Exchanges between Korea & ASEAN #1: A bridge from Han River towards the South East Regions

Tracking back the history back in 1967, when a rising coalition among some of the newest countries after the World Wars was established to promote regional peace, stability and economic growth. After decades, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) connects together all 10 countries in the world southeast region, all agreed on a shared vision of ASEAN, living in peace, stability and prosperity, bonded together in partnership of dynamic development and community of caring societies.

ASEAN as the global powerhouse

The ASEAN community that equivalents to 8.58% of the total world population is considered as a global powerhouse, which is the 3rd fastest growing economy block with combined GDP of $2.8 trillion, after China and India. There was over $3.4 trillion global trade transits through ASEAN region each year, making these lands a spotlighted hub of global trade. Before the pandemic hits, ASEAN achieved a collective annual growth of 5% for many years, which was recognized as one of the world’s best performing regions.

The sparks of connection between Korea and ASEAN

ASEAN maintains a global network of alliances and dialogue partners, forming a central union for cooperation in Asia Pacific by involving in different international affairs and hosting diplomatic missions throughout the world.

As one of the closest friends in Asia, the Republic of Korea connected with ASEAN since 1989 as a sectoral dialogue partner. In 1997, ASEAN Plus Three forum was created to coordinate co-operation between members of ASEAN with China, Japan and South Korea in different subjects, including food security, financial co-operation, trade facilitation and many more.

As the 21st century unveiled, South Korea and ASEAN pushed up their relationship with “Joint Declaration on the Comprehensive Cooperation Partnership” in 2004. Then, it continued with an agreement of economic partnership through ROK-ASEAN Free Trade Agreement which came effective in 2007. Indeed, the relationship between the Blue House with ASEAN in Jakarta was very ‘intense’, in a good way of course. With all the efforts being implemented by both institutes, ASEAN is now Korea’s second largest trading partner and foreign investment destination. While for ASEAN, it is the fifth largest trading partner and recorded people-to-people exchanges up to 10 million people between both regions.

South Korea as a close working partner of ASEAN

A specialized diplomatic force, The Mission of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN was also established in Jakarta close to the ASEAN Secretariat office, which responsible for advancing ASEAN-Korea relations and cooperation in the year 2012. Also, ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit was held in 2009 and 2019, celebrating the 20th and 30th anniversary of ASEAN-Republic of Korea Dialogue Relationship.

Seeing the development potential of ASEAN, the current South Korea President, Moon Jae In introduced the New Southern Policy in 2017 upon his state visit to Indonesia which aims to uplift relations between ASEAN and Korea for the People, Prosperity and Peace.

With the relationship between the Koreans and ASEAN community up to 3 decades, I believed the relationship and exchanges between both institutes may continue solving hardships and achieve mutual prosperity together in the hard times of pandemic. Just like how the President Moon Jae In addressed during the Korea-ASEAN Summit in 2020:

“It (New Southern Policy) will allow the creation of ‘people centric community of peace and prosperity faster, while leading the way into the post-COVID era.”

President Moon Jae In, South Korea

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In the upcoming post of the series ‘Exchanges between Korea & ASEAN’ in MyDaehan, I will share some of the past and ongoing collaboration projects in aspects of economic, culture and politics between each members of ASEAN with South Korea.

More ROK-ASEAN updates & news, please follow MyDaehan.

Together celebrate the 54th ASEAN Day: stronger bonds with the Koreans

by Melvin Tan 🇲🇾 8th Aug 2021

Join Go Go Challenge initiated by Ministry of Environment, South Korea in conjunction with P4G Seoul Summit! #고고챌린지

by Melvin Tan 🇲🇾 28th May 2021

Do You Know | Anything That Relates to South Korea & Malaysia

by Melvin Tan 🇲🇾 26th May 2021

By

Melvin Tan

Online Supporter for Mission of Republic of Korea to ASEAN 2021

Bio-science Master student in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Korean Enthusiasts
Korean learner for 10 years, but still amateur

Instagram: @tanmawen
YouTube: Jom with Mawen

Reference

ASEAN Official Portal
30 years of ASEAN-Korea partnership: From prosperity to peace with people
Wikipedia: ASEAN–Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit
Wikipedia: ASEAN
Forging Deeper Ties: The ASEAN-ROK Commemorative Summit
ASEAN’s 2021 GDP forecasts show cautious optimism in COVID shadow
ASEAN’s Economy
Mission of the ROK to ASEAN Portal: Ambassador’s Greeting
[Press] South Korean president unveils initiative to deepen cooperation with ASEAN

Korean Mission to ASEAN Online Supporter 2021 Program is Finally Launched #publicdiplomacy #ASEAN #ROK #Korea_ASEAN

The Mission of the Republic of Korea to ASEAN hosted the 2021 Korea-ASEAN Online Supporters Launching ceremony on 21 April virtually. 30 online supporters from ASEAN member states were in presence. the online activities will last until December this year. #publicdiplomacy #ASEAN pic.twitter.com/vk0MDRXTbu

— ROK Mission to ASEAN (@ROKASEAN1989) April 22, 2021

30 citizens representing respective ASEAN member countries are officially assigned as the Online Supporters for The Mission of ROK to ASEAN on the last 21st April.

