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Hyojoo Ko, like many tech workers, is frequently compelled to work overtime and weekends staring at the pixels arrayed on her computer monitor. What little free time the Korean user interface designer had away the office, she previously wiled away in idleness. Then, a couple years ago, Ko determined that she would pick up a hobby to spice up her life. Intrigued by skateboarding, she discovered longboard dancing and was instantly hooked.

Korean longboard dancer Hyojoo Ko

''I used to live a life that I didn't enjoy just because it fit with what society wanted me to do. Now, I don't want to live for other people of to fit in a social framework. I just want to live my life and do what I want to do.''

— Hyo-joo Ko, on becoming a longboard dancer

Ko’s hobby became something of a passion and she soon started posting her skate videos to YouTube and Instagram. For anyone that feels stuck in the daily grind, Ko councils that it’s never too late to pursue one’s dreams.

Fan card of Korean longboard dancer Hyojoo Ko

LANGUID LONGBOARD DANCER

It has been unscientifically proven that viewing Ko’s longboard-dancing videos — backed by their insouciant soundtracks — has the stress-reducing equivalent of a soothing hot tub soak whilst overlooking a tranquil ocean.

HAPPY LUNAR NEW YEAR

Ko’s “Happy Lunar New Year” video is well on the way to accumulating a quarter-million views. Marketers have taken note of her popularity — she now serves as a brand ambassador for GoPro cameras and Bastl Boards.

EUROPEAN VACATION

Last fall, Ko went on a European vacation, starting in the City of Lights, with visits to the Arch de Triumph, Eiffel Tower and Louvre.

BARCELONA BREEZE

Ko then flew west to Barcelona, where she and her traveling companion met up with fellow longboarder Eloi Pujol for some skating in front of the famed W Hotel…

…and dancing along a walkway flanked by the pier and Mediterranean Sea.

FLICK IN ZURICH

This past summer, Ko was spotted skating the wide-open plazas and sidewalks of Zurich, Switzerland.

Back back back in the day #switzerland #zurich

A photo posted by HyojooKo (@hyojooslife) on

LADY IN LA LA LAND

More recently, Ko visited Southern California, which — aside from offering miles of oceanfront skating — happens to be the birthplace of the longboard’s progenitor (aka the skateboard).

A photo posted by HyojooKo (@hyojooslife) on

MOOD MAKING IN MACAU

In 2017, Ko took her third trip with fellow skateboarder Moonhee. The pair travelled to Macau, China, where they shopped for clothes at fancy boutiques and explored the island on their boards.