By Honorary Reporter Narjes Gharavi from Iran

The King Sejong Institute (KSI) Foundation on Nov. 20 hosted its third annual event for KSI alumni at the hotel Novotel Ambassador in Seoul. 

Around 45 graduates of KSI and 12 representatives from supporting institutions and universities attended the ceremony.

As a KSI graduate invited to the event, I traveled from Busan to Seoul for the first time to attend. Attending the institute's Tehran branch, I was on a KSI scholarship to study in Korea for two months.

The winners of the foundation's first alumni contest also attended, sharing their stories through written or video submissions with their exceptional Korean skills and connections to Korean culture.

The following are excerpts from a Nov. 22 social media interview with Rula Alzughayyar, a Seoul-based Palestinian graduate student who won first place in the competition's video content category.

Briefly introduce yourself.
I'm a Palestinian and proud Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) recipient. I'm pursuing a master's in international studies, specializing in international development, at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul. I came to Korea in September 2022.

How do you feel about winning the foundation's alumni competition?
I'm deeply honored and humbled by the recognition. This achievement has motivated me to embrace life in Korea with more passion and energy.

Describe your journey with KSI.
Before attending KSI in late 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, my exposure to Korean was primarily through K-dramas and K-pop. I took online KSI lessons in Korean, and though the format lacked in-person interaction, it effectively enhanced my grammar and listening skills.

My journey with Sejong was closely tied to the GKS. After my initial application in March 2021 was unsuccessful, I spent the next year improving my Korean by completing two courses at the institute. I reapplied in March 2022, was accepted and began my master's in Korea in September that year. 

Why did you choose Hansik (traditional cuisine) as the topic for your video?
My genuine love for Korean cuisine and passion for food inspired me to choose this. I wanted to create something personal and enjoyable to work with. Plus, I knew this would resonate with many people because who wouldn't love Korean food?

How has life in Korea been for you? 

Korea's natural beauty, vibrant food culture and warm hospitality make it feel like a second home. I also love the breathtaking nature and vibrant cuisine. Throughout my time in Korea, I've always aspired to represent Palestine, sharing our culture and story with the world.

What are your plans?

My ultimate goal is to remain in Korea after completing my master's and work at the Palestinian Embassy. I want to use my Korean skills to build stronger connections between Korea and Palestine and foster understanding and friendship through culture, language and food.

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 Korean.