The members were welcomed by the Ambassador H.E. Lim Sung-nam with his congratulatory speech. Through his remark, he pointed out the significance of Online Supporter in enhancing the relations of South Korea into the community of our home country through the channel of social media.

The ambassador was also anticipated of the future contents that will be created by the newly assigned Online Supporters which the program will be carried out throughout the year. Best content and best performer will be awarded with great prize as a token of appreciation and recognition.

Read more about the Launching Ceremony of the program, click to the link below!

READ MORE

https://www.instagram.com/p/COA8GAVJt04/

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Upon the launching of the Online Supporter program, let us hear what some of them will like to share on the honored appointment!

It’s truly an honor to be assigned as the Online Supporter for the Korean Mission to ASEAN out of the many applicants who are interested this year. I promise I will try my best to represent Malaysia and ASEAN as a whole in fulfilling my responsibilities as a Online Supporter.

Melvin, Malaysia (@tanmawen)

Firstly I’d like to thank the Mission of Republic of Korea to ASEAN for the opportunity to be appointed as one of the Korea-ASEAN Online Supporters 2021. I hope through this program, I’ll be able to equip myself with more knowledge about Korea, ASEAN and the bilateral relations & activities from both and create creative contents to promote them to many more other global citizens. And last but not least, looking forward to seeing my fellow online supporters & friends’ exciting contents and perhaps getting the chance to meet them in person one day!

Nurin, Malaysia (@korea.wanderlust)

It’s really an honor for me to be accepted to be an Korea-ASEAN supporter. This will be a valuable opportunity for me to share with more and more people including my beloved friends in Vietnam to acknowledge about Korean culture as well as the reasons why I chose Korea to be one of my targeted destinations out of many other countries in the world. I would say thank you so much to the board of the program and I will definitely try my best to devote for this beloved project

Phuong Thao, Vietnam (Facebook)

Do You Know? | Korean Products Hit Ingredients, Aloe Vera is Best for Hydration, Skin Moisturization & Hair Thickening?

Aloe Vera is a succulent plant species of the genus Aloe originating from the Arabian Peninsula, yet grows wild in tropical, semi-tropical, and arid climates around the world. You can easily find it in many consumer goods including beverages, skin lotion, cosmetics, etc.

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In unpredictable weather like nowadays, we must keep our bodies hydrated, right? 😉

Apart from drinking mineral water, you can hydrate yourself with aloe vera containing beverages too. I am pretty sure that most of you guys already know the benefits of aloe vera. It helps you thicken your hair and moisturize your skin, at the same time keep yourself hydrated as the aloe plant contain high density of water molecules.

The nutrients found in aloe vera juice provide benefits for our body. It is an excellent source of vitamin C, A, and E, beta-carotene, folic acid, calcium, and magnesium.

If you have some leisure time, why not trying to make aloe vera juice at home by yourself. Just extract the spike part of the aloe plant and trim the sides. Then, rigidly slice off the skin and release the gel from it. Since the skin has an unpleasant flavor, make sure you remove it thoroughly. Don forget to rinse the gel too!

Once you get the clear gel, you can blend it until smooth and add some water as you like. 짜잔 (jja-jan)! Your aloe vera juice is ready to serve! 😃

Too tedious for you? Don’t worry! You can simply drink Aloe Vera juice that can be found in the supermarket.

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Here are some lists of Korean aloe vera beverages products I would like to recommend. Let’s have a look!

*Products/shops recommended below are not sponsors, but if any company do want to sponsor us with content, please do contact us at mydaehan2020@gmail.com!*

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ALOE VERA FREMO

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This product is produced by WOO. IL BEVERAGE CO., LTD in Gyeongsangbukdo Province, South Korea. It contains vitamin C, an amino acid that is very beneficial for our body! It is good for overcoming digestive problems, can reduce body acidity, helps maintain liver health, contains adaptogens that can calm nerves and reduce stress levels, and of course can prevent and treat dehydration!

