Be your best self in Korea, with Kerstin
Sometimes, you need to leave home to accomplish your dream. Kerstin’s was to visit Korea . She went for a month, and now, she wants to make all her other dreams happen there.
Kerstin is very tall and her eyes are very blue. It’s the first thing you notice about her. The second is how soft-spoken she is, a bit shy and careful with her words. It’s surprising that someone so striking could be so self-conscious but it’s part of her allure.
Kerstin says she’s half-extrovert, half-introvert, equally happy to mingle in a crowd and to recharge alone with a book. Talk to her about K-pop and Korean food and she won’t stop smiling. She also loves to take pictures and is an amazing model in front of the camera, (check her Instagram account to see her model portfolio). She’s been a fan of Korean culture for years and it’s what brought her to Seoul a few years ago.
Far from Germany, she’s found her perfect pace of life, where she can be both a social butterfly and a hermit in a cave.
Why Korea?
When I was a kid, I felt like everyone dreamt of going to specific countries. Most people I knew dreamt of going to the USA. It was ‘big’, had ‘freedom’, many TV shows were shot there… But I didn’t understand it until I discovered Kpop and thought that, maybe Korea was my version of the American dream.
How did you get into pop culture?
By chance! K-pop was the first thing that popped up on TikTok. It must have been some video from one of BTS’s concerts. I was like, this looks good. I kept scrolling and getting more into it. Then covid hit. I was bored at home and I learned more about the country’s culture in general - politics, history, food (I’m a real foodie) - and started watching K-dramas and documentaries.
So when was the first time you decided to come to Korea?
In 2023, mid-April. I stayed for one month in a language school called Lexis and enjoyed it. I liked that the classes were almost only in Korean. I think it's best to start learning a new language in the native tongue.
Why did you decide to go to Language School instead of doing a ‘classic’ trip?
I’d been working for half a year as a receptionist at a vet clinic when I decided to leave. I wasn’t happy with it. I thought, ‘Ok, let’s go to Korea for a month’. It was the first time I was away from Europe for so long.
It was like a test for you?
Yes, it was a big test (laughs). After that, I got back and I moved from where I grew up in Germany to the north, near the beach, where it’s very rural and quiet. I took a course on social media, but I didn’t like it. I tried applying for a job in my area of study - intellectual property rights. I approached companies, telling them ‘It’s remote or not at all’. I had quite a lot of offers because patent and trademark paralegals are in demand. One company said ok and I took the job. It’s not my passion, but it’s something I can do and that pays the bills. I feel very privileged that I can travel thanks to it.
And that’s how you ended up in Korea, again (laughs).
You guessed it. Pretty quickly after joining, I felt like leaving Germany and my boss was so chill about it. I work normal Korean hours and try to have at least 2 to 4 hours of overlap with German time. It works pretty well.
Do you want to travel the world or is Korea ‘it’ for you?
I want Korea as my base and then move around. I don’t feel like traveling too much in a short amount of time. Seoul is where I feel at peace, so I’m fine with spending most of my time here.
Alright. I’ve got a question any person living in Korea should know how to answer… What’s your MBTI?
I’m somewhere between ENFP and INFP. (Laughs.) That’s ‘Introvert’ or ‘Extrovert’, ‘iNtuitive’, ‘Feeling’, and ‘Perceptive’.
So you basically overthink things, are in touch with your emotions, and like for things to go according to plan.
That’s what the personality test says (laughs). It’s fun to see how big MBTI is here. It’s a very good icebreaker. Especially on dates - it’s hilarious to try and guess.
As a half-introvert, half-extrovert, how do you meet people in Korea?
At first, I tried some language exchange apps, but they didn’t feel like the right fit for me. Eventually, I joined larger communities like Digital Nomads Korea and Seoul Nooks, and that’s where I started building my social circle. It felt easier to connect with people there, especially because many are also navigating life abroad. I’ve also met a few friends through shared interests, like music - there’s definitely no shortage of BTS or Seventeen fans! But overall, my friend circle is on the smaller side which I'm perfectly fine with and most of them aren’t Korean. I now do have a few Korean friends, and I’ve grown especially close to a handful of them.
