· Kim Yuhyun | 22 | Ewha Womans University – Majoring in Western Painting & Communication
· Moon Seo-eun | 22 | Ewha Womans University – Majoring in Textile Art & Art History
Kim Yuhyun: “In Korea, I always felt like I had to fit into a certain image. I wanted to start fresh somewhere no one knew me — to live as a new version of myself. My parents were surprisingly supportive and told me to go for it, which gave me great courage.”
Moon Seo-eun: “My parents were actually against it at first. They worried that since I had never worked before, living overseas might be too risky. But I really wanted to prove to myself — and to them — that I could do it on my own. I needed independence both personally and socially.”
(Shared experiences)
“In just two weeks, we’ve already had quite a few adventures!
· The bus to the Gold Coast:
On our way to the Gold Coast, two passengers started shouting at each other in heavy Aussie slang. The language was so rough that we were frozen in our seats. Then another Aussie stood up and yelled, ‘Get off!’ — and the two suddenly quieted down and sat apart. It was both shocking and oddly fascinating, but we were so tense we couldn’t even turn our heads.
· Korean Festival on the Gold Coast:
We decided to visit the event because we wanted to see our favourite Korean YouTuber, Haetzu. It took us two and a half hours by bus from Brisbane to Southport, and by the time we arrived, we didn’t even get to see the beach! The festival felt a bit unfamiliar, and we wondered, ‘Do we really fit in here?’ Maybe we still had too much of the “Korean mindset,” so it was hard to blend in with the immigrant community. Still, it was meaningful as our first Korean community event abroad.
· The shopping centre incident:
While shopping for some essentials after moving houses, the cashier suddenly collapsed in front of us. For a split second, we panicked — “Should we perform CPR? Call 000? Or is it 911 here?” Luckily, some nearby locals immediately called for help, and the situation was resolved. We were too shocked to say anything and just stood frozen at the counter. After a long pause, we finally managed to speak to the cashier and pay. It’s something we’ll never forget.”
Moon: “Before we came, I already admired Yuhyun’s drive and decisiveness — she’s someone who gets things done. That’s why I wanted to come with her, and it turned out to be the right choice.”
Kim: “I’m not very good at cooking or housekeeping, but Seo-eun takes care of that. I usually handle planning and organising. We balance each other out really well.”
Together, they’re documenting their life in Australia through creative drawings on Instagram.
“We post our illustrations not just to show others, but mainly to reassure our parents and keep a fun record of our experiences,” they said. “Even though we weren’t lifelong friends back in Korea, we built trust and respect during university. Now, living together here, we’re learning even more from each other.”
📸 Instagram: @moonandkim93
Kim: “I don’t want to set overly strict goals. That could just create stress. I just want to live sincerely here, take one step at a time, and show progress through my daily efforts.”
Moon: “My biggest goal is mental independence. I want to live on my own strength, without my parents’ help. I also hope to use this time to figure out my career direction. I’ve been standing at a crossroads, and I believe my experience in Australia will help me find the right path.”
Kim: “I worked as an art academy instructor and took part in several school exhibitions. I also planned and ran booths for festivals and cultural events, as well as traditional craft fundraisers — all connected to my major in textile art. I’m still managing my craft-related social media and hoping to find a way to blend Australian culture with my art.”
Moon: “I may not have much formal work experience, but I was deeply involved in university projects — exhibitions, festival booths, and art-related fundraising. I’ve focused on creating connections between art and real-world activities. Even now, I continue managing my craft page while exploring creative opportunities here in Australia.”
Kim: “I’d love to try something related to my major, but I’m open to anything — café, restaurant, retail, or sales. I’m confident I can learn fast and work hard. I’ve been handing out resumes, but since I don’t have local experience yet, it’s been a bit tough. I’m fairly confident with English, though.”
Moon: “I’ve also been applying to many places — hospitality jobs, as well as tutoring or teaching-related positions. But again, lack of local experience seems to be a hurdle. I haven’t found a job yet, so if any employers are looking for reliable staff, I’d love to be considered!”
Kim: “I adapt quickly and work diligently. Back in Korea, my bosses often told me I was a reliable worker. At one place — even at the post office — they told me to ‘come back anytime,’ but I had to move on. Whatever the job is, I believe I can perform above average. Just give me one week, and I’ll prove myself!”
Moon: “Although I don’t have much work experience, I came to Australia to break out of my comfort zone and live independently. I’m determined to do my best — whether it’s tutoring, art lessons, or hospitality work. I’d truly appreciate a chance to prove myself.”
They even requested that any honest impressions — even critical ones — be included in this story.
From an interviewer’s perspective, both students will need some initial training since this will be their first job experience in Australia. However, they seem to have the right attitude — more willing to learn than to act like they already know everything.
At first, they appeared shy, but as the conversation went on, their positive mindset and strong determination came through clearly. Their English seems quite good considering how recently they arrived, though it hasn’t been tested in a real work setting yet.
Overall, I’d rate them an 8 out of 10 — promising, reliable, and eager to learn. For employers seeking hardworking and honest staff (rather than highly technical skills), they seem like a great fit.
Contact:
· Kim Yuhyun: 0433 909 284
· Moon Seo-eun: 0414 350 338
“Please give us a chance for an interview! We’re confident we can perform above expectations in any role. We’ll approach every task with sincerity and positivity. We’re currently based in Brisbane and would be grateful for any opportunity.”
