Hi there, my name is Hui-Ting Lin, but you can also call me Gina.

I'm a software engineer by day, but my heart lives in movement, adventure, and deep connections. Based in Taipei, Taiwan, I'm currently training to become a fitness instructor while balancing my love for sports, travel, and trying new things that challenge me.

I would describe myself as a positive, energetic, sporty, and outdoorsy person. Good food (yes, including stinky tofu!), different cultural experiences, and deep conversations always attract my attention. I also enjoy spending time with people who are willing to share stories.

PHILOSOPHY
You only live once.
People are like books - some deceive you by their glossy cover and others surprise you by their deep content.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

To travel deeply and communicate with locals instead of sightseeing only
To share the culture of Taiwan
To meet friends from all over the world
To try something new that I have never done it before

(Note: I'm currently sharing an apartment with roommates, so I can't host, but I'd love to meet up for coffee, show you around Taipei, or join you for a hike!)

Interests

Sports & Movement:
I love any sport - volleyball, basketball, tennis, hiking, running, and recently discovered pickleball with friends! In 2025, I completed the Nagoya Women's Marathon (42km) and I'm also training to become a fitness instructor because movement is such a huge part of who I am.

Underwater World:
I'm a PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (certified to 30 meters). My most recent dive trip was October 2024. There's something magical about the quiet world beneath the waves.
🎥 Check out my diving adventure: https://youtu.be/75pL7HCI1jk?si=dGNHKYuALcccYXei

K-pop Dance:
Beyond just listening to K-pop, I recently completed an 8-week dance class and performed Blackpink's "Jump"! It was challenging, fun, and totally worth it.

• culture
• running
• traveling
• scuba diving
• different cultures
• kpop
• different languages
• different people
• half-marathon
• blackpink

Music, Movies, and Books

I love EDM music and K-POP.
Two of my favorite DJs are Kygo and Galantis - their songs accompany me during my runs. There's a South Korean girl group BLACKPINK; I started to like them when hearing their debut song "WHISTLE" and now I even dance to their choreography!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I started my first Couchsurfing trip in Russia instead of my home country Taiwan in 2015. Sometimes the best adventures start where you least expect them.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you:
The beauty of Traditional Chinese characters - Taiwan is one of the few places that still uses the traditional form of written Chinese. It's more complex but many find it more artistic. Take "dragon" for example:
Simplified: 龙
Traditional: 龍

The experience of being underwater (diving basics, ocean respect)
Some K-pop choreography moves if you're brave!

I'd love to learn:
Your local culture, traditions, hidden gems
New sports or outdoor activities
Your favorite local dishes and where to find them

What I Can Share with Hosts

Taiwan Culture & Local Favorites:
- Night markets are a MUST - and yes, I'll introduce you to stinky tofu if you dare!
- Hiking spots that are easy to reach by metro (Taipei has amazing trails right in the city)
- Real local experiences beyond the tourist spots

Travel Stories:
- Adventures from countries I've visited
- Underwater tales from dive sites around the world
That one time I started Couchsurfing in Russia...

Countries I’ve Visited

Australia, Cambodia, China, Czech Republic, Japan, Philippines, Poland, Russian Federation, South Korea, Thailand, United States, Viet Nam

Countries I’ve Lived In

Russian Federation, Taiwan