about the stresses of life in a new place and the ways we cope.

What started as a room full of strangers quickly transformed. Laughter was shared, stories were exchanged, and by the end of the meal, new friendships had taken root. It was a powerful reminder that beneath our different backgrounds, we all share a desire for connection. This single brunch was so full of life and warmth that it became the seed for our "Friends Circles" program, a testament to what can happen when we simply make space for friendship to grow.