About Your Busan Local Guide
From Busan to New York — and Back Again
Hello, I’m the founder of The Branding and the creator of Easy Korea Life.
I was born and raised in Busan, the city where ocean breeze meets everyday warmth.
But my story has crossed many borders — I studied at Ohio State University,
spent my high school years in Singapore, and later worked in New York as a global marketing professional.
Living abroad taught me what it feels like to be the “foreigner.”
I’ve been the person who didn’t understand local signs, who struggled with housing contracts,
and who simply wanted a bit of friendly guidance in a new country.
Now, back in Busan, I meet many expats and travelers who feel the same way.
https://easykorealife.com/https-easykorealife-com-living-in-busan-as-a-foreigner/
That’s why I created Easy Korea Life —
a space where I share practical, real local tips that make life in Busan simpler and warmer for foreigners.
This blog isn’t written by a travel agency or AI tool.
It’s written by a real local who’s lived both sides of life — abroad and at home —
and truly understands how it feels to start fresh in a new country.
When I’m not writing for Easy Korea Life,
I run The Branding, a consulting studio that helps startups and small businesses find their identity and communicate with clarity.
My professional work stays in the world of strategy and marketing,
but this blog is where I slow down and write like a neighbor — for those discovering Busan, one local story at a time. 🌊
💼 Professional Background
💡 The Branding — Founder & Branding Consultant
Founder and lead consultant of The Branding, a professional branding and marketing consulting agency in Korea.
- Ranked #1 in Branding Category on Kmong
- Offers “Monthly CMO Service” (₩990,000/month) — a program where a former corporate marketing manager supports startups
- Specializes in brand concept building, content strategy, and marketing systemization
- Consulted 500+ client brands across law, beauty, medical, food, and education sectors
🏛 Local Government Lectures & Consulting
Lectures and consulting for major public institutions and programs:
- Seoul Startup Hub (COEX Lecture)
- Incheon Tourism Startup Incubation Consulting
- Gwangju Information & Culture Industry Promotion Agency Lecture
- Gangwon Social Economy Support Center Consulting
- 2022 MegaZoo Business Summit Lecture
🚀 Startup, SME, and Hospital Marketing Consulting
Over 500 consulting sessions through Kmong, O2Jab, Soomgo, and Tal-ing.
- Plastic surgery & dental clinic marketing (ongoing)
- Law firm and coffee franchise consulting
- Mobile app startup marketing
- Tax, labor, and accounting firm marketing
- Nongshim in-house venture consulting
- Health food and e-commerce startups
🦷 DOF Inc. — Marketing Team Leader
A global manufacturer of dental 3D scanners and milling machines, exporting to 70+ countries.
- Managed online/offline marketing and product planning
- Led 10–12 global exhibitions annually (booth design & PR)
- Produced 20+ promo videos (KOR/ENG/CHN)
- Created multilingual websites
- Secured ₩100M export voucher via SME support programs
🚗 Leo Burnett — Global Account Executive
Worked with Volkswagen, Coca-Cola, and Sprite on integrated campaigns.
- Managed Dieselgate crisis communication
- Planned CRM and recovery advertising campaigns
- Developed in-store marketing and new brand launches
🎬 JWT Adventure — Global Account Executive
Clients: Ford/Lincoln, Ferrero Rocher, Johnson & Johnson, Warner Bros
- Led ATL/BTL marketing for Ford & Lincoln
- Managed new car launch campaigns (Explorer, Kuga, Mondeo Diesel, MKZ Hybrid)
- Created domestic TVCs, print, and mobile ads
- Oversaw media and online marketing strategy
🗽 New York Design Market — Founder & CEO
Founded B2B design marketplace connecting U.S./Europe designers with Korean buyers.
- Established dual corporations (New York & Seoul)
- Onboarded 70+ designers after contacting 1,000+ firms
- Hired 20+ staff across U.S. & Korea
- Achieved 1,000+ daily visitors
- Executed digital campaigns and trade fair collaborations
🧃 Phoenix Communications — Global Account Executive
Integrated advertising agency under Bokwang Group.
Clients: Nestlé, Chevrolet, Danone Korea, Le Coq, Daewoong Pharmaceutical
Managed online marketing for Nestlé Dolce Gusto
Account holder for Nestlé Dolce Gusto ATL/BTL
Planned Chevrolet 100th Anniversary Promotion
Produced catalogs, POP, and package designs for Danone Activia
