App Design
Kurung
Designed a mobile app that simplifies access to essential daily information for overseas Koreans.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designed a mobile information platform tailored for Koreans living abroad, integrating essential daily information into a single experience.
Focused on reducing daily friction caused by fragmented information across multiple platforms.
Simplified complex data into clear, accessible, and scannable interfaces.
Led the end-to-end UX/UI design process, from concept to final interface.
Project Type
Mobile App
Target
Koreans living abroad
Timeline
7-8 months
My Role
UX Research
UX/UI Design
Design System
Usability Testing
MARKET RESEARCH
Identified a gap in existing solutions that fail to provide integrated, localized information for overseas Koreans.
"There's no dedicated app that allows Koreans living abroad to easily access the information they check repeatedly. Existing apps are often too complex or lack Korea-specific content.”
Market Gap
No app provides integrated daily information tailored for Koreans.
User Research
Interviewed 30 Koreans abroad to identify information patterns and needs
Opportunity
Large untapped niche market with clearly identified user needs
PROBLEM DEFINITION
!
Core Problem
Overseas Koreans rely on multiple platforms to access basic daily information, resulting in fragmented experiences and increased cognitive load.
1
Scattered Information
Users switch between multiple apps to find the information they need.
2
Language Barriers
Most local platforms use foreign languages, making access more difficult.
3
Repetitive Routines
The same tasks are repeated daily without efficient shortcuts.
4
Lack of Korean Context
Existing platforms do not reflect the specific needs of Korean users abroad.
The Real Impact
These repeated frictions accumulate over time, increasing stress and reducing users’ willingness to seek information efficiently.
KEY INSIGHTS
Users waste time switching between multiple sources to access basic daily information.
Accessing information in Korean significantly improves clarity and reduces friction.
Repeated daily tasks highlight the need for faster access and simplified workflows.
Relevant information for overseas Koreans includes both local updates and connections to Korea.
Simplicity is more valuable than adding excessive features.
"These insights highlighted the need for a simple, intuitive solution that fits seamlessly
into users’ daily routines.”
Who Uses Kurung?
Kurung is a platform designed for all Koreans abroad, of any age or profession, who live and stay connected to Korea.
Students · Working Holiday
Quickly access essential local information and manage daily needs efficiently.
Digital Nomads
Stay updated on global news and exchange rates to support remote work.
Immigrants · Long-term Residents
Access daily information while staying connected to Korea.
Corporate Expats
Monitor markets and manage time differences for efficient scheduling.
Supported Cities & Countries
Vancouver
Canada
Toronto
Canada
Montreal
Canada
Los Angeles
US
New York
US
Seoul
Korea
Tokyo
Japan
Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Sydney
Australia
Singapore
Singapore
How the Design Solves the Problem
** The UI is presented in Korean to reflect the target users. Key features are explained in English below.
Essential Info, All in One Place
Reduced app switching by consolidating fragmented information into a single interface.
Designed for Korean Users
Improved clarity and accessibility by prioritizing Korean language and familiar formats.
Location-Based Smart Access
Provided relevant, real-time information through location-based content.
Core Information Modules
Time Difference
Favorites
Weather
News
Exchange Rates
Market Prices
Real-Time Time Difference
Enabled instant comparison of time differences between locations.
Multi-City Comparison
Allowed flexible comparison across multiple cities for better planning.
Day/Night Visual Cues
Used visual cues to help users instantly distinguish between day and night.
Essential Local Services
Improved usability by providing relevant local services based on user location.
Customizable Favorites
Enabled users to customize frequently used services for quicker access.
Detailed Weather Information
Provided real-time, location-based weather information to help users quickly understand current conditions.
Korean & Local News in One View
Combined Korean and local news into a single view to reduce information fragmentation and improve accessibility.
Exchange Rates
Presented exchange rates in a clear, scannable format for quick comparison and understanding.
Market Price Info (Bottom Sheet)
Used a bottom sheet to present detailed market data without disrupting the main flow.
Currency Converter
Enabled quick currency conversion through a simple and intuitive input interface.
User Flow
Mapped key user flows to ensure intuitive navigation and seamless task completion.
STYLE GUIDE
Established a consistent visual system to ensure scalability and coherence across the product.
IMPACT & INSIGHTS
Designed to reduce daily friction and improve access to essential information for overseas Koreans.
Designed for Speed
Reduced time spent switching between apps by consolidating essential information into a single interface.
Built for Daily Use
Enabled faster access to frequently used information through a simplified and structured layout.
Positive First Impressions
Improved usability and clarity through a clean and intuitive interface.
User Feedback
“Finally, an app that truly understands my needs. Everything I need is right there when I wake up, and I no longer have to switch between multiple apps.”
- Michael P., LA
“The bookmark feature is super helpful. I can access the info I use most often right away, and it saves me so much time.”
- Jenny L., Vancouver
What I Learned
Led an end-to-end design process from concept to launch, strengthening my ability to structure complex information and design practical, user-centered solutions.
Gained hands-on experience in usability testing and iterative design, improving both execution and decision-making skills.
Outcome
Improved information clarity and reduced cognitive load by structuring content into modular, scannable components.
Created a streamlined experience that allows users to access essential daily information quickly without switching between multiple apps.