The fifth group of Korea.net honorary reporters held its induction ceremony at the National Hangeul Museum in Seoul on Dec. 11 and thereby officially began its formal blogging activities for the upcoming year.

As part of the ceremony, the writers took a two-day trip to Jeonju, the North Jeolla capital, and throughout the trip, the reporters candidly expressed their affection for Korean traditions. Here, we would like to share with you some of their vivid voices.

** Elena Kubitzki (Germany, student)


- Do you currently live in Korea? How long have you been here?
I'm from Berlin and I came to Korea as an exchange student about three months ago. I've been studying Korean Studies at the Free University of Berlin, and now at Myongji University. I'll stay and take my second semester here in Korea next year.

- What made you choose Korean Studies as your major?
I visited Korea when I was in high school. I stayed at a private high school in Ilsan during a three-week student exchange program. That's when I began to have some interest in Korea. I made up my mind to study Korean Studies at university, and now I'm here revisiting Korea.

- Where or how did you learn about the Korea.net honorary reporter program and how did you apply for it?
My professor in Berlin told me about it. I heard that my university in Berlin was told about the program, looking for reporters. I learned about it from my professor.

- What're your plans as a Korea.net honorary reporter?
I ran a blog when I was in Germany and posted things about Korea. For example, on my blog I reviewed a Korean restaurant in Berlin. I don't think writing for the Korea.net blog is all that different from what I was doing on my own blog. I'll share things that I see, hear about and experience here in Korea, through the Korea.net blog.

** Lisa Scheidig (Germany, student)



- Do you currently live in Korea? What made you come to Korea?
I've been studying Korean Studies in Berlin, and this semester I'm studying at Ewha Womans University as an exchange student. I debated a lot before I chose this school in Korea, including the competitiveness and intensity of the course, and I chose Ewha, but what I've found so far is that Ewha's courses aren't easy.

- What made you study Korean language and Korean Studies?
I've always liked Korea. There was no special reason, I just like it.

- Where or how did you learn about the Korea.net honorary reporter program and apply for it?
I learned about it through my university in Berlin. My university first knew about it, and then recommended to us that we apply for it.

- What're your plans as a Korea.net honorary reporter?
I think I'll mainly share my stories about food and travelling, things that I'll experience while I'm staying in Korea, through the blog. Recently I've taken a Korean cooking class for international residents in Korea. I've learned how to make kimchi, bulgogi, kimchijeon pancakes and ssambap lettuce wraps. I want to share all of these experiences.

** Katerina Lygkoni (42, from Greece, student)



- What made you come to Korea?
I studied at a Korean language school in Busan for one year in 2012. That’s the year when I came to Korea for the first time. After the course, I was lucky enough to attend the Korea Development Institute (KDI) School of Public Policy and Management on a scholarship. I had one goal in mind: to improve myself and get a better job. I am currently studying for a master’s degree in public policy. The program I'm in here is really difficult, but I try to put up with it all. Based on the knowledge I'll have accumulated by graduation, I'll hopefully get a better job, either back in Greece or else here in Korea, or else somewhere else around the world. This is my ultimate goal.

- Please tell us how you became a Korea.net honorary reporter.
I stumbled upon an ad at the KDI website. I thought it would be interesting to write about Korean things as a reporter. I found that among the reporters who were on the trip to Jeonju today, there were two other KDI students. We were all glad to meet each other here. Now that exams are over, I'll have enough time to spend on writing blog posts.

- If you have any stories in mind, what do you want to write about at the blog?
I live in Sejong City, where the KDI School campus is. The city is also home to many government organizations, and the architecture is really awesome. The National Library of Korea, Sejong, especially, boasts state-of-the art architecture. I’d like to write about some of these modern buildings here in Sejong City.

Another story I want to share is the deep-rooted ties between Korea and Greece. Greece was one of the nations that fought for South Korea during the Korean War (1950-1953). I'll write about similarities found in traditions and lifestyles, as well as historical ties that both countries share.

- How do you feel about exploring the Hanok Village in Jeonju?
This is the first time for me to visit not only Jeonju, but also the neighborhood that houses all the Hanok buildings. Such traditional buildings, filled with tiny cafés and stores, give me a unique experience that I can only get in Korea.

** Daniel Nur Sentana (23, from Jakarta, exchange student at Kangwon University)


- What made you come to Korea?
I came to Korea last August as an exchange student at Kangwon University where I major in English education. After this semester, I'm supposed to go back to Indonesia. I'm sorry for that. I'll definitely come back soon.

- Please tell us how you became a Korea.net honorary reporter.
I came across a post looking for the next batch of honorary reporters at Korea Clickers, Korea.net's Facebook profile. The Korea Clickers profile has helped me keep abreast of what’s going on across Korea. When I saw the post, I submitted an application right away. I thought it would be a cool experience.

- If you have any stories in mind, what do you want to write about at the blog?
I’d like to bring up the clean, advanced transportation system in Korea. The first time I used a subway or a bus, I was kind of shocked. It’s really clean and easy to use for first-time non-Korean passengers like me, which is in stark contrast to the busy and unclean transportation system in my hometown, Jakarta.