The taste is a little bit sour, so it keeps your eyes wide open and brings extra energy to the body. It contains aloe vera gel too, which is yummy!😆

You can buy Aloe vera Fremo at several supermarkets such as Market city, Papaya, Aeon Supermarket, Frestive, Mugunghwa, K-mart, Hana Mart, Mamakorea, Segyemart, Chunggiwa Meatshop, and Ranch Market or the online store Hmart Indonesia/Malaysia.

Link to Get the Product (Hmart Shopee Malaysia)

Link to Get the Product (Hmart Shopee Indonesia)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CNcGsWFH9qU/

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ALOE VERA DRINKS FROM LOTTE

These are products from the Lotte Chilsung Beverage company. There are many choices of taste and size for this brand, guys. As you can see in the picture, there are kiwi, mango, pomegranate, cherry flavors with aloe vera. For the packaging, you can also choose whether you want cans or bottles. You can try the drink right away with your liking.

Anyways, which flavor do you want to try? I’ll go with mango flavor😍

Link for the Product

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So guys, instead of preparing your own aloe vera drink, which will be quite hard to prepare sometimes, let’s get some ready-to-drink Aloe vera beverages in the market?👌 Go get yours now!

Check out me!
I’m Rita from 🇮🇩

Online Supporters | KOREAN EMBASSY IN KL 2021

Follow in IG: @ritagustn

K-Culture101: All About ‘Hwesik’ (회식) & Korean Table Manners

Let a start with a photo of Korean co-workers go out for a team dinner. You might have seen the scene included in any K-dramas that serve office-life as the main plot. In Korea, this activity is called 회식 (Hwesik).

Hwesik Culture

Hwesik means dining together and its considered as a special occasion because they only doing this once in a while in some conditions.

For example, a company finally reached their target after spending months with overtime work, when your family member got to achieve something they longed for, or anything that you want to celebrate by eating together with your loved ones.

Swag gang doing Hwesik.

Of course, hwesik is fun especially when you are not the one who pay the bill! But do not forget the fact that alongside with K-Pop’s fame (which we couldn’t deny), Korea is also well-known as a country that uphold in terms of ethics and politeness in all aspects of their life, including during Hwesik. There are some kind of unwritten rules you better follow.

But don’t worry yeorobun! 🙂 I will share some helpful Table Manner tips you can practice if you are invited to a Hwesik or any meal occasions with the Koreans. Pay attention, okay?

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1. Prepare eating utensils

What do you need the most when eating beside the food itself? You guessed right, utensils. Korean in common using chopstick and spoon to eat and the point here is you need to offer yourself to prepare it before someone else did. Trust me, this little action can leave a good impression for them. Also you need to place the utensils starts from the eldest because Korean culture is quite strict on seniority.

2. Start and finish your meals with gratitude expressions!

The start and the end is very important when it comes to Hwesik. Your hunger should not make you eat the menu right after its served and you can not just burping to end your eating session. Here are some gratitude expressions you can say before and after eating:

Before eating
“잘 먹겠습니다!” (jal-meok-keu-sseub-ni-da)
I will enjoy the food!

After eating
“잘 먹었습니다!” (jal-meok-go-sseub-ni-da)
I’ve enjoyed the food!

3. Good sense of timing

I’m totally understand if you feel like rushing to eat delicious foods in front of you. But buddy don’t lose your cool you’ve come this far. Let the elder eats first and you can enjoy your meals right away, all you need to do is follow their eating pace as a sign of respect *wink*.

4. Good practices & habits while eating

The position of your cutlery play a big role in Hwesik. Avoid lifting your bowls because that could be unpleasant to look at especially if you are eating with your boss, so keep them on top of table. Just use spoon to reach remaining soup in the bowl.

Korean use chopstick to eat banchan (side dishes). But after you ate some, make sure to put chopstick back to “sleep position” beside the bowls. Do not sticks your chopstick into the rice just because its more convenient, people might think you are a rude person. But why? There is a good reason behind this!

K-culture hack: A standing chopstick resembles incense at a funeral ceremony which is not something good to think while you eating.

5. Drinking etiquette (*for the non-Muslims*)

Drinking is an important element in local Hwesik culture. Drinking alcohol is a symbol of celebration and usually the boss will be saying motivational words to encourage employees who has been working so hard for the company. Then, you will hear them cheering “konbae!” (Korean style of “cheers!”).

