By Honorary Reporter Jean Clyde from the Philippines
Photos= Honorary Reporter Chiarra Sonza from the Philippines


First time in Korea

Invited to tour Busan with fellow Korea.net Honorary Reporters, both Chiarra Sonza and I got the chance to visit Korea for the first time. As an Honorary Reporter, I was excited to experience the unique things that make Busan special, as well as write about my trip and make new friends from around the world.

Chiarra also expected to learn more about Busan and meet a lot of people. As a volunteer at the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines for over three years, she has experienced both cultures for years in promoting them and collaborating on things ranging from arts to history.

First impressions

After arriving in Korea, Chiarra and I stayed at a nice hostel near Hongik University Station and areas featured in the Korean drama "Fight for My Way." As huge fans of Korean pop culture, we chose to visit several spots depicted in or related to Korean dramas, music and movies. Chiarra also noticed every little detail on our trip.

The reality that we finally were in Korea left us in disbelief. A big wake-up call was the cold weather, making us feel that we weren't in our country anymore. But we were so excited over the next day of travel.

When we woke up, however, our roommate accidentally locked the bathroom door. This unfortunate mishap prevented us from catching our KTX train to Busan. Trains in Korea are never late and of course, would not wait for us. Other Honorary Reporters and Korea.net staff had left for Busan without us.

So I have a tip for those usually lax about time. If you miss your KTX train, just go to the nearest ticketing booth at Seoul Station and tell them that you missed your train and that you want to catch the next one. The fee for getting another ticket is KRW 2,500 but that is far cheaper than paying another KRW 50,000.

For those who hate lines, just buy KTX tickets online at this site, http://www.letskorail.com/ebizbf/EbizBfTicketSearch.do,

or use the app at

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.korail.talk&hl=en_US.

The site and app are in English, Chinese and Japanese as well as in Korean.


Touring Busan

To give the Honorary Reporters a richer experience in Busan, a cultural tour was arranged with tips and insight on a variety of areas ahead of the city's hosting of the ASEAN-Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit from Nov. 25-27. We got a glimpse of the best go-to places in Busan, the country's second-largest city.

Before the trip, I expected to meet and bond with fellow Honorary Reporters as well as immerse myself in the tradition and culture of Busan. What I didn't expect was to make deep connections with them and new friends over the tour's three days.

I also met fellow Filipinos residing in Korea, some working and others studying. I felt an instant connection when meeting them thanks to our shared language Tagalog. In addition, I also bonded with other participants who didn't speak my mother tongue but shared the same passion for Korea as I did. This made my trip easier and more comfortable.

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.