Do you think it’s harder to make Korean friends?
I think making friends in a new country is always a bit of a process, especially when cultural differences come into play. With Koreans I’ve met through communities like Digital Nomads Korea, it felt easier - probably because many of them are also used to interacting with people from different backgrounds. Outside of those spaces, it sometimes took more time to build trust or find common ground… But I’ve come to really appreciate the depth that can come from that effort!
How did you find the Digital Nomads Korea community?
It popped up on my Instagram feed. I started following the account, a long time before I even had the plan to come to Seoul. I thought if I go to a coliving, I can meet people, have a space to work, etc. Then one day, I saw there was a workation in Busan. So I booked for the beginning of my stay and once I got there, I learned about the Jeju workation. I thought… Why not? Might as well! (Laughs.)
How were workations different from your language class experience?
They felt much longer than they were, in the best way possible. I was only in Busan for one week but I had so much fun and met so many kind-hearted people. It was overwhelming sometimes. Our discussions opened my mind. I couldn’t believe people kept saying: ‘I haven’t even booked my flight’ when they were leaving in two days! I’m German, it stresses me out (laughs). I love that we were all so different. We were like a big family and we were all saying it felt like we knew each other for much longer than a week. We’re still in contact and I’ve met many of them again, in Seoul.
Talking of Seoul, your pictures are beautiful!
Thanks! I love taking pictures.
You also like being in front of the camera…
Yes (laughs). Modeling is kind of my teenage dream. I’ve always been tall and slim, so people approach me and say: ‘Oh my god, are you a model?’. I was cast when I was 13 or 14 but guardians have to approve and my mom said I was too young for that. I was sad and a bit mad about it back then, but now I’m thankful. It’s better. The industry is harsh. I didn’t know myself enough as a teenager, but now I do. I know my worth and what I want and I feel like it’s always been there in my head. It makes me feel very shy to talk about this (laughs). But I don’t want to start when I’m 60 or 70 years old. I don’t want to regret not starting earlier.
So you want to make your dream happen in Korea?
Well, it’s hard to find an agency in rural Germany (laughs). I booked a profile photoshoot on my first trip and I loved it. The photographer made me feel very secure. She was shocked it was my first time and she encouraged me. When I came back, I decided to build my portfolio, since it’s cheaper to book photoshoots here than in Germany anyway. I tried a bunch of different concepts with photographers and I do self-photography.
Do you want to turn it into a career?
I am applying to model agencies in Korea and overseas. I want to try it out while I’m young and see where it leads me. If it doesn’t work out, it’s fine, I have a job I can always come back to.
Do you feel the pressure to look a certain way in Korea?
I do feel the pressure of being skinny and presentable all the time. I noticed that many people here wear makeup daily, and it made me self-conscious at first - I just wore a bit of concealer. There’s a strong sense of self-care in Korea, for both men and women. I find that, especially for women, the expectations around appearance and weight can be intense. I never used to weigh myself, but as I started considering modeling, I began tracking it more, and sometimes, it gets to me. That’s why I’m learning to protect my mindset and stay grounded.
Do you think being a foreigner helps?
It does give me a bit of distance from some of the beauty standards here. I respect the culture deeply, but I don’t feel the need to fit a specific mold or try to look Korean to be part of this industry. I believe everyone has the right to do what they want with their body. Everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way. What makes someone stand out, in my eyes, is their mindset - their self-love, confidence, and growth. That’s what I focus on most: becoming the best version of myself from the inside out.
That’s a lot of pressure to deal with…
Yeah… Especially because I love food and cafes! (Laughs.) I love everything, oh my god. The red bean filling in bungeoppang, the fish-shaped waffles, is so delicious. You can always find me in a cafe with a coffee or tea, and a dessert. I like trying everything - maybe not the live octopus - but I’ll go for the sundae (blood sausage), the fish cake, all the banchan (side dishes)...
We talk so much about food in these interviews… (Laughs.)
But it’s sooo gooood.
You are not shy about liking food! Must be why you’re half-extrovert, half-introvert (laughs). In your opinion, is it easier to be ‘E’ or ‘I’ in Korea?
