Following her Incheon Mayor’s Award recognition, Communication major Yaerin Lee continues producing content that supports international residents in Korea.
At the University of Utah Asia Campus, student impact doesn’t stop at recognition.
Last December, Yaerin Lee, a Communication major at the University of Utah Asia Campus, received the Incheon Mayor’s Award for her contributions to improving the living environment for international residents. Now, she is continuing that work—expanding her efforts to create practical, accessible content that helps foreign students navigate everyday life in Korea more safely and confidently.
Lee’s motivation began with conversations she had with fellow international students.
I heard about students who couldn’t secure dorm housing and struggled to communicate with real estate agents because of language barriers. Some even faced difficulties due to misinformation. I wanted to create something that could genuinely help.”
Through a global content internship program, Lee produced Everything You Need to Know About Real Estate in Korea, a video guide introducing foreigner-friendly real estate agencies registered with the Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ) and explaining essential housing contract procedures. The project provided clear, reliable information at a time when many new residents feel uncertain and vulnerable.
Over the past year and a half, Lee has developed a range of informational content aimed at supporting international communities. Among her projects, she cites the promotional video for the 2025 IFEZ Korean Speaking Contest as especially meaningful.
Unlike my previous videos that focused primarily on problem-solving, this project allowed me to incorporate storytelling and creativity. It was rewarding to capture students’ energy and collaborate throughout the production process.”
Looking ahead, Lee hopes to broaden her content focus to include everyday cultural experiences in Korea.
I’d love to create guides about places like Olive Young, Daiso, or even PC cafés—introducing Korean daily life from an international student’s perspective.
Lee’s continued efforts demonstrate how Asia Campus students are applying classroom learning to real-world challenges—strengthening communities, bridging cultures, and embodying the global spirit of the University of Utah.