- How do you feel about exploring the Hanok Village in Jeonju?
This is the second time for me to try on Hanbok, but it's the first time for me to stroll around the Hanok village clad in Hanbok. I also find it impressive to see tourists, all dressed in Hanbok, playing traditional games like neolttwigi, a seesaw game, and kicking the shuttlecock, jegichagi.

** Carmen Li (20, from Toronto, student)


- What made you come to Korea?
I traveled to Korea last June for the first time, as I study as an exchange student in the business department at Chung-Ang University. After this semester, I have to return to Canada. However, I'll get a part-time job at the university to make some money over the next semester here. I like being here and would like to stay as long as possible.

- Please tell us how you became a Korea.net honorary reporter.
I saw at the Korea Clickers profile that Korea.net was looking for its fifth group of honorary reporters. I’ve always been interested in the "Korean Wave," the popularity of K-pop and Korean soap operas in East Asia and elsewhere. I thought that working as an honorary reporter would give me more opportunities to travel across the country and to explore its numerous aspects. I hope to gain a lot of interesting experience during my time in Korea.

- If you have any stories in mind, what do you want to write about at the blog?
I'll write about what I’ve experienced first-hand. The first story will be about my time today at the Jeonju Hanok Village. I'll also write about the Korean food I’ve tried.

- How do you feel about exploring the Hanok Village in Jeonju?
What's intriguing is that Jeonju has its own atmosphere, indigenous to the nation and to the people, which can’t be found in Canada. Regional specialties in Jeonju are really tasty, too. I'm glad I came here.

** Marian Azmy (36, from Egypt, student)


- What made you come to Korea?
I'm currently studying for my master’s degree at the KDI School. I'm scheduled to graduate at the end of next year. My post-graduation plan is to earn a Ph.D., not at my current school, but at a different school. My ultimate goal is to get a job in Korea. I want to take full advantage of the knowledge I gained from both my master’s and doctorate courses.

- Please tell us how you became a Korea.net honorary reporter.
I came across the honorary reporter ad at the KDI website. I applied for it right away in hopes of sharing with many readers from around the world the variety of experiences I’ve gone through while living here. - If you have any stories in mind, what do you want to write about at the blog?? Among my writing topics are stories about the modern buildings and the government system in Korea. As I live in Sejong City, I’d like to highlight the government bodies and the modern architecture built in the city, as my city, Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is also home to many government organizations. It would be also interesting to compare architectural styles in both countries.

I also want to write about the way in which the Korean people enjoy Christmas. I'll go and see first-hand how people celebrate Christmas in downtown Seoul, especially in the Myeongdong shopping district and at Gwanghwamun Square, where, I expect, a variety of Christmas decorations will be lit.

- How do you feel about exploring the Hanok Village in Jeonju?
This is my first visit to the Jeonju Hanok Village. It’s really fun. I had such fun staying for a night in a Hanok hotel. I slept well, feeling warm all night with the ondol heating system. I also tried on some Hanbok for the third time. Walking around the neighborhood, dressed in Hanbok, was a whole new experience for me.

** Aaron Snowberger (U.S., currently living in Jeonju)


- What do you do for a living?
I teach English and computer science at Jeonju University.

- What made you come to Korea?
I came to Korea ten years ago to teach English.

- Please tell us why you became a Korea.net honorary reporter.
I've been running a blog, and I wanted to learn more about Korean culture and language. That’s why I applied for the honorary reporter position.

I personally believe I can be a better English teacher if I know Korean better so that I can teach my Korean students better.

- What do you think of this trip to Jeonju?
Very nice. As I live in Jeonju with my family, this place is my home town.

- Do you have any suggestions for Korea.net?
I wonder how actively Korea.net interacts with its readers. I hope that in the future Korea.net could focus more on interactions with its readers.

I also wish that Korea.net could get some known YouTubers as honorary reporters, or could run a micro blog. This is because these channels can have a stronger impact with a visual message, rather than through words.

- Do you have any future plans as a Korea.net honorary reporter?
I'm passionate about traditional Korean designs and traditional patterns. As a reporter, I hope I can learn more about these areas and develop my interest in them.

** Bradley Kirby, (Canada, currently living in Incheon)


- What do you do for a living?
I teach English at Inha University.

- What made you come to Korea?
I decided to come to Korea to teach English in 2005.

- Please tell us why you became a Korea.net honorary reporter.
As I love to take photos and enjoy travelling, I've collected a lot of content over the past ten years. I applied for the reporter position as I wish to share my collection with others.

- What do you think of this trip to Jeonju?
Really good. When thinking about traveling to Korea, many people think of only Seoul, but Jeonju is very fun and fantastic, and the food is much better.

- Do you have any suggestions for Korea.net?
I have no big suggestions at the moment, but in the future, as I work as a reporter, I'll be able to give a better suggestions as I get to know Korea.net.

- Do you have any future plans as a Korea.net honorary reporter?
I've been running a Facebook account for three years, and recently opened a new blog so that readers can have better access to my writings. Likewise, I hope more people can enjoy my stories more easily.

