Dabin
- Work:
- nado local host · freelance marketer
- Languages:
- Korean · English
- Into:
- knitting · cooking · photography · wellness
- Hosts in:
- Yeonhui-dong · Seochon · Seongsu
Q. Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Dabin, a local host in Seoul and a freelance marketer.
I’m curious about all kinds of things. When something catches my interest, I’d rather try it than spend too long thinking about it.
A lot of my interests are hands-on, so I often end up making things myself.
Q. What first got you into making things?
It started for very practical reasons.
If there was something I wanted to eat, I’d cook it myself. If I needed something, I’d make it myself.
I started knitting because I wanted to make clothes I’d actually wear.
I never really meant to pick up so many hobbies. I just kept trying things, and one led to another.
Q. What do you like about making things?
The best part is seeing an idea in my head turn into something real. But I also like that things don’t always turn out exactly as planned.
I once spent six months on a cable-knit cardigan. Then it shrank six centimeters after washing.
I’d made it oversized on purpose, but somehow it ended up fitting perfectly.
I was upset at first, but it made me realize that unexpected results can be part of the process too. Sometimes they make what you’ve made feel even more special.
Q. What else sparks your curiosity?
I love seeing musicals when I travel. About ten years ago, I was in New York just as the SpongeBob musical opened.
I’d loved the cartoon since childhood, so I wanted to see how they’d bring that world to life onstage. I booked a ticket that same day.
That feeling still makes me want to try new things and explore new places.
Q. Which Seoul neighborhoods do you love?
I like places where you can get a feel for everyday life.
Lately I’ve been exploring Seongbuk-gu. It’s not very touristy, and I love its slightly retro atmosphere.
I also love Seochon and Bukchon. Wandering without a plan and coming across a small shop or cafe can feel like a trip in itself. I go to Yeonhui-dong a lot too, mostly for the yarn shops.
Q. Is there a moment that has stayed with you?
A friend I met through a buddy program during my exchange in the U.S. later came to visit Korea.
We went to Namsangol Hanok Village and made hand mirrors using hanji, traditional Korean paper.
It made me realize that what feels ordinary to us can be really special to someone visiting Korea.
Q. Where would you take a guest in Seoul?
I’d take them to Pilun-dong in Seochon. You could spend a whole day within just a few blocks.
We’d start at Fillin for a focaccia sandwich, then have coffee in the garden at STAPIX.
After that, we’d stop by Budhi Mudra Seochon to browse the yoga wear, then finish at Rogpa’s shop, which sells crafts made by Tibetan refugee women.
I’d rather take my time than rush from stop to stop.
Q. What do you hope guests remember?
I hope they see Seoul a little differently and find something new in it.
What stays with you after a trip is often the small moments. Laughing on the street, taking a break at a cafe, or a conversation you remember later.
If Seoul becomes a city they want to return to, that would mean a lot to me.
Explore Seoul with Dabin
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