Community in Korea Archives

Making Friends in Korea: How to Build Your Community

Moving to Korea can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. Learn how language exchanges help you make friends in Korea, build community, and feel at home.

KimchiRednecks August 4, 2026

KimchiRednecks

About Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks)

Chuck and Melissa, better known as the KimchiRednecks, have been living in South Korea since 2017 and documenting their adventures since launching their original YouTube channel, KimchiRednecks, in 2018. What began as a way to share life abroad with friends and family has grown into a vibrant platform celebrating Korean culture, food, travel, dramas, music, and everyday life. From restaurant reviews and recipe experiments to gaming, technology, car projects, and local events, their content offers an authentic and entertaining look at expat life in Korea while encouraging others to explore beyond the typical tourist destinations.

Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With more than two decades of experience in information technology, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a lifelong fascination with Korea, having visited numerous times before making it home. He is the tech-minded half of KimchiRednecks and enjoys exploring new technology, gaming, cars, and creative projects both on and off camera.

Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. Throughout her career, she has worked in customer service, education, marketing, and digital communications. For many years, she has volunteered with South of Seoul, where she currently serves as the Online Content Manager for the organization’s online communities. She writes original blog content, creates resources that help residents navigate life in Korea, and works to build connections throughout the local community. Melissa has also organized and led multiple English language exchanges over the years, creating welcoming spaces where Koreans and international residents can learn from one another and build lasting friendships.

Alongside her work with South of Seoul, Melissa previously served as Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine, where she helped tell the stories of military-connected and expatriate communities throughout Korea. Her love for Korean culture, K-dramas, food, and BTS naturally influences the stories she tells and the experiences she shares. Whether through writing, community outreach, or digital content, Melissa is passionate about helping others discover the people, places, and experiences that make Korea feel like home.

Together, Chuck and Melissa share their lives with their five beloved Shih Tzu daughters, each of whom has played an important role in the KimchiRednecks story. Sookie, Mayhem, and Minion made the journey from the United States to Korea with them in 2017 and quickly became beloved fixtures in their videos and adventures. Although Sookie and Mayhem crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2025, they remain forever at the heart of the KimchiRednecks family and continue to be remembered with deep love. Today, Minion carries on those adventures alongside her younger sisters, Cleo and Mischief, both adopted in Korea, each with their own special story documented on the KimchiRednecks channel. Together, all five girls remain an essential part of the family’s story, past, present, and future.

Whether they are discovering hidden cafés, exploring Korea’s rich culture and history, creating content for KimchiRednecks, experimenting with homemade whiskey and brandy on Shining with KimchiRednecks, or sharing gaming adventures on KimchiRednecks Gaming, Chuck and Melissa are passionate about inspiring others to experience Korea beyond the typical tourist path. Through food, travel, culture, community, and everyday adventures, they invite others to discover the people, places, and experiences that have made Korea their home away from home.

Follow Chuck, Melissa & the KimchiRednecks Adventures:

YouTube: @kimchirednecks

YouTube: @shiningwithkimchirednecks

YouTube: @kimchirednecksgaming

Instagram: kimchirednecks

Facebook: KimchiRednecks