By Honorary Reporter John Paul Vergonia from Philippines

Illustration= John Paul Vergonia 

Expect a rewarding journey when you join Korea.net's Honorary Reporters, as members can learn a lot from their peers, get work and life experiences, and share a passion for everything Korea. In the nearly five years I've been in the program, I've enjoyed remarkable experiences with new friends from different backgrounds but the same love for Korea. Here is my story.

Before I joined in 2015, I was studying Korean at the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Metro Manila, as I sought to continue what I'd started in college. While studying, I also joined the Krew, the KCC's official supporters' group, to volunteer at events and further my knowledge of Korea and its diverse culture.

That same year, another opportunity came when Korea.net sought more Honorary Reporters under a program to further promote Korean culture to the world. Though I acknowledged that I was no professional writer, I knew I was good at communicating. I was one of the 76 individuals across the world to form the newest group. Driven with the same passion and love for Korean culture, we were tasked to contribute stories on Korea for Korea.net's blog.

As an Honorary Reporter, I always do my best to fulfill my duties as a cultural ambassador of Korea. While volunteering at KCC events, I also cover them and write content for Korea.net. One event that left a mark on me was the art exhibition "Soul of Korea: Taekwondo" in 2016. It was the first event of its kind organized by the KCC, so I decided to write about it.

In October 2016, Korea.net invited 12 exemplary Honorary Reporters from China, Egypt, Pakistan, Greece, Italy, Germany and the U.K. for a week-long tour of Korea. Three including myself were invited from the Philippines, thus I couldn't believe that my dream of visiting Korea was coming true.

I still clearly remember all the things we did and the places we visited, from the bustling capital of Seoul to the southern port cities of Busan and Tongyeong. My surreal trip to Korea was my first time overseas and there, I finally met my Korea.net family and fellow reporters.

After my visit to Korea, I was more inspired to contribute more for Korea.net and even started a small business related to Korea. In 2017, I opened Hanbap, which was inspired by the efficient food delivery in Korea and the visually appealing lunchbox we had while riding the KTX train from Seoul to Busan during our tour. I was also hired by a leading travel agency in Korea to produce weekly K-food recipes for a website.

The Philippines also has bits and pieces of Koreana, and I've checked them out. In addition attending KCC events in Metro Manila, I've written about the inspiring stories of St. Andrew Kim Taegon, Korea's first Roman Catholic priest and patron saint whose shrine is in the province of Bulacan, and a Korean sculpture artist who helps his community in the province of La Union through his stone art gallery.

Last year, the Honorary Reporters corps reached yet another milestone with a record-high number of participants. During the May 20 induction ceremony at the Blue House in Seoul, reporters got to meet first lady Kim Jung-sook, who called us the "dandelion seeds of peace."

Philippine Honorary reporters are also often invited to events organized by Korea-affiliated agencies and organizations. For example, the Korean Embassy in Taguig last year on Oct. 8 invited us to an event marking Hangeul Proclamation Day and the 70th anniversary of Philippine-Korean ties.

Great opportunities, new learning experiences and long-term friendships are just a few of the many benefits of the Honorary Reporters program and the Korea.net family as a whole. So please join us.

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