January 2021
Now that the pandemic has hampered travel, we look back on our trip to Korea last year in November. Attending the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)-Korea Summit in Busan, we and other Honorary Reporters from the Philippines, Indonesia and Egypt over four days collected memories to last a lifetime.
Story and photos by
Korea.net Honorary Reporters, Alexandra Taseva & Dana Tugambekova
TasevaLooking at the buildings and the people, I remember thinking ¡°This feels like home.¡± We were in Busan for just four days but visited many places. I recommend starting with Gamcheon Culture Village.
TugambekovaI had known of the village, a colorful town renovated by local artists and badly wished to visit. It truly is beautiful. We then visited Buddhist seaside temple Haedong Yonggungsa. The staff told us of the story of the temple.
TasevaYes, the temple is a must. There, I got to touch Deuknambul statue. Legend has it that a woman who touches this statue will have a son as her first born. My next recommendation is Busan Tower, which has an amazing view at 69 m above sea level.
TugambekovaI recommend Haeundae Beach. We stayed at a hotel there and walked on the beach every evening.
TasevaWe couldn¡¯t visit many places due to lack of time. I really wanted to visit the Museum DAH and the Museum of Contemporary Art Busan.
TugambekovaAll Korea.net staff were so attentive to our needs and took us to the best places and sights; I also liked all the dishes I ate in Busan, especially the delicious seafood.
When given chopsticks at restaurants, I didn¡¯t know how to use them and my attempts to eat with them were humorous. I hope to learn how to use them soon.
Visiting Korea was great. I saw stunning places and became friends with beautiful people who also love Korea. I especially cherish the photo album and gifts from Korea.net staff.
TasevaI will always remember this trip. I¡¯m grateful for this invaluable experience and hope to see everyone again in Korea after the pandemic.
Sao Paolo, Brazil
Photo Exhibition of Jeju Divers
To celebrate the haenyeo (female divers) of Jeju Island, a UNESCO-designated Human Intangible Cultural Heritage, the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) in Brazil hosted from Sept. 10 to Oct. 3 a photography exhibition featuring the divers. Luciano Candisani, a sea-faring Brazilian photographer, captured during a 35-day stay on the island the daily lives of senile divers. His work has been featured at the Sao Paulo Museum of Image and Sound, plus other KCCs worldwide.
Rome, Italy
Online K-pop Party
The KCC in Rome on Oct. 25 aired on its YouTube channel the video competition ¡°K-pop Party 2020.¡± The winners were chosen by an open pool of digital participants, which led to lively interactions among Italy-based K-pop fans. Among 68 preliminary applicants, final round performers attracted nearly 6,000 views.