By Honorary Reporter Alice Hong from Canada 
Photos = Korea.net, Alice Hong 

Honorary Reporters pose for this photo at the training complex of the International Peace Supporting Standby Force in Incheon.

With the support of the United Nations, Korea rose from the ashes of its colonial past and the Korean War to become the influential middle power it is today.

The so-called Miracle on the Han River is something many Koreans fought for. Yet I admit that I know so little about the suffering of this nation's previous generations or the war. 

Saepyeongi is this year's official mascot of the Seoul U.N. Peacekeeping Ministerial. 

I wanted to learn more about my Korean heritage, so I signed up to visit the International Peace Supporting Standby Force (IPSSF) with fellow Honorary Reporters and Korea.net staff. 

Located in Incheon, the force's secluded training complex is led by Col. Kang Jung-deok, who gave us an exclusive tour of the training grounds, including areas not normally seen by the public.

Col. Kang Jung-deok speaks to visiting Honorary Reporters during their tour of the IPSSF training complex in Incheon.

During the tour, the colonel said he was proud that Korea, a former recipient of U.N. aid, is now active in providing assistance to other developing countries. 

The Honorary Reporters on the visit received many souvenirs from this tour, including a scarf with the inscription "Beotigo beotigo igyeonaeja" (Hang on, hang on, we'll win this).

Honorary Reporters visiting the IPSSF training compound each received a souvenir scarf.

U.N. peacekeeping forces work to help war-torn nations and the cause of world peace. Thus it was an honor to be among the Honorary Reporters invited to the IPSSF training complex. 

kalhong617@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.