For Yumin Rai, South Korea was once a dream experienced from afar through K-pop, K-dramas, and the music of BTS. Today, at 21, she is living and studying in the country she once dreamed of calling home. As a content creator and international student, Yumin shares her everyday experiences, discoveries, and journey of turning inspiration into reality. In this interview with The Korea Times Xpress, she opens up about her love for Korean culture, the impact of BTS and Love Yourself, life in Korea, content creation, and the dreams she is still chasing.
Please introduce yourself and tell our readers about your content journey.
Hello! My name is Yumin Rai, and I’m a small creator currently living in Korea, which was once my dream country—and now I’m actually living in my dream country. I’m 21 years old and currently studying here. I’m absolutely thrilled to share my story with you.
If I had to describe my content journey in a single phrase, I would call it a literal, living dream come true. Today, I am a student and a creator living right here in South Korea, documenting the vibrant daily life, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural tapestry of a country I spent years admiring from afar.
However, my journey did not start with high-tech cameras or travel itineraries; it began in my bedroom, staring at a screen, completely captivated by a world thousands of miles away.
How did you first become interested in Korean culture?
My introduction to Korean culture follows a path that many global fans will find incredibly relatable: it all started with the unstoppable global phenomenon of Hallyu, specifically through K-pop and K-dramas.
I remember the exact moment I was first exposed to the infectious melodies, flawless choreography, and deeply emotional storytelling that defines Korean entertainment. It was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. The production quality, the dedication of the artists, and the rich cultural nuances woven into every script and lyric immediately caught my attention.
However, the true catalyst that turned a casual interest into an absolute, life-changing passion was discovering BTS, which stands for Bangtan Sonyeondan. They were the gateway that drove me headfirst into the vast ocean of Korean music and culture.
When I first stumbled upon their discography, I was not just impressed by their catchy beats or sharp dance moves; I was completely moved by the profound depth of their lyricism. Through their art, I began to look past the surface of pop culture and started actively researching the language, history, social etiquette, and daily traditions of South Korea.
BTS did not just introduce me to a new genre of music—they opened a door to an entire country and inspired me to understand the people and the heritage behind the art.
What motivated you to start creating content related to Korea and your experiences?
The primary motivation behind my content creation was a deep, irresistible desire to express my gratitude and share the immense joy that Korean culture brought into my life.
When I first found BTS, I was introduced to their monumental album series, Love Yourself. That specific era and the message behind those albums struck a profound chord within my soul. Before discovering their music, I struggled with the concept of self-worth, constantly trying to please the people around me while neglecting my own happiness.
The Love Yourself album taught me one of the most valuable lessons of my entire life: I must learn to love myself truly and deeply before I can ever hope to love others properly. It was a revolutionary realization for me. The songs gave me comfort, healed my insecurities, and gave me the strength to pursue my own happiness fearlessly.
This transformative emotional experience was so powerful that I felt an overwhelming urge to document it. I wanted to create content that celebrated the music and the culture that saved me.
Slowly but surely, I began creating videos and posts about Korean music, sharing how these melodies were impacting my life. I wanted to be a voice that echoed their message of self-love, helping other fans realize that they, too, are worthy of choosing their own paths and living out their wildest dreams.
“The ‘Love Yourself’ album taught me that I must learn to love myself before I can properly love others.” — Yumin Rai
What has been your most unforgettable experience connected to Korea?
Without a single doubt, my most unforgettable experience connected to Korea is the breathtaking reality of living here—studying in my dream country and traveling around the spectacular cities I used to dream about when I was just a young girl.
Back then, places like Busan, Jeju Island, and my ultimate dream city, Seoul, were just names on a map or backdrops in my favorite television shows. I used to spend hours staring at photos of the neon-lit streets of Hongdae, the historic grandeur of Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the iconic Namsan Seoul Tower, wondering if I would ever get to see them with my own eyes.
Now, I am actively walking those exact streets and living out those childhood dreams every single day.
But if I have to pinpoint the absolute pinnacle of my dreams, it is a milestone I am still fiercely chasing while living here: my ultimate dream is to attend a live BTS concert right here in Seoul.
I can picture it vividly in my mind, and it is the memory I am most looking forward to creating. I dream of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of fellow ARMYs, holding up my lightstick, and singing our favorite songs at the top of our lungs inside a massive, roaring purple ocean of lights.
To be a part of that glowing stadium, feeling the collective energy of self-love and unity, will be the greatest, most unforgettable moment of my life.
My ultimate Korean dream:
- Move to South Korea
- Explore my ultimate dream city, Seoul
- Attend a live BTS concert in Seoul
- Sing along inside the roaring Purple Ocean
How has Korean culture influenced your daily life?