There are rules to follow for the drinking etiquettes. What you need to do is looking for any empty glasses and offer to fill up for them. You use one hand holding the bottle and use other hand to prop up (as shown in the picture below!). If someone willing to pour drink for you, unless you have strong reason not to drink do not refuse it and comfortably accept with both hands to show politeness.

K-culture hack: In Korean drinking etiquettes, it is a ‘no-no’ to fill your glass by your own (if you’re drinking with someone). If you’re drinking with a senior of older age, you should offer to fill up their glass first. Then, allow them to fill up your glass.

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We have been learning the Korean style of table manners. It’s pretty easy right? You just have to practice to get used to it. Politeness is the key so remember to control your body language and how you behave in a Korean Hwesik.

Let us refresh one more time by answering to the poll below! 🙂

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ERIN

BIMA, INDONESIA 🇮🇩
An Honorary Reporters for Korea.net

Follow Me in Instagram: @gooyerin

Do You Know? | Why Do Koreans Love Ginseng? Is Ginseng that good?

Have you ever watched K-drama and seeing the actors or actress sucking on those little sachet things? Well, I bet you have 😊

For those of you who are wondering what ‘Ginseng’ is, don’t worry! I’ll tell you guys that those things are Korean Ginseng Extract.

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Ginseng is a plant and one of the most prevalent herbal medicine as it has been used for centuries. There are numerous types of this plant, yet American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) and Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng) are the most popular. The chemical components found on this herb such as Ginsenosides and gintonin are accountable for the clinical effect.

The study states that Ginsenosides as the main active substance in Ginseng is more abundantly found in Red Ginseng. Panaxydol, panaxynol, and panaxytriol, which are also found in Red Ginseng act as an anti-cancer.

The taste of Ginseng extract is indeed strong. You will like it if you are used to consuming herbal medicine. Yet for those of you who do not like such bitter taste, it’s better to mix it with a glass of warm water.

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According to medical expert Dr. Jusuf Kristianto (MM, MHA, MQIH. PhD), “red ginseng from Korea is not only good for anti-cancer, but also can improve brain function, increase body metabolism, maintain healthy skin, increase energy and stamina (including for people with AIDS), and very good for detoxification.”

Seems appealing, right?😍 No wonder ginseng is a Korean favorite. Even great chef of Malaysia, Chef Wan like drinking this for his health!

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Anyways, since there are various Ginseng brands in the world, I’ll give you guys three recommendation. Check these out!

Disclaimer: Products recommended below is only for suggestion purpose. We do not receive any sponsors from the products. Please evaluate the product to own preferences before purchase.

Cheong Kwan Jang | Korean Red Ginseng Extract Tonic Everytime Immunity Boosting

Cheong Kwan Jang is one of the recognized brand among local Koreans with authentic Korean red ginseng products reliable and safe to consume! Many Koreans buy Cheong Kwan Jang Red Ginseng products as gifts and immune boosting purposes. The Korean Red Ginseng Extract Tonic Everytime Immunity Boosting comes in five main effects: Boost Immunity / Fight Fatigue / Anti-aging / Improve Memory / Support Blood Circulation!

CLICK FOR THE PRODUCT (SHOPEE)

Authentic Korean Red Panax Ginseng – 10% Ginsenosides

Authentic Korean Red Panax Ginseng – 10% Ginsenosides 

Need to conquer the world? take one tablet each morning, and you will possess enough energy to do all day activities. Go get yours!

CLICK FOR THE PRODUCT

GreeNatr Panax Ginseng + Ginkgo Biloba Tablets

GreeNatr Panax Ginseng + Ginkgo Biloba Tablets

Want to improve your brain function? try this ginseng product! Its ingredients combination of Ginseng with Ginkgo-Biloba help you maintain your mental function.

CLICK FOR THE PRODUCT

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While there are numerous benefits of Ginseng, still you should be wary of side effects, and remember not to take excessive consumption.

Let’s give it a try! and see what Korean Red Ginseng can do to your body!

Check out me!
I’m Rita from 🇮🇩

Online Supporters | KOREAN EMBASSY IN KL 2021

Follow in IG: @ritagustn

BLIMEY joins Korean Embassy KL’s 2021 Online Supporters Orientation

Online Supporters that were invited to Korean Embassy during the presentation session with BLIMEY(on the screen) *photo credits to Ms Yasmin Ramlan, Secretary in Political and Cultural Affairs, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia*

2021 Online Supporters program which is held by Korean Embassy in Malaysia has successfully kick-started today as all the Online Supporters gathered this afternoon through a Google meet session for a Orientation program in order to enlighten their roles and responsibilities as well as the upcoming events related to Korea in Malaysia in 2021.

