By Honorary Reporter Laarni Calpo from Philippines
Photos = Laarni Calpo

If you love Korea and want to share events related to the country, this is your chance to meet others who share the same love and passion. The following are my five top experiences since joining this program.

Gifts and invitations

As an Honorary Reporter, I receive exclusive invitations from the Korean Cultural Center in my home country to events like Korean cooking workshops, advance movie screenings and exhibitions. Last year, I had a special coverage of the newest building of KCC Philippines, a few days after its opening last March 28, 2022. In November 2020, I also received a "healing" gift package and thank-you letter from the Korean ambassador for my support for Korean culture.

I received this "healing" package in 2020 from the Korean Embassy in Taguig to mark Korea's National Foundation Day.

Meeting people contributing to Korean culture.

I am no journalist or broadcast major, just someone who loves and is passionate about Korea. This program allows me to meet amazing people with great contributions to Korean culture. My first article in June 2020 was on an elderly Philippine veteran of the Korean War, Maximo Young, whom I had the honor of interviewing. In the same year, I also wrote about an adopted Korean from the U.S. who found her biological sister. And more recently, I interviewed a minhwa (traditional painting) artist. 

I interviewed online (Ret.) Major Maximo Young on June 10, 2020.

Sharing my travel experiences via articles and photos

One of my favorite hobbies is taking photos of nature. When I visit Korea, I always share my experiences through photos to encourage others to tour the country. I'm also a supporter of Busan's bid to host the 2030 World Expo, so when I visited the port city last year, I could build my case of why I feel Busan is the best place to host the event. I've also been to the provinces of Jeollanam-do and Gangwon-do and shared tips on spending fall on Seoraksan Mountain and exploring Korea's past in Gwangju.

I visited in October 2018 Gangwon-do Province and Seoraksan Mountain.

Seminars for skills improvement

The program coordinators mentor and guide participants to produce superior work. I regularly receive encouragement and support from them and honest opinions on improving my articles. In 2021, leading members conducted a quarterly seminar to share their knowledge with everyone else in the program. Monthly challenges also offer chances to win gifts.

I used photos of my visit to Busan last year to promote the city's bid to host the 2030 World Expo.

Honorarium and gifts for exemplary articles

Since 2020, I've been writing articles during my free time but I always try my best. Some of my stories have gone on the main site of Korea.net and received an honorarium, official letter of appointment from the Korean Cultural and Information Service, and gifts. But joining this program is far more than that because entry into this growing family is recognition for life. I was pleasantly surprised by the number of Hallyu enthusiasts worldwide who support and cheer one another and share tips on creating amazing work. 

msjeon22@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.