Coming from South Korea, Nina moved to Switzerland almost eight years ago after falling in love with her Swiss now-husband. As a little family of three, she now lives in an idyllic city near Berne, where she also founded her own fashion brand "Nina Yuun".

Fashion, for Nina, has always been more than just clothing. It's a language, a bridge connecting her Korean heritage with her Swiss present. Her mother and grandmother, both fashion designers, instilled in her a love for textiles and form. Now, in her atelier in Burgdorf, inspiration for her collections come from Switzerland and Korea alike. It is her Swiss family and friends, as well as the practicality of the Swiss, along with the warm colours and architectural shapes of traditional Korean buildings that are reflected in her handcrafted fashion pieces.

Seoul’s beauty, too, lies in its duality. With its "ppalli ppalli" or "fast, fast" culture, stepping off the plane in Seoul feels a little bit like entering a world on fast-forward. "You have to work fast, eat fast, then sleep a little bit – and start everything all over again", she jokingly summarizes life in Seoul. This fastness stands in stark contrast to the measured pace of Switzerland, which Nina has already gotten accustomed to. Yet, she finds a peculiar beauty in this frenetic energy: the passion it ignites. For her, it is a reminder to push herself creatively, and to constantly innovate and refine her brand.

While this restlessness can be felt especially in the Gangnam area – with its towering skyscrapers, lined-up BBQ restaurants and fancy clubs, the Gangbuk area – literally translated as the "north of the river" – offers a serene escape from the speedy life. Here, charming neighbourhoods are filled with small, cozy cafes and unique flagship stores. Nestled among these modern touches are little pockets of history, where traditional Korean "Hanok" houses are now home to shops and restaurants and where you can experience past centuries strolling through the old palaces. This constant contrast of tradition and modernity, as well as serenity and chaos – defines the soul of Seoul.

One of Nina’s most appreciated aspects of South Korea is undoubtedly the food culture – she would even go as far as to say that the attitude towards food is the biggest difference between Switzerland and South Korea. "What is so great about Seoul is that you can find food 24/7", she says – and she’s not exaggerating. Just how passionate Koreans are about food can be observed at every corner: from the bustling streets with blinking neon-lights to hidden alleyway gems – wherever you go, and whenever you find yourself on the streets of Seoul, you will always find something to eat.

A visit to the Gwangjang Market in the Dongdaemun area gives us just one example of how South Korea’s food culture lies not only in its delicious offerings, but also in the experience itself. It is not just about the endless selection of Korean street food dishes – but about the ambience and the warm and welcoming shop owners taking care of their customers like family, and about how food is a way to connect and build community.

Throughout our exploration of Seoul, it becomes clear that embracing the "in-between" of South Korea and Switzerland has made Nina appreciate the strengths of each culture and let her glean the best from both worlds – the Swiss focus on quality and efficiency, balanced with the Korean passion and drive. Being in Seoul only a few days at a time, Nina also carries a renewed perspective on travelling. Travelling, she realized, is not just about ticking destinations off a list. But about living a small chapter in life’s story, a reminder to savour the present, and prioritize what truly matters.

Nina's personal travel guide

"When in Seoul …