Depends on what type of introvert you are! One thing that’s difficult in Korea is that you need to be at least two people to eat in many restaurants. I struggle with this. I sometimes feel so insecure about having a meal on my own in Seoul. I don’t think I’ve felt that way elsewhere. Other than that, I’d say it’s important to keep looking until you find the community that works for you. For example, if you're an extrovert, you might like the big meetups of Digital Nomads Korea, but if you’re an introvert, you might want to sign up for the cozier events of Hoppin. If you keep your eyes open, you can always meet other introverts, overwhelmed with the big and loud city. They’re always here, somewhere in the corner of the room.
Kerstin’s 3 recommendations
🪷 Somewhere to visit
I love the peace in Bongeunsa temple. On one side, you can see the temple, the lanterns, the stone statues. On the other side, there’s the city, the buildings, COEX… The first time I went, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
🍹 Somewhere to drink
Cieltri is a cafe close to Seokchon Lake with a view of the Lotte Tower. Their drinks are so cute and I love the area. I lived there for a bit and it’s a shame tourists don’t go past Jamsil or the Lotte Tower when there’s so much to explore around this neighborhood.
🎶 Something to listen to
I love listening to DEAN. He’s one of the first Korean R&B artists I discovered. The rhythm of Love gets me every time - rhythm and melody are always what draws me more into Korean music since I don’t understand all the lyrics (yet!). I also really like NASA. That song just puts me in a good mood.
Be your best self in Korea, with Kerstin
Sometimes, you need to leave home to accomplish your dream. Kerstin’s was to visit Korea . She went for a month, and now, she wants to make all her other dreams happen there.
Kerstin is very tall and her eyes are very blue. It’s the first thing you notice about her. The second is how soft-spoken she is, a bit shy and careful with her words. It’s surprising that someone so striking could be so self-conscious but it’s part of her allure.
Kerstin says she’s half-extrovert, half-introvert, equally happy to mingle in a crowd and to recharge alone with a book. Talk to her about K-pop and Korean food and she won’t stop smiling. She also loves to take pictures and is an amazing model in front of the camera, (check her Instagram account to see her model portfolio). She’s been a fan of Korean culture for years and it’s what brought her to Seoul a few years ago.
Far from Germany, she’s found her perfect pace of life, where she can be both a social butterfly and a hermit in a cave.
Why Korea?
When I was a kid, I felt like everyone dreamt of going to specific countries. Most people I knew dreamt of going to the USA. It was ‘big’, had ‘freedom’, many TV shows were shot there… But I didn’t understand it until I discovered Kpop and thought that, maybe Korea was my version of the American dream.
How did you get into pop culture?
By chance! K-pop was the first thing that popped up on TikTok. It must have been some video from one of BTS’s concerts. I was like, this looks good. I kept scrolling and getting more into it. Then covid hit. I was bored at home and I learned more about the country’s culture in general - politics, history, food (I’m a real foodie) - and started watching K-dramas and documentaries.
So when was the first time you decided to come to Korea?
In 2023, mid-April. I stayed for one month in a language school called Lexis and enjoyed it. I liked that the classes were almost only in Korean. I think it's best to start learning a new language in the native tongue.
Why did you decide to go to Language School instead of doing a ‘classic’ trip?
I’d been working for half a year as a receptionist at a vet clinic when I decided to leave. I wasn’t happy with it. I thought, ‘Ok, let’s go to Korea for a month’. It was the first time I was away from Europe for so long.
It was like a test for you?
Yes, it was a big test (laughs). After that, I got back and I moved from where I grew up in Germany to the north, near the beach, where it’s very rural and quiet. I took a course on social media, but I didn’t like it. I tried applying for a job in my area of study - intellectual property rights. I approached companies, telling them ‘It’s remote or not at all’. I had quite a lot of offers because patent and trademark paralegals are in demand. One company said ok and I took the job. It’s not my passion, but it’s something I can do and that pays the bills. I feel very privileged that I can travel thanks to it.
And that’s how you ended up in Korea, again (laughs).
You guessed it. Pretty quickly after joining, I felt like leaving Germany and my boss was so chill about it. I work normal Korean hours and try to have at least 2 to 4 hours of overlap with German time. It works pretty well.