** Guy Kusters (Belgium, currently living in Busan)


 - What do you do for a living?
I don’t have a specific job at the moment. I came to Korea to settle here. In the future, I plan to open a studio here to teach hapkido.

- What made you come to Korea?
I first came to Korea in 1994 for a martial arts event. At that time, I was only in Seoul, so I didn't know much about Korea. I came to Korea again in 2000 and loved the weather, nature and food here. Since then, I've come to this country many times. I'm very interested in traditional Korean culture, such as traditional music.

- Please tell us why you became a Korea.net honorary reporter.
When I was in Belgium and in the Netherlands, I found that Korea is less well-known overseas than other Asian countries. So I thought Korea needs to be better promoted around the world. I visited the Korean cultural center in Hungary. Last year, I also visited the Korean cultural center in Belgium. I found that Korea has a lot to promote, all around the globe.

- What do you think of this trip to Jeonju?
Very nice. I'm also happy to meet many people with the same, common interest through this program.

- Do you have any suggestions for Korea.net?
In fact, I have a suggestion for the blog, rather than for Korea.net directly. I hope we could have better communication among the reporters, so that we could create synergy effects. For example, I wish we could share our email addresses so that we don't cover the same topic for our blog stories, or so that we could have some discussion.

- Do you have any future plans as a Korea.net honorary reporter?
I do not have any concrete plans yet, but I have more than ten subjects in my mind. I've also taken a lot of photos. I'll try to develop these one by one, according to time and the season.

** Kim Y. Lacey (U.S., currently living in Busan)



- What do you do for a living?
I'm a student and will begin a master's in international policy at the KDI School. As this is a three-semester program, I'll have no free time; only study.

- What made you come to Korea?
I'm a Korean-American. My mother is Korean and her hometown is Gwangju. So I've visited Korea during vacations. This August, I came to Korea again to study.

- Please tell us why you became a Korea.net honorary reporter.
I love travel and writing. I thought it would improve my writing. I also thought I could do it as I travel. In my view, Korea is less well-known overseas than China or Japan. So I hope I can be of help by writing stories on the blog.

- What do you think of this trip to Jeonju?
I didn't expect a lot, but this program is very well-organized. I'm fully enjoying this Jeonju trip.

- Do you have any suggestions for Korea.net?
I don't know much about Korea.net, but I hope Korea.net can make more use of Instagram and Twitter. This is because it can spread a stronger message with photos than with written words, and attract a lot more attention.

- Do you have any future plans as a Korea.net honorary reporter?
Considering my situation, I'll approach some easier topics, for example the life of an overseas student studying in Korea. I'll plan to develop my interests in the future.

** Paul Estabrook (U.S., living in Seongnam)




- Why did you decide to come to Korea?
I'm half-Korean, and I grew up in a farming town and there were no Koreans near me. I came here to learn about Korea and to figure out this culture and my own identity.

- Why did you apply to be an honorary reporter?
I really like going to cultural events and learning more about Korean culture and history. I try to go to as many festivals as I can. I also recently went to Seoul fashion week at the DDP. I just really enjoy seeing how the modern and the traditional kind of mix in Korea. I think it's a really exciting time as a photographer and as a person. I want to share that because I don't see that happening in other places."

- Is it your first time in Jeonju? What is your impression of the city so far?
Yes, it's my first time. I like all the architecture. Anything that shows the past, I'm deeply interested in that. Sleeping on the floor was a new experience for me, as was eating bean sprout soup. I am willing to try anything once though.

We are going to that hanbok place now, and when I was shooting at the Seoul fashion week, I noticed how the hanbok style is getting mixed into a more modernized fashion sense. People are being inspired by the past and bringing it into the future. I think that's amazing.

- What do you want to contribute to our blog?
Definitely photography. I just feel that photography is a language and a way that we can share stories and make it accessible to everybody. Actually, it breaks the language barrier and I feel that I want to use the talents that I have to share some of the things I find interesting in Korea in a visual way.

As an artist I feel I have one foot inside and one foot outside and I think that's interesting to have. I think this is a strength because when I don't speak, a lot of people will think I'm Korean so I can just take pictures. It's as much of a journey for me as it is with my camera.

** Lilia Pedellume (The Philippines, living in Gumi)




- Why did you decide to come to Korea?
I came here for the first time as a masters student. I studied youth leadership at Hoseo University and graduated in 2011. My original plan was to go back to the Philippines and help out in schools, but I met someone in Korea and got married and we decided to stay longer here.

- Why did you apply to be an honorary reporter?
I think my passion is in writing. I really like writing. I wrote some Korean poems. Also, I want to learn more about Korea and try to understand Korean people more.

- Is it your first time in Jeonju? What is your impression of the city so far?
This is my third time visiting Jeonju. Last time I visited the big church and the Gyeonggijeon Shrine. This is my first time wearing hanbok though - it's very nice.

- What do you want to contribute to our blog?
I hope to write about the Korean language and about my travelling experiences.

By Korea.net Team
Photos: Jeon Han, Korea.net Staff Writer