Hello, my name is Nayoung Gu, and I’m 25 years old. Ever since my school days, I’ve loved travelling because it allows me to meet so many different people. Sometimes, instead of going to school, I would travel alone around Korea.
Naturally, as I became an adult, I started travelling overseas to countries like Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam. I share these journeys on Instagram, which has allowed me to connect with even more people.
The one thing I always regretted while travelling was my lack of English. I wanted to have deeper conversations with people about cultural differences, values, traditions, and everyday life.
I was looking for a place where I could work while studying the language and experiencing different cultures, and Australia immediately came to mind. Coincidentally, a senior colleague from work was also preparing for Australia, so we naturally decided to come together.
Honestly, I felt a bit down at first.
Everyone kept saying, “Australia is amazing,” but to me it felt very quiet and even boring, which made it unfamiliar and difficult.
Now, though, I’m slowly adjusting and getting to know Australia at my own pace.
I’ve always loved taking photos. I used to share images of myself and the atmosphere of places I visited on my blog.
After continuing my blog in Australia, someone reached out saying they lived in Brisbane, and we exchanged Instagram accounts. It turned out they were a marketing manager at an education agency. That connection led to video shoots, and that’s how my modelling work in Australia began. It all unfolded in a very fun and unexpected way.
Australia appreciates diverse looks, and many people tell me that I have an East Asian yet slightly exotic vibe. Because of that, I receive a lot of offers for cosmetics and beauty-related advertising.
I don’t see myself as a model who simply stands in front of the camera. I enjoy creating concepts and building stories. For example:
If you’re looking for a model for product promotion, social media collaborations, or photoshoots, please feel free to contact me anytime.
I can take care of everything from concept planning to styling tailored to your brand.
This is a field where I truly want to contribute professionally, and I’m confident in what I can offer.
When I was living about an hour by bus and a 40-minute walk from the city, I went to an inspection to move closer into Brisbane City. I didn’t know Brisbane had a rainy season, so I didn’t bring an umbrella.
That day, heavy rain poured down and even hail fell. I ran around in the rain for about 20 minutes. The fog was so thick I couldn’t see ahead, and everyone had taken shelter inside buildings, leaving the streets completely empty.
As I searched for a bus between tall buildings, completely soaked, I strangely felt free.
In that unfamiliar place, running through empty streets, people I passed occasionally shouted “Good luck!” It felt as if they were cheering me on—telling me that even in the storms of my life, I was running in the right direction and that I could do it.
My family is very conservative, so every time I tried something like “living somewhere for a month,” they strongly opposed it.
So my solution was… packing my bags at dawn and leaving secretly. (Haha)
When I went to the Philippines for a women’s language program, I told them, “I’m going to work out,” and went straight to the airport. They were absolutely shocked. Language studies, working at guesthouses, part-time jobs—I almost ran away each time.
Australia was meant to be a secret too, but my mum’s friend saw my posts on social media and told her. Since I couldn’t speak English well, my mum was strongly against it. So three days later, I booked a trip to Vietnam with her. While travelling, I showed her that I could actually communicate in English, and eventually, I got her permission.
Now, five years into being the “troublesome child,” I think they understand me a little better. I may be reckless, but they still trust me.
If you’re afraid of family opposition but have something you truly want to do, I honestly recommend just going for it—for yourself.
If you want to practise free talking with foreigners, use small spaces!
For example, if you live in an apartment, try the sauna or shared facilities. When you’re alone with someone in a small space, the awkwardness naturally turns into conversation.
I made friends that way, exchanged contacts, and even learned how to swim. It’s a real hidden tip!
I love surfing, snowboarding, bowling, cooking, and journaling. I enjoy both active and quiet hobbies.
I especially love writing—I’ve probably made around ten small handmade books of my own. I’m very curious about the world, so my list of hobbies keeps growing.
Mum, Dad… please just accept me now. (Haha)
Joking aside, thank you for giving birth to me healthy—that alone means so much.
I secretly shaved my head in the bathroom, suddenly left the country, and caused plenty of surprises. I may be a reckless daughter, but thank you for always trusting me. And you know this already—I’m actually very timid and cautious, so I’d never do anything bad. Please don’t worry too much. I love you.
And this… this is the joy of raising a daughter!
Instagram: instagram.com/moana.yeon
Blog: blog.naver.com/kny2504_moanayeon
