By Honorary Reporter Ramona Stefania Tulug from Romania
Photos = Ioana Filipenko

For Romanian students, choosing Korea as a study abroad destination enables them to explore a unique cultural landscape, receive a high-quality education and develop international perspectives. 

The strong influence of Hallyu (Korean Wave), however, has inspired many young Romanians to go to Korea to experience the language, culture, music, fashion, education and values.

Ioana Filipenko displays in Hanyang University jacket.

Ioana Filipenko, a student at the Romanian-American University in Bucharest, said she is living her dream as an exchange student at Hanyang University in Seoul. 

The following are excerpts from a July 7 Instagram interview with her.

Briefly introduce yourself.
My name is Ioana Filipenko. I'm 20 and an exchange student at Hanyang University. I'm passionate about Korean culture and language, which I've studied since 13, and love to dance in addition to my academic interests.

How did you become a fan of the Korean language and culture?
I was instantly captivated by BTS' song "DNA" after watching it on YouTube. I've been a devoted fan since. This discovery fueled my passion for the Korean language, which led me to study at the Romanian-Korean Study Center.

How has studying your major in Korea broadened your horizons?
Majoring in international business in Korea has greatly enhanced my understanding of the field, particularly by focusing on the practical side of issues and analysis. Marketing and finance have always been my preferences. Having studied this field in both countries, I've observed the difference in teaching styles and practical applications of marketing in each region.

What aspects of Korean culture have surprised you the most while in Korea?
One of the most surprising things is people here wear slippers everywhere, regardless of weather or outfit, even with puffer jackets in the snow. And speaking of transportation, I quickly learned that you always have to press the stop button before your station or the bus won't stop, which was quite a shock at first. Also, I've found it interesting how Koreans are impressed when they realize I speak Korean. Their faces immediately light up with genuine excitement when I speak their language.

How was participating in Hanyang annual spring festival as part of a dance crew?
Joining the university's dance crew for their spring semester performance was an incredible journey. We often rehearsed from midnight until 4 or 5 a.m. due to conflicting schedules. I had to push my muscle memory to its limits, learning every move and position.

What I initially thought would be just a simple semester showcase turned into something much bigger. Our choreography was named to the top 10 as selected by seniors to perform at the university's Spring Festival. The real shock came when we found out that we would share the stage with major K-pop artists like PSY, MEOVV, Ailee and (G)I-DLE. Stepping on that stage and performing in front of a huge audience was an amazing and beautiful feeling.

Ioana Filipenko poses at Hanyang University's spring festival (left) and a Romanian booth at an international fair.

msjeon22@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.