By Honorary Reporter Magdolna Magonyi from Hungary
Photos = Andras Hoppal

Runaway Sport and the Korean Cultural Centre (KCC) in Hungary on Aug. 15 held a 2-km race at Budapest City Park to mark the 80th anniversary of Korean liberation. A combined 150 runners competed while holding the Taegeukgi, the Korean national flag, all the way to the finish line.

Runners on Aug. 15 prepare to start the race holding the Korean national flag Taegeukgi. 

Korea and Hungary have a shared history of fighting for independence, making it easy for Hungarians to relate to the unique way Koreans mark their liberation. Carrying the Taegeukgi reminded me of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, when a Hungarian flag with a hole symbolised the country's resistance and struggle for freedom.

Unlike diplomatic missions of other countries that often hold closed-door events, the KCC took a different approach by linking their national holiday to a sporting event and involving Hungarians in the celebration.

Though 150 people officially registered to compete, the race attracted far more people than that.

During the run, cameras captured the swirling dust around the runners as they waved the flag at the golden hour, and many friends and family members also gathered to cheer. The official count of registered runners was 150, but many more joined.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article was 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.