By Honorary Reporter Francesca De Ocampo from Philippines

Photos= Liezel Joy Abano

A simple Facebook post garnered more than 27,400 shares, close to 63,000 reactions and 132 comments. "I am extremely shocked because I didn't expect my post would go viral," said Liezel Joy Abano, a Filipina who teaches English in Ulsan and the author of the post. Filipino netizens lauded Korea's care for its people and even foreign residents amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

After returning to Korea from her native Philippines on April 1, she took the precautionary measure of downloading the Self Diagnosis app to protect herself against COVID-19. Upon arriving at Ulsan's KTX station, she was greeted by public health officials ready to test passengers.

"I got tested quick and all the staff were very friendly and approachable," she said. "In fact, they had Filipino translators already."

After getting tested, she and other passengers from the area were brought to their homes. “Take note, it was all for free, even the medical supplies and the test kits," she said.

As soon as she arrived home, the nearby health center called to check her condition, gave further instructions about the app and advised on guidelines for 14 days of self-isolation. Half an hour later, she was surprised to see outside her door a big box of food and hygiene supplies. Her test results also came out negative.

As a foreign resident of Korea, she commended the government's efforts to manage the pandemic. "They're doing it correctly. They test everyone, whether a Korean or foreigner, keep them quarantined, check on them twice a day by phone and give them food. It's seriously cool local governance. The way they handle the whole situation is a bit calming and gives me hope that Korea can somewhat cope with this virus," she said enthusiastically.

On how she is coping, the resumption of offline learning and talking to fellow Filipinos in Korea have been an encouragement for her. Two of her friends are working on the frontlines at Ulsan's KTX station and doing interpretation for foreigners arriving in Ulsan. "I feel proud to see Filipinos cooperating with the Korean government. There are also Filipinos here who help in the distribution of masks to fellow Filipinos at Ulsan Global Center," she said.

Yet life hasn't always been a bed of roses for Abano. The language barrier motivated her to learn Korean. "I highly recommend you to make the effort to learn Korean," she said. "It helps if you know their language."

On what she loves the most about Korea, she said, "There are several things I love the most in Korea. First, the health care system is amazing. Second, I love their food. Third is (the opportunity for) making money."

"I like how they value their culture. Koreans are so hardworking, which makes them admirable. The internet speed is fast, reliable and available everywhere — in every coffee shop, bar, restaurant and even in transportation (buses and subway). The online shopping service is perfect in Korea. Also, many stores are open 24 hours. Finally, I love how beautiful nature [is in the country]."

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.