2021 Online Supporters of Korean Embassy in Malaysia *photo credits to Ms Yasmin Ramlan, Secretary in Political and Cultural Affairs, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia *

BLIMEY shared their enthusiasm to collaborate with Korean Embassy in Malaysia to further promote Korea in Malaysia throughout their channels. Jade also told that they are really looking forward to visit Malaysia soon to do some contents~ Online Supporters were also intrigued and excited with BLIMEY’s presence during the orientation, all were busy taking videos and photos when BLIMEY was talking ㅋㅋㅋ

BLIMEY pose for a pic ^_^ *photo credits to Online Supporter – Devitra Ramachandran*

Online Supporters who were invited to the Korean Embassy in Kuala Lumpur also shared some photos of how the event went live from there.

A random round-table photo of the Online Supporters and the Korean Embassy Authorities *photo credits to Online Supporter – Hanim Kamarrudin*

Ambassador of Republic of Korea to Malaysia, HE Lee Chi Beom (right) giving his opening remarks for the Orientation session *photo credits to Online Supporter – Hanim Kamarrudin*

Top 5 Online Supporters shared their slides and presented on their experiences attending Korean events in Malaysia and tips on how to create contents. Content plagiarism is strictly prohibited and any usage of external parties photos should be rightfully credited to the owner. 5 newly appointed Online Supporters also were given the opportunity to talk about their background and future plans.

1st place winner, Ms Zuraidah Ahmad Akhir presents about her Online Supporter journey since 2019 *photo credits to Online Supporter – Hanim Kamarrudin*

Mr. Nah Sejoo (middle), Second Secretary, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia with Ms Yasmin Ramlan (left), Secretary in Political and Cultural Affairs, Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Malaysia as well as Online Supporter, Hazlam Anuar (right) *photo credits to Online Supporter – Marina Ahmad Akhir*

For your information, Online Supporters is a program that unites Korean enthusiasts through various aspects such as culture, food, K-POP, K-drama, history and many more! Selection is done every year and be sure to follow all Korean Embassy’s channels as below for more info on Korean events in Malaysia.

• Instagram
• YouTube
• Facebook

MYDAEHAN will also be actively sharing on updates of Korean news and events in Malaysia through our social media channels below!

• TikTok
• Instagram
• WordPress
• YouTube

Do You Know ? | 16 April Marks the Anniversary of Sewol Ferry Tragedy 🎗

Today on 16 April 2021, marks the 7th year since the Sewol Ferry Incident, which was considered as one of the most impacted disaster happened in South Korea. According to Wikipedia, 304 innocent souls died out of 476 total passengers and crew in the ferry MV Sewol on 16 April 2014 morning.

🎗What happened in the Sewol Ferry Incident?

Sewol ferry was a transport ship for cargo and passengers operated by Chonghaejin Marine en-route from Incheon to Jeju. On the day of the tragedy, 325 students from Danwon High School with other passengers (including some foreigners) were on board, ready to start their trip in one of the most popular holiday spot in Korea, Jeju Island. Unfortunately, the ship started to sink during the sail, leaving many of the passengers drowned in the waters, mostly the students from the high school.

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE TRAGIc DEATH OF 250 STUDENTS IN SEWOL FERRY TRAGEDY

🎗What was the cause of the incident?

Investigations concluded that the direct cause of the sink could be due to ‘unreasonably sudden turn’ of the ship. Besides, overloading and improperly secured cargo were identified as the main cause as well because Sewol was carrying three times the limit of the total cargo weight.

🎗The ‘Yellow Ribbon’

Following the sinking incident, ‘yellow ribbon’ is used to signifying hopes of return and mourning to activism and democratization. The ‘yellow symbol’ became widespread in the internet in hoping the return of the passengers. Until now, this symbol is used to symbolized as a memorial for the lost lives in Sewol incident.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 김호영 HOY (@hoyhoyoung)

“Only truth can prevent tragedy and create a society where life is valued…”

South Korea President Moon Jae-in (in addressing the seventh anniversary of the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster)

🎗A Documentary Movie was made, speaking on the post trauma of the incident – Yellow Ribbon (당신의 사월)

This documentary movie directed by Joo Hyeon-sook was filmed two years ago, which was five years after the Sewol Ferry tragedy. Survivors and bereaved families were interviewed, speaking their sorrow and anger after the trauma of this great incident. The movie was released during 1st of April 2021 in Korea, hopefully viewers worldwide can access to the movie very soon.

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We express the deepest condolence to the victims and their families in the 2014 Sewol Ferry Disaster. 🎗