It’s been over a year since my last trip to Seoul, but here I am again. As I leave the airport and buy a bus ticket, I reflect on my previous experience in the city. I had a wonderful time during my last modeling trip, and now I’m excited to see what this trip has in store for me.
After a long bus ride, I arrive near my hotel and I’m picked up by a car. There are two of my managers in the car, and I’m happy to recognize the person behind the wheel. Everything feels familiar, as if I never left the city. They take me to my apartment, help me with my suitcases, and bid me farewell as I only have an hour before I need to go to a casting.
In the apartment, I try to remember the names and faces of the other girls, but fatigue from the long journey has taken its toll. I do recognize one familiar face – a girl I met during my previous trip to Shanghai. It’s always nice to see familiar faces from past trips, although these reunions usually happen after a year or more. It’s one of the challenges of the modeling life – a lack of stability and a constant feeling of loneliness, despite being surrounded by people.
The room I’ll be staying in for the next two months is small, with two beds. For now, I am the only one in the room, but another girl will join me later. This type of apartment is familiar to me, although the previous one I stayed in was more spacious and allowed for gatherings with my modeling friends. This time, I don’t have to bother the other girls with questions about where things are or how to use them.
Our apartment has three rooms – two doubles and one quadruple. We also have two bathrooms and a living room combined with a kitchen. The cleaning lady comes once a week. Our agency has a total of five apartments – three for girls and two for boys – with around 30 models living there.
After a quick shower, I change into the model’s “dress code” – a black dress – and pack my heels. Models can wear any type of clothing, but black colors and tight-fitting styles are preferred. Before my arrival, my Korean agent sent me an email with a video on how to pose and instructions on what to bring, how to do suitable makeup, and what to wear for castings.
I head to the agency with the girls from my apartment. It’s only a 10-minute walk away. When I arrive, I realize that I hardly know anyone there anymore. The team has expanded and changed a lot during my absence. Nonetheless, the people are still friendly and nice. They give me a bank card for my weekly pocket money ($100). Unlike other countries where agencies give out cash, in Korea, having a bank card is more convenient, although there’s no way to check the balance or withdraw money. So when it’s time to pay for things at the end of the week, I always hope I have enough funds on the card.
It’s time for the casting. Castings in Seoul are usually quick and pleasant. The client usually chooses models in advance, so when we arrive, we are given clothes to try on and sometimes asked to pose or be photographed in full height. There are castings that take place at the agency, where the client wants to see all the models, and these can take more time. But during these moments, you can chat with other models, make tea, read a book, and relax.
During modeling trips, girls engage in various activities. Some think about home and work, some listen to loud music and sing along, and some just have fun conversations. I enjoy talking to our managers and bookers because I learn new things about the country, culture, and people during those conversations.
I really love Korea, and it’s always a pleasure to work there. Overall, modeling work in Korea is similar to that in Spain and Japan. Clients are friendly, relaxed, and often treat us to coffee and delicious food. Sometimes they even let us keep the clothes after a photoshoot. Last year, a designer allowed me to choose an item from the collection we shot, despite it not being my usual style. It was a very nice gesture.
After the castings, I head to the store. The prices shock me, especially coming from my home country, Belarus. But over time, I get used to it and learn where to find cheaper options so that I can manage with the pocket money provided by the agency.
Every evening, I receive an email with my casting schedule or job details for the next day. Usually, I have 4-5 castings per day, starting no earlier than 10 a.m. This gives me enough time to get plenty of sleep and even go to the gym before starting work. After receiving the email, I usually go to bed, allowing myself time to think and prepare for the next day. I’m truly happy to be back in Seoul!