By Honorary Reporter Maulia Resta Mardaningtias from Indonesia

This year, we Honorary Reporters (HR) have experienced many things while performing our duties as members, with changes and improvements to the HR system, launch of a new website for writing, and start of Korea.net's Indonesian-language section.

To get more perspectives on these changes, I interviewed on Dec. 7 Honorary Reporters from Vietnam, the Philippines and Indonesia through email on their stories and impressions of their activities this year.

Vu Do Hai Ha from Vietnam

Vu Do Hai Ha's message to fellow Honorary Reporters

Joining in 2020, this Honorary Reporter was also named this year's best for Vietnamese for writing articles mostly on popular trends in Korea.

"I think my biggest achievement this year as a Vietnamese HR is my articles because they expressed my emotions about Korea and the Koreans people and culture through my knowledge," she said, "I learned to write more interesting articles and improved my writing skills."

Collage of three of her articles on the Vietnamese-language section of Korea.net

She added that her family supports her activities and is another reason for her to stay active in the program.

"I was so happy when they chose me as one of this year's best HRs," she said. "I've met many good people and learned many things from them. I also got a lot of help from friends, relatives and my Vietnam area manager. They gave me strength, confidence and affection and motivated me to try every day."

John Axel Orencia from Philippines

John Axel Orencia's message to the Honorary Reporter community

This Filipino joined the program last year because of his love for Hallyu and writing. "Participating in programs as a supporter and making a contribution to promoting Korean tourism and culture are things I really enjoy doing," he said.

Screen shot of three of his articles on the English-language section of Korea.net

"This has been an excellent year for me as HR," he said. "This year, I wrote 12 articles and five of them were uploaded to Korea.net's main site. That's why my heart is overflowing with joy and gratitude this year." 

Audrey Regina from Indonesia

Audrey Regina's message to Honorary Reporters

Joining the program this year, this member said she had long wanted to apply before Korea.net added Indonesian to its list of languages.

"At the time, (I) wasn't too confident about writing articles in English so I didn't have the courage to join the community," she said. "Korea.net this year added an Indonesian-language section so I finally registered as an HR to write in Indonesian."

She also said she learned many things, gained experience and made new friends with an interest in Korean culture like hers through the program.

"I also had the opportunity to attend events or experience activities related to Korea in my country," she said. "For example, a few days ago, I and several other HRs were selected to join the Korea 360 Supporters Alliance. For me, being an Honorary Reporter is an experience that I will never regret for life."

Screen shot of three of her articles in the Indonesian-language section of Korea.net

"As an Honorary Reporter this year, I wrote dozens of articles and five of them were posted on the Korea.net website. Because of that, I got to share my experience with other HRs at the first workshop for Indonesian HRs. It was an unforgettable experience for me."

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.