By Honorary Reporter Majid Mushtaq from Pakistan
Photos = Majid Mushtaq

Every life has nice moments and others that are nicer, but for me, one moment is worth writing about. Getting honorary citizenship from the city of Seoul is a moment I will always feel proud of and an honor I will cherish for life.

How it all started
I came to Korea four years ago as a scholarship student. Before arriving here, I thought that just like other students, I would spend half of my day at the lab, pursue a humdrum routine, complete my degree and leave Korea. But within two months of arrival, I fell totally in love with the country because of one thing: the Korea.net Honorary Reporters program, which changed everything for me. Through this program, I've learned a lot about Korean culture, met amazing people, traveled all over Korea from Jeju Island to Dokdo Island, and above all, received awards.

Falling in love with Seoul
When I first came to Korea, I lived in Daegu but later moved to Seoul. Though moving from Daegu to Seoul was a big change in my life that entailed getting used to a new place and a new university and making new friends, one thing never changed: my love for Korea. This was a major reason I remained an Honorary Reporter. I kept writing articles on life and events in Seoul, and the more I explored the city, the more I fell in love with it.
I often say that once you start living in Seoul, every other city pales in comparison. From high-tech subways to mesmerizing landscapes, modern skyscrapers and grand palaces, this city is a dream place for every traveler and one of the world's most livable cities.
I call Seoul "the soul of Asia" because the city is where my soul is and will always be.

Activities and contributions

Over the past three years, I've considered Seoul my second home. I've tried my best to share with the world how beautiful this city is. Apart from working as an Honorary Reporter, I've promoted the city by participating in the following programs.

Global Seoul Mate 2019 

I was selected a Global Seoul Mate by Seoul Metropolitan Government to create and share online and offline content to promote the many charms of Seoul.

Seoul Student Ambassador 2018

I was part of social networking promotions for the city through online and offline events and participated in organizing and planning the fourth Seoul International Students Cultural Festival.

KSmile Campaign by Visit Korea Committee 2017

During the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, the Visit Korea Committee launched the so-called Ksmile Campaign with the slogan "Korea Smiles and the World Smiles Back" to warmly greet foreign tourists while in Korea and raise their enjoyment of the country. We used to go to places in Seoul to distribute KSmile souvenirs, gifts and cards to foreign tourists.

Apart from these programs, I also launched my own website (www.KoreaDiaries.com) to share tips on living in Seoul, things to do in Korea and information on festivals in the country. And since YouTube is popular among youngsters, I started a YouTube channel (www.youtube.com/wanderbeyondborders/) to build cultural bridges between Pakistan and Korea.

Honorary citizenship of Seoul

Being a Seoul honorary citizen is a big honor for me. More than 100,000 foreign nationals live in Seoul, and as of this year, the city has awarded honorary citizenship to 823 people. This honor comes with benefits including opportunities to participate in events hosted by Seoul Metropolitan Government and getting free admission to Seoul Museum of Art, Seoul Museum of History, Seoul Grand Park and other public facilities operated by the city. Above all, honorary citizens work hard to bridge the gap between Korea and their home countries as cultural ambassadors of Seoul.

In conclusion, I want to thank the Seoul municipal government for granting me honorary citizenship. Above all, I am grateful to the staff of Korea.net, Korea Clickers and the Korean Overseas Culture and Information Service for their continuous support. Being an Honorary Reporter played a big role in helping me win this award. And as a Seoul honorary citizen, I pledge to work even harder to spread and share my love for Korea, especially Seoul.