Hi! I’m Haneul or you can call me Bella! I am a university student currently living in Chicago. I love learning about different cultures, sharing stories, and experiencing life from new perspectives. I'm a respectful guest, clean, quiet, and genuinely curious about the world and the people in it.

I was born in Seoul South, but I've been raised in Thailand. In my free time, I enjoy exploring neighborhoods on foot, trying out local food spots, and spending time with cats (seriously, I love cats). I also enjoy deep conversations about anything from philosophy to everyday life, but I'm equally happy just hanging out quietly.

Growing up, I traveled a lot with my mom and sister, which gave me a deep love for exploring new places. Now that I’m in college, it feels like it’s finally my turn to see the world on my own terms and Couchsurfing feels like the right way to do it. It is real, human, and a little unpredictable in the best way.

Traveling on a student budget has taught me how valuable kindness and connection can be. I'm on Couchsurfing not just to find a place to stay, but to meet real people and learn about their lives and communities.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

I’m on Couchsurfing because I believe the most meaningful part of travel isn’t the places, it’s the people. Hotels are fine, but they don’t teach you how locals live, eat, or think. I want to connect with people, hear their stories, and see the world through their eyes, even if just for a little while.

As a student, I also travel on a budget, but more than that, I want to experience travel in a real, human way, not just as a tourist. Couchsurfing feels like a space for kindness, trust, and curiosity, and I’m excited to be part of that.

Kindness and manners are core values for me. I always try to be a respectful, considerate guest and approach every interaction with warmth and gratitude. Couchsurfing feels like a space built on trust and generosity, and I’m excited to be part of a community that believes in those things too

Interests

I’m endlessly curious about the small details that make cultures feel alive, the way a recipe changes from family to family, the unspoken rules of greetings, or the songs people hum when they think no one’s listening.

I’m the kind of person who gets excited about spotting street art, finding a hidden café, or rescuing a stray cats. Adventure for me can mean soaring over mountains or quietly turning pages in a book that feels like a friend.

Psychology fascinates me, not just as a major, but as a way to understand what makes people tick, what makes us connect, and how kindness shapes the world.

And honestly? I love the unpredictable magic of meeting strangers who become friends over shared stories and unexpected moments.

• animals
• culture
• traveling
• music
• surfing
• languages
• psychology
• volunteering
• film photography
• kindness
• skating

Music, Movies, and Books

My music taste is all over the place, in the best way. I love everything from classical to rap to indie. Some of my favorite artists are Hozier, Novo Amor, Coldplay, Billie Holiday, and Louis Armstrong.

One movie I keep recommending to everyone is How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. It’s a Thai film (currently on Netflix) that really broke my heart in the best way. So beautiful and so sad, it stayed with me long after the credits rolled.

My favorite book is The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. I read it during one of the hardest times in my life, and it gave me a lot of comfort and perspective. I’ll always be grateful for that book.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

I can’t pick just one so here’s a few: I surfed in Bali, paraglided in Thailand, raised a cat I rescued off the streets, and had a parrot companion for 13 years. Oh, and I moved across the country on my own at 17. Every experience taught me something about freedom, responsibility, and connection.

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach some languages and how to cook dishes from different cultures, I love sharing recipes and food stories.

I’d love to learn more about different ways of life, especially how people find meaning and joy in their everyday routines. Whether it's a local custom, a family recipe, or a small habit with a big impact, I’m always curious.

I can share my stories, my culture, and a listening ear. I believe the best exchanges happen when people feel heard, seen, and fed :)

What I Can Share with Hosts

As a psychology major, I’ve learned how to really listen, not just to reply, but to understand. I’m the kind of person people accidentally end up telling their life stories to, and I consider that a gift. Whether you want to vent, reflect, or just have someone genuinely present with you over tea, I’m happy to share that space.

I also love sharing meals (especially ones with stories behind them), random but oddly specific facts about human behavior, and the kind of quiet company that doesn’t feel heavy.

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Cambodia, Canada, Indonesia, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United States

Countries I’ve Lived In

South Korea, Thailand, United States