By Honorary Reporter César Elohim Ortega Gámez from Mexico

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is providing 100,000 masks to foreign students and residents in the capital who have national health insurance. The photo shows a medical worker at Kyonggi University in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do Province, on March 16 giving masks to international students. (Yonhap News)

At the beginning of the outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), I had so many doubts over Korea's handling of the problem. At the start of the pandemic, Korea was the only country besides China seeing hundreds of cases a day and soon, everyone started "escaping" Korea.

As a graduate student at Sejong University, I found that most international students here all flocked back to their home countries. Flights from and to Korea were getting banned all over the world. Maybe because I'm a foreigner whose Korean is not perfect, I didn't know what the Korean government's plan was. Additionally, I saw many complaints online about government action or inaction against the coronavirus.

As time passed, however, I feel thankful to be in Korea. There is no such thing as a perfect government, but without a doubt, Korea's is one of the world's best in handling the pandemic.

Personally, I have only respect and admiration for the Korean government and the people. Compared to other countries that saw panic shopping, Koreans have behaved spectacularly with no equal in the world.

Honestly, I consider Korea a surreal place while the rest of the world is on lockdown. At least in Seoul, normal life keeps going. If you want to meet your friends or go outside to a park, you can. For me, this is something incredible that only Koreans can enjoy worldwide. I feel so lucky to be in this wonderful country.

Of course, not everything is exactly the same as before. Social events have been canceled, university classes are being held online and many work from home, but I'm confident that Korean society will overcome this situation.

Nevertheless, we should not lower our guard. We need to keep working together, wearing masks, abstaining from going outside if not necessary and cleaning our hands. We must also follow the recommendations of the Korean government. Hopefully, in the following months, Korea will serve as a global benchmark on how technology, education and preparation helped control this terrible pandemic.

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.