Do you want to travel the world or is Korea ‘it’ for you?
I want Korea as my base and then move around. I don’t feel like traveling too much in a short amount of time. Seoul is where I feel at peace, so I’m fine with spending most of my time here.
Alright. I’ve got a question any person living in Korea should know how to answer… What’s your MBTI?
I’m somewhere between ENFP and INFP. (Laughs.) That’s ‘Introvert’ or ‘Extrovert’, ‘iNtuitive’, ‘Feeling’, and ‘Perceptive’.
So you basically overthink things, are in touch with your emotions, and like for things to go according to plan.
That’s what the personality test says (laughs). It’s fun to see how big MBTI is here. It’s a very good icebreaker. Especially on dates - it’s hilarious to try and guess.
As a half-introvert, half-extrovert, how do you meet people in Korea?
At first, I tried some language exchange apps, but they didn’t feel like the right fit for me. Eventually, I joined larger communities like Digital Nomads Korea and Seoul Nooks, and that’s where I started building my social circle. It felt easier to connect with people there, especially because many are also navigating life abroad. I’ve also met a few friends through shared interests, like music - there’s definitely no shortage of BTS or Seventeen fans! But overall, my friend circle is on the smaller side which I'm perfectly fine with and most of them aren’t Korean. I now do have a few Korean friends, and I’ve grown especially close to a handful of them.
Do you think it’s harder to make Korean friends?
I think making friends in a new country is always a bit of a process, especially when cultural differences come into play. With Koreans I’ve met through communities like Digital Nomads Korea, it felt easier - probably because many of them are also used to interacting with people from different backgrounds. Outside of those spaces, it sometimes took more time to build trust or find common ground… But I’ve come to really appreciate the depth that can come from that effort!
How did you find the Digital Nomads Korea community?
It popped up on my Instagram feed. I started following the account, a long time before I even had the plan to come to Seoul. I thought if I go to a coliving, I can meet people, have a space to work, etc. Then one day, I saw there was a workation in Busan. So I booked for the beginning of my stay and once I got there, I learned about the Jeju workation. I thought… Why not? Might as well! (Laughs.)
How were workations different from your language class experience?
They felt much longer than they were, in the best way possible. I was only in Busan for one week but I had so much fun and met so many kind-hearted people. It was overwhelming sometimes. Our discussions opened my mind. I couldn’t believe people kept saying: ‘I haven’t even booked my flight’ when they were leaving in two days! I’m German, it stresses me out (laughs). I love that we were all so different. We were like a big family and we were all saying it felt like we knew each other for much longer than a week. We’re still in contact and I’ve met many of them again, in Seoul.
Talking of Seoul, your pictures are beautiful!
Thanks! I love taking pictures.
You also like being in front of the camera…
Yes (laughs). Modeling is kind of my teenage dream. I’ve always been tall and slim, so people approach me and say: ‘Oh my god, are you a model?’. I was cast when I was 13 or 14 but guardians have to approve and my mom said I was too young for that. I was sad and a bit mad about it back then, but now I’m thankful. It’s better. The industry is harsh. I didn’t know myself enough as a teenager, but now I do. I know my worth and what I want and I feel like it’s always been there in my head. It makes me feel very shy to talk about this (laughs). But I don’t want to start when I’m 60 or 70 years old. I don’t want to regret not starting earlier.
So you want to make your dream happen in Korea?
Well, it’s hard to find an agency in rural Germany (laughs). I booked a profile photoshoot on my first trip and I loved it. The photographer made me feel very secure. She was shocked it was my first time and she encouraged me. When I came back, I decided to build my portfolio, since it’s cheaper to book photoshoots here than in Germany anyway. I tried a bunch of different concepts with photographers and I do self-photography.
Do you want to turn it into a career?
I am applying to model agencies in Korea and overseas. I want to try it out while I’m young and see where it leads me. If it doesn’t work out, it’s fine, I have a job I can always come back to.
Do you feel the pressure to look a certain way in Korea?
