RWANDAN EXPAT IN KOREA PROMOTES TOURISM IN PROVINCES

The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism on Feb. 7 launched the campaign “K-Suwon Enjoy with Local 100” to promote tourism in the nation’s provincial areas. Taking part in the initiative is Maronko Moise, a broadcaster from Rwanda. For his part in the promotion, he explored Hwaseong Haenggung Palace in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do Province, tried traditional archery at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and visited a special tourist zone in the area. By Honorary Reporter Foteini Chatzoudi from Greece

Maronko Moise wears a Hanbok with the folding fan jeopsun. (Maronko Moise)

Having lived in Korea for almost eight years, Moise quit his job at the Rwandan Embassy in Seoul to enter showbiz and launch a fashion brand. He has appeared on the KBS TV reality cooking show “Paik Jong-won Class,” TV commercials and a promotional video for the tourism campaign Visit Korea 2023-24.

The followings are excerpts from a Feb. 12-29 email interview with Moise.

How did you get involved with the campaign “K-Suwon Enjoy with Local 100?”

I was invited to join after my friends and I explored Suwon during the filming of the MBC TV reality travel show "Welcome, First Time in Korea?’’ in the episode featuring Rwandans. Our visit to Hwaseong Fortress and taste of Suwon’s famous chicken dish left us with lasting enjoyment.

What was your favorite activity in the campaign?

The performances were unforgettable and became my favorites as I’d never seen such captivating shows despite multiple visits to Suwon and Hwaseong (Gyeonggi-do Province). The bus tour was fantastic thanks to its historical and cultural insights on screens. I wish all visitors to Suwon could enjoy these experiences.

What aspects of this tourism initiative left a strong impression on you?

I would say always having something to discover despite having visited Suwon and Hwaseong numerous times before. Each visit provided unique experiences. It dawned on me that depending on the time of day, day of the week or even the season, one could engage in different activities with a fresh perspective on each visit.

Maronko Moise (front right) goes on the Extended Reality Bus Tour to the Year of 1795 Experience in Suwon, Gyeonggi-do Province. (Korea.net)

What must visitors try in Suwon and what makes the city different from others?

When in Suwon, don’t miss the famous Suwon tongdak (roasted chicken) and other culinary delights at the city’s traditional markets, which offer everything from seafood to fried foods, cookies and rice cake.

Suwon offers a cozy and serene atmosphere distinct from bustling cities like Seoul. It has a sizable population but popular spots scattered across the city create a less crowded and comfortable ambiance. Suwon is an ideal destination for relaxation that combines natural beauty with urban conveniences.

What about Korea do you enjoy most?

I appreciate its safety, advanced development and cutting-edge technology. I consider Korea the ideal environment for embracing technological innovation without constraint. With just my smartphone and internet access, I can navigate anywhere or order food online around the clock. This level of convenience truly makes living in Korea enjoyable for me.

What are your plans this year?

I want to give Koreans deeper understanding of and familiarity with my homeland, which is relatively less known in Korea. So my objective for 2024 is to play the role of bridge between both countries in facilitating cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

*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.