By Honorary Reporter Bojana Doneva from Bulgaria
Photos = Bojana Doneva

There is a saying that the secret to happiness is helping others. Volunteering is a way of helping that is not only enjoyable but rewarding as well.

It also allows development of skills such as communication, time management, and interpersonal ability, and helps raise self-confidence while providing a sense of accomplishment.

Among the many types of voluntary work out there, the one I find most enjoyable is volunteering at film festivals. Having volunteered at Bulgaria's Sofia International Film Festival for three straight years, I grew curious over what volunteering at a Korean film festival is like. So I traveled south to Busan last weekend.

I interviewed Park Bo-young, a volunteer manager at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF), about her work.

Q: Please introduce yourself.

Park: My name is Park Bo-young. I'm a volunteer manager for the Local Contribution and Customer Service teams at BIFF.

Q: How long have you worked for the festival?

Park: I started working in May so I'd say almost six months.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

Park: I enjoy working on the task I'm given as well as working together with friends my age and other people in general.

Q: What are the departments a person can apply to?

Park: The film festival has many departments like the PR team. There are also volunteers who help out at cinema venues by checking tickets and providing information to guests. Others help out at events. I believe that thanks to such volunteers who do their best at all the venues and events throughout Busan, the festival can run smoothly year after year.

Q: In your opinion, how is volunteering at BIFF different from volunteering at other events or festivals?

Park: Festivals in Korea are usually short, like two to three days long. But BIFF lasts 10 days or so every year. I believe that having more time to interact with people your age is a great opportunity to make lasting friendships. Even one or two years after volunteering, former volunteers keep in touch with each other.

Q: What would you like to say to people considering volunteering at BIFF?

Park: Thanks to volunteers at BIFF, the festival can flourish and run smoothly year after year. I wish for more people to join the volunteering family. If you like this festival, don't hesitate and apply.

The departments a person can apply as volunteer for are:

General Affairs (office support), Audience Service, Social Contribution, Market Operations (helps out at the Asian Film Market), APM Team (assists business meetings and award-winning events), Public Relations (responds to and provides support to media), Program Room (festival program operations) and Community BIFF (venue management and operations) and others

Applications requirements: Anyone over age 18 who possesses good Korean skills

Application period: June to July

Website: volunteer.biff.kr


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.