By Honorary Reporter Diana Kassandra Almarez from the Philippines
Photos = Diana Kassandra Almarez  



"ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-Korea Train: Advancing Together," an official side event of the ASEAN-ROK (Republic of Korea) Commemorative Summit, is scheduled from Oct. 15-17.

A combined 200 representatives from Korea and each ASEAN member country will ride the train to foster mutual understanding and strengthen relations between Korea and ASEAN. Participants from both sides will hit major travel destinations in Korea: Seoul, Gyeongju, Busan, Suncheon, Gwangju and the Demilitarized Zone.

As a Korea.net Honorary Reporter, I will join this program to report on it along with Pham My Hanh from Vietnam. I feel honored and grateful to grace this event and serve as a catalyst for change in ASEAN-Korea cooperation in line with the three P's of people, prosperity and peace under Seoul's "3P" initiative.

As a consular and diplomatic affairs major at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in Manila, I feel that events such as the train and the summit are really important for my field of study and in the real-world application of international relations and diplomacy. I feel this is a huge opportunity to be part of the preparation for the summit. Since I've been interested in ASEAN and Korea since high school, I've been volunteering in projects and participating in international programs related to the Philippines, Korea and ASEAN.

Moving on from youth opportunities that I've always gotten, I hope to venture into the real world of diplomacy by attending an official diplomatic event where I can interact with high-ranking officials and representatives. This opportunity is going to be a major part of my personal and professional development as an aspiring diplomat, and also in turning my support for cultural diplomacy, culture and arts into reality. I'm not only a member of the Korea.net Honorary Reporters corps but also a member of my motherland, the Philippines, and the ASEAN community.

People-to-people exchange remains a vital factor for peace, prosperity and the interconnectedness of people in ASEAN member countries and Korea. I wish all the best for the train and the summit.

chaey0726@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.