I do feel the pressure of being skinny and presentable all the time. I noticed that many people here wear makeup daily, and it made me self-conscious at first - I just wore a bit of concealer. There’s a strong sense of self-care in Korea, for both men and women. I find that, especially for women, the expectations around appearance and weight can be intense. I never used to weigh myself, but as I started considering modeling, I began tracking it more, and sometimes, it gets to me. That’s why I’m learning to protect my mindset and stay grounded.
Do you think being a foreigner helps?
It does give me a bit of distance from some of the beauty standards here. I respect the culture deeply, but I don’t feel the need to fit a specific mold or try to look Korean to be part of this industry. I believe everyone has the right to do what they want with their body. Everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way. What makes someone stand out, in my eyes, is their mindset - their self-love, confidence, and growth. That’s what I focus on most: becoming the best version of myself from the inside out.
That’s a lot of pressure to deal with…
Yeah… Especially because I love food and cafes! (Laughs.) I love everything, oh my god. The red bean filling in bungeoppang, the fish-shaped waffles, is so delicious. You can always find me in a cafe with a coffee or tea, and a dessert. I like trying everything - maybe not the live octopus - but I’ll go for the sundae (blood sausage), the fish cake, all the banchan (side dishes)...
We talk so much about food in these interviews… (Laughs.)
But it’s sooo gooood.
You are not shy about liking food! Must be why you’re half-extrovert, half-introvert (laughs). In your opinion, is it easier to be ‘E’ or ‘I’ in Korea?
Depends on what type of introvert you are! One thing that’s difficult in Korea is that you need to be at least two people to eat in many restaurants. I struggle with this. I sometimes feel so insecure about having a meal on my own in Seoul. I don’t think I’ve felt that way elsewhere. Other than that, I’d say it’s important to keep looking until you find the community that works for you. For example, if you're an extrovert, you might like the big meetups of Digital Nomads Korea, but if you’re an introvert, you might want to sign up for the cozier events of Hoppin. If you keep your eyes open, you can always meet other introverts, overwhelmed with the big and loud city. They’re always here, somewhere in the corner of the room.
Kerstin’s 3 recommendations
🪷 Somewhere to visit
I love the peace in Bongeunsa temple. On one side, you can see the temple, the lanterns, the stone statues. On the other side, there’s the city, the buildings, COEX… The first time I went, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
🍹 Somewhere to drink
Cieltri is a cafe close to Seokchon Lake with a view of the Lotte Tower. Their drinks are so cute and I love the area. I lived there for a bit and it’s a shame tourists don’t go past Jamsil or the Lotte Tower when there’s so much to explore around this neighborhood.
🎶 Something to listen to
I love listening to DEAN. He’s one of the first Korean R&B artists I discovered. The rhythm of Love gets me every time - rhythm and melody are always what draws me more into Korean music since I don’t understand all the lyrics (yet!). I also really like NASA. That song just puts me in a good mood.
Be your best self in Korea, with Kerstin
Sometimes, you need to leave home to accomplish your dream. Kerstin’s was to visit Korea . She went for a month, and now, she wants to make all her other dreams happen there.
Kerstin is very tall and her eyes are very blue. It’s the first thing you notice about her. The second is how soft-spoken she is, a bit shy and careful with her words. It’s surprising that someone so striking could be so self-conscious but it’s part of her allure.
Kerstin says she’s half-extrovert, half-introvert, equally happy to mingle in a crowd and to recharge alone with a book. Talk to her about K-pop and Korean food and she won’t stop smiling. She also loves to take pictures and is an amazing model in front of the camera, (check her Instagram account to see her model portfolio). She’s been a fan of Korean culture for years and it’s what brought her to Seoul a few years ago.
Far from Germany, she’s found her perfect pace of life, where she can be both a social butterfly and a hermit in a cave.
Why Korea?
When I was a kid, I felt like everyone dreamt of going to specific countries. Most people I knew dreamt of going to the USA. It was ‘big’, had ‘freedom’, many TV shows were shot there… But I didn’t understand it until I discovered Kpop and thought that, maybe Korea was my version of the American dream.
How did you get into pop culture?
By chance! K-pop was the first thing that popped up on TikTok. It must have been some video from one of BTS’s concerts. I was like, this looks good. I kept scrolling and getting more into it. Then covid hit. I was bored at home and I learned more about the country’s culture in general - politics, history, food (I’m a real foodie) - and started watching K-dramas and documentaries.
