I had the pleasure of speaking with Sun Jung, founder of Hungry Gopher, a YouTube channel and holistic wellness brand that blends Korean food traditions with natural health remedies. Her story, rooted in vibrant South Korean childhood memories and shaped by cross-cultural revelations, is a powerful reminder that the American Dream isn’t one-size-fits-all—it evolves with you.
Childhood in a Transforming South Korea
Sun describes her childhood in South Korea as “fun, intimate, and loud.” She grew up during a time of rapid economic growth, when construction sites buzzed throughout the city and ice skating in cabbage farms was a beloved winter tradition. Despite the noise, there was a deep sense of community. “My best friend lived right behind my house,” she recalled. “We shared a wall—I would just yell out her name when I wanted to play.”
This density and connection fostered a lifestyle where walking alone at night, even as a young girl, felt normal and safe—something that would later contribute to a major culture shock in the U.S.
Moving to the U.S.
Sun came to the U.S. initially to study English in Athens, Georgia. There, she met her future husband, and after a long-distance relationship and visits across continents, she made the move permanent. But her desire to experience the United States went beyond romance. “Even as a child, I wanted to check out America,” she shared. “It seemed open, liberating. So different from Korea’s homogeneity.”
The media-fed version of the U.S. gave her a glamorized view—blockbusters, pop songs, and cultural openness—but living here was a very different experience. Western media, where allowed, plays a significant role in immigrants’ expectations of the U.S. – a topic I love exploring on this show.
Culture Shock: From Safety to Skepticism
Her first major culture shock came during those peaceful nightly walks in Georgia. What felt like a normal stroll turned into a safety concern. A local woman warned her about a campus serial rapist making headlines. “I was shocked,” Sun said. “In Korea, walking alone as a woman at night wasn’t a big deal.”
She quickly realized that many of her assumptions about American life—from safety to social norms—had been shaped by idealized portrayals in the media. And even within the U.S., each state feels like a different country.
Falling in Love with California
After five years in Georgia, Sun relocated to California—and it was there that her version of the American Dream began to bloom. “California felt like the America I dreamed of,” she said. The diversity, nature, and cultural openness made her feel welcomed and at peace.
Even moving into a predominantly Black neighborhood was met with unexpected warmth. “People were curious, welcoming, and just so kind,” she explained. “I’ve never felt more embraced.”
Navigating Family, Distance, and Cultural Expectations
While she misses the street food and close-knit feeling of South Korea, Sun appreciates the space and independence that life in the U.S. offers—especially from well-meaning but overprotective family dynamics. “My mom still sends me birthday cards reminding me to wear sunblock and drink water,” she laughed. “In her eyes, I’ll always be three years old.”
Though she now visits South Korea every few years, she’s found that physical distance brings emotional clarity—and a stronger bond with her roots.
A YouTube Channel Born from Healing
Sun’s YouTube channel, Hungry Gopher, began after the film company she worked for went bankrupt. What started as a passion project sharing simple Korean recipes has now evolved into a holistic wellness platform.
Her flagship program, the Korean Gut Healing Formula, combines traditional Korean dietary wisdom with modern science to help people struggling with gut issues, skin problems, and chronic pain.
Sun’s own health journey—battling chronic skin issues and burnout—led her to discover a deeper truth: Culture itself can make you sick or help you heal.
“I had been eating clean and living healthy, yet I collapsed from exhaustion. No doctor could explain it. That’s when I realized the pace and expectations of my upbringing were still driving me—right into burnout.”
A Simple Yet Powerful Wellness Tip
Sun offers a wellness tip that costs nothing but intention: take three minutes of complete rest every day. “No phone. No tasks. Just breathe,” she said. “Rest isn’t a luxury—it’s your birthright. You don’t need to earn it.”
Her message struck a deep chord in our conversation. As women, immigrants, and high-achievers, we often internalize the idea that rest must be earned. But our worth isn’t tied to productivity. “You’re fine just as you are,” she emphasized. “Nothing is wrong with you.”
Watch Now
Sun’s American Dream has evolved far from the glossy version she once imagined. Today, it means using her bicultural perspective to create belonging—for herself and others. “We are global citizens,” she said. “You belong, wherever you are.”
She dreams of a culture that embraces stillness, healing, and authenticity. “The bigger-is-better mentality has run its course. It’s time to ask: what really matters?”
With Love, Heidy
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