Can't Go to the World, So I Brought the World to Me: Why I Joined the Joyful Hub Crew

I've always been fascinated by my friends who seem to carry the world in their stories. You know the type—the ones whose social media feeds are a vibrant collage of different countries, who can casually drop anecdotes from their time in Europe or South America, and who have a diverse circle of friends from all over the globe.

I would listen to their tales of adventure with a mix of awe and a little bit of longing. I found it so amazing that they could so easily connect with people from different backgrounds, sharing cultures and creating friendships that spanned continents.

For various personal reasons, packing a bag for a long trip abroad isn't an easy option for me right now. A part of me felt like I was missing out on that incredible experience of cross-cultural connection that my friends were so lucky to have.

Then, I discovered Joyful Hub.

It felt like a lightbulb went on in my head. Maybe I didn't need a plane ticket to meet the world. Maybe the world was already here, in my city, full of incredible people with their own stories, waiting to be met. I saw the description of a community that wasn't just about language, but about building genuine friendships between locals and internationals. This, I realized, was the perfect opportunity.

I knew I had to apply to be a part of the Crew. My motivation wasn't just to satisfy my curiosity; it was a deep desire to be a part of the bridge connecting different cultures. I wanted to be the local friend that I would have wanted to meet if I were living in a foreign country.

More than anything, I wanted to make real friends and become a true member of this community. It’s not just about helping others; it’s about sharing my own life, my own culture, and my own city with new people, and learning all about their worlds in return. It’s about creating a space where we are all, simply, friends.

Being chosen as a Crew member for this season has filled me with so much excitement. I am genuinely looking forward to every conversation, every shared laugh, and every new perspective.

So, if you see me at one of our meetups, please don't hesitate to come and say hello. I truly want to hear your story, and in return, I would be honored to share a piece of my Seoul with you.

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This post was originally written in Korean and has been translated into English.