So when was the first time you decided to come to Korea?
In 2023, mid-April. I stayed for one month in a language school called Lexis and enjoyed it. I liked that the classes were almost only in Korean. I think it's best to start learning a new language in the native tongue.
Why did you decide to go to Language School instead of doing a ‘classic’ trip?
I’d been working for half a year as a receptionist at a vet clinic when I decided to leave. I wasn’t happy with it. I thought, ‘Ok, let’s go to Korea for a month’. It was the first time I was away from Europe for so long.
It was like a test for you?
Yes, it was a big test (laughs). After that, I got back and I moved from where I grew up in Germany to the north, near the beach, where it’s very rural and quiet. I took a course on social media, but I didn’t like it. I tried applying for a job in my area of study - intellectual property rights. I approached companies, telling them ‘It’s remote or not at all’. I had quite a lot of offers because patent and trademark paralegals are in demand. One company said ok and I took the job. It’s not my passion, but it’s something I can do and that pays the bills. I feel very privileged that I can travel thanks to it.
And that’s how you ended up in Korea, again (laughs).
You guessed it. Pretty quickly after joining, I felt like leaving Germany and my boss was so chill about it. I work normal Korean hours and try to have at least 2 to 4 hours of overlap with German time. It works pretty well.
Do you want to travel the world or is Korea ‘it’ for you?
I want Korea as my base and then move around. I don’t feel like traveling too much in a short amount of time. Seoul is where I feel at peace, so I’m fine with spending most of my time here.
Alright. I’ve got a question any person living in Korea should know how to answer… What’s your MBTI?
I’m somewhere between ENFP and INFP. (Laughs.) That’s ‘Introvert’ or ‘Extrovert’, ‘iNtuitive’, ‘Feeling’, and ‘Perceptive’.
So you basically overthink things, are in touch with your emotions, and like for things to go according to plan.
That’s what the personality test says (laughs). It’s fun to see how big MBTI is here. It’s a very good icebreaker. Especially on dates - it’s hilarious to try and guess.
As a half-introvert, half-extrovert, how do you meet people in Korea?
At first, I tried some language exchange apps, but they didn’t feel like the right fit for me. Eventually, I joined larger communities like Digital Nomads Korea and Seoul Nooks, and that’s where I started building my social circle. It felt easier to connect with people there, especially because many are also navigating life abroad. I’ve also met a few friends through shared interests, like music - there’s definitely no shortage of BTS or Seventeen fans! But overall, my friend circle is on the smaller side which I'm perfectly fine with and most of them aren’t Korean. I now do have a few Korean friends, and I’ve grown especially close to a handful of them.
Do you think it’s harder to make Korean friends?
I think making friends in a new country is always a bit of a process, especially when cultural differences come into play. With Koreans I’ve met through communities like Digital Nomads Korea, it felt easier - probably because many of them are also used to interacting with people from different backgrounds. Outside of those spaces, it sometimes took more time to build trust or find common ground… But I’ve come to really appreciate the depth that can come from that effort!
How did you find the Digital Nomads Korea community?
It popped up on my Instagram feed. I started following the account, a long time before I even had the plan to come to Seoul. I thought if I go to a coliving, I can meet people, have a space to work, etc. Then one day, I saw there was a workation in Busan. So I booked for the beginning of my stay and once I got there, I learned about the Jeju workation. I thought… Why not? Might as well! (Laughs.)
How were workations different from your language class experience?
They felt much longer than they were, in the best way possible. I was only in Busan for one week but I had so much fun and met so many kind-hearted people. It was overwhelming sometimes. Our discussions opened my mind. I couldn’t believe people kept saying: ‘I haven’t even booked my flight’ when they were leaving in two days! I’m German, it stresses me out (laughs). I love that we were all so different. We were like a big family and we were all saying it felt like we knew each other for much longer than a week. We’re still in contact and I’ve met many of them again, in Seoul.
Talking of Seoul, your pictures are beautiful!
Thanks! I love taking pictures.
