I'm sociable, open-mind, and explorer!
I ENJOY meeting new people as you guys do. (I think most of whom of CS are eager to meet new people and share their culture!)

For now, I'm a graduate student majoring in Political Science but thinking of studying more about the Spatial Design & Party Planner when I'm done with my Master's program.

I was born and live in Korea but stayed in the US for a year as well, attending the University of California San Diego as an exchange student. Also, I have been traveling all around the world on every vacation.

As I was planning to go to Latin America for a three-month trip, I started to learn their culture especially for food and dancing! I'm fascinated with Latin dance such as salsa, bachata, and cha cha cha. I can also teach you how to dance K-pop if you want to experience. ;-)

I went to Latin America from Mexico to Cuba, to Panama, to Colombia and almost all South American countries! I'm fascinated with Latin culture and people, especially Latin dance(salsa, bachata etc..) and Spanish!

If you are interested in Korea, or if you are open to a challenge-lover from Asia, we can make wonderful memories.

Now I live with my family, and I do NOT accept guests at home because of my grandma's health, but I will be happy to meet you somewhere in Seoul, hang out with you and drink at night if you want to. (I will let you know what the Korean night culture is! such as "Chi-mac" which means a combo of Korean-style chicken and beer)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

So far, I mostly stayed at youth hostel or my friend's house when traveling.
I really like staying at hostel as well but I want to challenge a new experience that I've never done with new people.

I did couchsurfing three times when I was traveling to South America, and I realized how wonderful it is! I really enjoy meeting someone who had an open minded and knew how to share their culture with others.

Moreover, I participated in a host family program in San Diego and it was unforgettable, warm memories. I love my host a lot! We think ourselves as a true family.

I met a bunch of people, learned various cultures from them and became true friends who still keep in touch with me. I love them, they are my life assets. So I'm on CS to seek more my invaluable life assets.

Interests

As I mentioned above, my major is Poli Sci, so I'm interested "real" politics and "real" situations in each country. However, whether we talk about politics or not, it doesn't matter since all is connected to what happens in that country. So don't be afraid if you are not familiar to those topics. :)

I worked at the Institute for North Korean Studies for two years. If you like to hear local stories about two Koreas from a Korean girl in person, do not hesitate to accept me as your guest!

I can cook some Korean food such as bulgogi and Kimbap(Korean rice roll) for you. Trust me, my mom runs a Korean food restaurant in Seoul. :)

When I'm traveling, I prefer to walk and ride a bike rather than take a transportation (e.g. bus, taxi ...).
I like to work out, kendo and hiking in particular. I went trekking to Himalaya in Nepal and the Andes in South America.

• animals
• dancing
• bachata
• dining
• cooking
• beer
• potluck
• drinking
• politics
• traveling
• hiking
• food
• salsa

Music, Movies, and Books

Music: I enjoy all kind of music because I don't know about music well, haha.
Recently, I try to get to know about the jazz, which I think is very cool.

Dramas: The Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Sherlock, and the Designated Survivor.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Himalaya trekking experiences without porter nor guide.

Teach, Learn, Share

I'm learning Spanish. so it will be nice if you can teach me Spanish and English as well. I'd like to learning foreign language. My aunt was a nurse who went to Germany to earn some money in the 1970s and she got married to a German and has lived in Wurzburg since then. I'd like to communicate with my uncle (who can't speak Korean nor English at all) but I know very few German words. It might be good if you can teach me some basic sentences in German!

I can teach some Korean words and K-pop dances if you want, tell you about North Korea from a South Korean perspective, and share Korean style food with you. Anything you want will I try my best.

What I Can Share with Hosts

I can teach some Korean words and K-pop dances(hopefully other than Gangnam style of PSY.. It is far outdated as I danced it when I was here in Europe five years ago! ), tell you about North Korea from a South Korean perspective, and share Korean style food with you. Anything you want will I try my best.

If you have any questions about me, feel free to message me or just go to my page and skim my SNS. Here's the link.

https://www.facebook.com/mia.hwan
https://www.instagram.com/mia_hwan

I'm looking forward to meeting you all!

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Colombia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Ecuador, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nepal, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United States, Uruguay

Countries I’ve Lived In

South Korea, United States