Korean culture is no longer just a subject I study or a hobby I enjoy from a distance—it completely dictates the rhythm of my everyday life.
Ever since I made the life-changing move to South Korea, my daily habits have evolved to embrace the local lifestyle in the most authentic way possible. Living here has allowed me to dive into the absolute depth of the culture, learning the subtle nuances of social etiquette, the beauty of the changing seasons, and the warmth of community living.
My typical day is an intentional, beautiful blend of my original passions and my current reality. Every single morning, I start my day by listening to BTS songs. It is a non-negotiable part of my morning routine. Their music fills my home with positive energy, grounding me and reminding me of the journey that brought me here.
With their lyrics fresh in my mind, I go about my morning skincare, breakfast, and work. After a busy day of navigating the bustling streets, exploring neighborhoods, and creating content, I love to wind down and bring my day to a peaceful close.
My nightly routine always involves curling up and watching a Korean drama. This daily cycle—starting with K-pop and ending with K-dramas—keeps me grounded in the very art forms that first made me fall in love with this beautiful country.
What do you enjoy most about sharing your experiences with your audience?
What I enjoy most about sharing my experiences with my audience is the incredible opportunity to serve as living proof that dreams really do come true.
When I post updates about my life in Seoul, take my viewers along on trips to coastal towns, or talk about how a song changed my perspective, I am not just showing off a pretty lifestyle. I am speaking directly to that young girl who used to sit in her room, feeling stuck, wishing she could one day visit the places she loved.
I love building a community where we can lift each other up. Through my content, I want to show my audience that if a passionate fan like me can move across the world, establish a life in their dream city, and wake up every day surrounded by the culture they adore, then they can achieve their goals too.
It is incredibly rewarding to receive messages from followers saying that my journey inspired them to study Korean, book a flight, or finally practice self-love.
Knowing that my stories help others find comfort, joy, and the courage to chase their own “purple ocean” is the absolute best feeling in the world. I am living my dream, and I want nothing more than to help my audience live theirs, too.
What are some common misconceptions people have about Korea?
One of the biggest misconceptions is that Korea is only about K-pop and K-dramas. While they’re an amazing part of Korean culture, there’s so much more to discover—from traditional neighborhoods and beautiful nature to unique cafés, pop-up events, and everyday local life.
Another misconception is that people think Korea is always fast-paced and busy, but there are also so many peaceful places where you can slow down and enjoy the moment.
What are your favorite places to visit, foods to eat, or activities to do in Korea?
I absolutely love Myeongdong and Seongsu because I enjoy shopping and discovering new cafés, brands, and unique experiences.
One of my favorite things to do is visit different pop-up stores since there’s always something new and creative happening. Food-wise, my favorites are sushi and samgyeopsal.
As an international student, I don’t always have a lot of free time to go out, but whenever I get the chance, I make the most of it—even if that means exploring by myself. Some of my favorite memories have actually come from solo adventures around Korea.
As a content creator, how do you balance creating content with being fully present and enjoying the experience?
I’ve learned that I don’t have to film every single moment. I usually capture the important parts first, then put my phone away and simply enjoy the experience.
I want my content to feel authentic, and that only happens when I’m genuinely having fun instead of focusing only on recording everything.
Looking back on your journey as a creator, what are the biggest lessons you’ve learned?
I’ve learned that consistency matters more than perfection. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but every creator has their own journey.
The most important thing is to stay true to yourself, keep learning, and create content that genuinely reflects who you are. Authenticity always connects with people the most.
What type of content resonates the most with your audience?
My followers enjoy lifestyle content about living in Korea as an international student.
They especially love videos where I explore new places, visit pop-up stores, try different cafés and restaurants, and share honest experiences of everyday life in Korea.
I think they appreciate seeing both the fun and realistic sides of my journey.
What are your future goals, and are there any exciting projects you’re currently working on?
I’d love to continue growing my community and create even more meaningful content about life in Korea.
I’m also excited to collaborate with more brands, explore new destinations, and share experiences that inspire others to travel, study, or simply discover more about Korean culture.
What message would you like to share with people who are interested in learning more about Korea?
I’d like to share that you must keep an open mind and experience Korea beyond what you see on social media.
Learn about the culture, try new foods, visit different neighborhoods, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Even the smallest everyday experiences can become unforgettable memories.
Korea has so much to offer, and the more curious you are, the more rewarding your journey will be.
Where can our readers connect with you and follow your journey online?
You can find me on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where I share my experiences as an international student living in Korea, along with travel, lifestyle, food, and everyday adventures.
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