You also like being in front of the camera…
Yes (laughs). Modeling is kind of my teenage dream. I’ve always been tall and slim, so people approach me and say: ‘Oh my god, are you a model?’. I was cast when I was 13 or 14 but guardians have to approve and my mom said I was too young for that. I was sad and a bit mad about it back then, but now I’m thankful. It’s better. The industry is harsh. I didn’t know myself enough as a teenager, but now I do. I know my worth and what I want and I feel like it’s always been there in my head. It makes me feel very shy to talk about this (laughs). But I don’t want to start when I’m 60 or 70 years old. I don’t want to regret not starting earlier.
So you want to make your dream happen in Korea?
Well, it’s hard to find an agency in rural Germany (laughs). I booked a profile photoshoot on my first trip and I loved it. The photographer made me feel very secure. She was shocked it was my first time and she encouraged me. When I came back, I decided to build my portfolio, since it’s cheaper to book photoshoots here than in Germany anyway. I tried a bunch of different concepts with photographers and I do self-photography.
Do you want to turn it into a career?
I am applying to model agencies in Korea and overseas. I want to try it out while I’m young and see where it leads me. If it doesn’t work out, it’s fine, I have a job I can always come back to.
Do you feel the pressure to look a certain way in Korea?
I do feel the pressure of being skinny and presentable all the time. I noticed that many people here wear makeup daily, and it made me self-conscious at first - I just wore a bit of concealer. There’s a strong sense of self-care in Korea, for both men and women. I find that, especially for women, the expectations around appearance and weight can be intense. I never used to weigh myself, but as I started considering modeling, I began tracking it more, and sometimes, it gets to me. That’s why I’m learning to protect my mindset and stay grounded.
Do you think being a foreigner helps?
It does give me a bit of distance from some of the beauty standards here. I respect the culture deeply, but I don’t feel the need to fit a specific mold or try to look Korean to be part of this industry. I believe everyone has the right to do what they want with their body. Everyone is unique and beautiful in their own way. What makes someone stand out, in my eyes, is their mindset - their self-love, confidence, and growth. That’s what I focus on most: becoming the best version of myself from the inside out.
That’s a lot of pressure to deal with…
Yeah… Especially because I love food and cafes! (Laughs.) I love everything, oh my god. The red bean filling in bungeoppang, the fish-shaped waffles, is so delicious. You can always find me in a cafe with a coffee or tea, and a dessert. I like trying everything - maybe not the live octopus - but I’ll go for the sundae (blood sausage), the fish cake, all the banchan (side dishes)...
We talk so much about food in these interviews… (Laughs.)
But it’s sooo gooood.
You are not shy about liking food! Must be why you’re half-extrovert, half-introvert (laughs). In your opinion, is it easier to be ‘E’ or ‘I’ in Korea?
Depends on what type of introvert you are! One thing that’s difficult in Korea is that you need to be at least two people to eat in many restaurants. I struggle with this. I sometimes feel so insecure about having a meal on my own in Seoul. I don’t think I’ve felt that way elsewhere. Other than that, I’d say it’s important to keep looking until you find the community that works for you. For example, if you're an extrovert, you might like the big meetups of Digital Nomads Korea, but if you’re an introvert, you might want to sign up for the cozier events of Hoppin. If you keep your eyes open, you can always meet other introverts, overwhelmed with the big and loud city. They’re always here, somewhere in the corner of the room.
Kerstin’s 3 recommendations
🪷 Somewhere to visit
I love the peace in Bongeunsa temple. On one side, you can see the temple, the lanterns, the stone statues. On the other side, there’s the city, the buildings, COEX… The first time I went, I couldn’t believe my eyes.
🍹 Somewhere to drink
Cieltri is a cafe close to Seokchon Lake with a view of the Lotte Tower. Their drinks are so cute and I love the area. I lived there for a bit and it’s a shame tourists don’t go past Jamsil or the Lotte Tower when there’s so much to explore around this neighborhood.
🎶 Something to listen to
I love listening to DEAN. He’s one of the first Korean R&B artists I discovered. The rhythm of Love gets me every time - rhythm and melody are always what draws me more into Korean music since I don’t understand all the lyrics (yet!). I also really like NASA. That song just puts me in a good mood.
