By Honorary Reporter Alaa Atef Ebada from Egypt

Photos = Alaa Atef Ebada, Cassandra Yanez Munive, Korea.net DB

Early in November, I received news from Korea.net that I had earned a free trip to Seoul, something I'd dreamed of since age 7. I was one of seven non-Koreans invited: two Honorary Reporters including myself, a K-influencer and four winners of Korea.net's "Talk Talk Korea" contest.

Just a week before my departure, the omicron variant of COVID-19 threatened to derail my visit. Thanks to Korea.net, I arrived at Incheon International Airport safe and underwent tests before being admitted to the country.

Mnet Asian Music Awards
In a big surprise, we were invited to a huge event in Seoul, the Mnet Asian Music Awards, on Dec. 11 featuring many celebrities such as Ed Sheeran, ATEEZ, Aespa and Enhypen. BTS was scheduled to appear but couldn't make it due to the pandemic.

Gyeongbokgung Palace amid cold

On Dec. 13, we dressed up in Hanbok on a freezing winter morning, and it was a magical experience. When I entered Gyeongbokgung wearing Hanbok, I felt like I'd gone back in time and a sense of gratitude and prestige overwhelmed me. The group took a stroll in the palace, took many pictures and watched a performance of traditional guards marching to drums.

Korea.net awards ceremony

On Dec. 14, Korea.net held an awards ceremony and luncheon at the Seoul COEX. I was seated at the same table with Park Jung-Youl, director of the Korean Cultural and Information Service (KOCIS), with whom I had interesting chats on Honorary Reporters and culture. I also gave a short speech on behalf of fellow reporters. 

After the luncheon, we headed to the exhibition hall to attend KOCIS' 50th anniversary celebration. 

Visit to Korea.net office

On my free schedule day, I visited on Dec. 15 the Korea.net office in downtown Seoul. I got to meet the two Honorary Reporter coordinators who helped me write articles behind the scenes. Due to the pandemic, we ordered in and ate at the office.

K-healing On Festival
On the last day of my trip on Dec. 16, I attended a year-end ceremony that KOCIS and Arirang TV prepared and aired live on YouTube. 

First lady Kim Jung-sook gave a congratulatory speech in a video. The K-pop girl group LOONA also gave a performance on video and singer Gong Minzy performed one of my favorite K-pop songs, "Superwoman," on stage. Prerecorded video messages from fellow Honorary Reporters and K-influencers were also aired.  

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.