Following the Kick-off ceremony of RefKA on May 26th, 2024 at the Korean Embassy in Algeria, located in Algiers. RefKA is a group of Algeria and Korea supporters, 10 members will engage in various activities designed to explore and promote our shared culture and initiatives. ※refKA is an arabic term pronounced 'refqa', it means companionship and symbolizes working together in a friendly and supportive manner. The last 2 letters ‘K’ and ‘A’ are capitalized to represent both Korea and Algeria.

We had the honor to be invited by his excellency Mister the Ambassador You Kijun over a Korean lunch ceremony on May 26th followed by an appointment ceremony. We discussed the importance of promoting the mutual relations between Algeria & Korea and the Key role that youth plays in order to foster better understanding of Korean culture among Algerians.

Ambassador You Kijun shared his rich experience so far as an appointed Korean ambassador in Algeria since 2023, He expressed his love for Algerian cuisine and had a friendly discussion with us on the different cities he visited.

His excellency also talked about the importance of RefKA supporters program role in enhancing public diplomacy and boosting mutual partnerships through various publications especially social media content. He also shared his deep appreciation for the great reception, interest and love that Algerians show for Korean culture, especially the Korean language and Hallyu wave. 

RefKA Kick-off Ceremony picture of the 10 supporters with his Excellency Mister Yu Kijun- Photo credits: Korean Embassy in Algeria

My experience as a newly appointed RefKA 1st Korea-Algeria Supporter has been both exhilarating and enriching so far. 

My role as a RefKA supporter, provided a unique platform to delve into the richness of our shared cultures and initiatives. RefKA members will engage in various activities designed to explore and promote our shared culture and initiatives as a team of 10 supporters sharing mutual love for Korea and the same goal to promote the 2 cultures.

We had a fruitful discussion following the Kick-off and we discovered our role as a supporter under the great guidance of manager Nurhan. The selected Algerian youth who were gathered from various cities in Algeria to be among RefKA supporters, expressed their deep honor and enthusiasm for the program. 

RefKA Kick-off Ceremony picture of the 10 supporters - Photo credits: Korean Embassy in Algeria

'Asma Laidli', a 21 years old College student living in Tipaza expressed how incredibly honored she felt to be chosen as a participant in the RefKA program. She also talked about her excitement to contribute and make a real impact by helping the spread of Korean culture.

‘Ghada Malak Benyahia’. 23 years old living in the city of Constantine, majored in English Literature said “I'm very thankful and honored to be selected as one of 10 members of RefKA, gaining experience working with creative and inspirational people” adding “I hope this chance get us to showcase our abilities to strengthen the relations between the 2 countries, I aspire for this program to get us to work in unity to approach the Korean culture in depth, I will do my best along withe other members to produce educational content about Algeria and Korea”.

'Zeinab Belouaze', aka Lola, from the city of Djelfa said “I was very excited during my participation in the refKA program of the Korean embassy in Algeria”.  She expressed her happiness to be selected as a supporter, adding “I will do my best to introduce Korea to Algerians and spread Korean culture as well.  I have been promoting Korean culture, food, language, Hanbok, and everything related to these for the past 4 years. For RefKA program success, I will do more effort to make all my remaining ideas come true”

Korean Table d'Hote of Beef and Radish Soup served during RefKA Kick-off ceremony lunch - Photo credits: Honorary Reporter Imane Bouhnika 

'Mouna Benamara' and 'Chaima Anane', two Algerian biologists from Algiers, selected as members for RefKA, thanked the Korean Embassy in Algeria for promoting Korean culture saying that it helps strengthen the relationship between our two countries and gain support from everyone involved, adding that they will certainly have great memories throughout the program. Also, 'Idriss Bouhnika' an Algerian influencer who majored in journalism selected as part of RefKA, stressed on the interesting role that RefKA program will play to deepen understanding between the 2 cultures.

Lastly, 'Meriem Ikhlas Gueribi' from Oran, a city in the west of Algeria. Meriem who is majoring in Network and Telecommunications engineering said “I have been selected by the embassy of Korean in Algeria among the 10 supporters for Korean Culture in Algeria as part of the RefKA program. It is such a great opportunity for Algerians to help spread knowledge, promote the Korean and Algerian cultures and strengthen the relationship between The Republic of Korea and Algeria”

One of the key aspects of this position involves writing insightful articles that highlight the fascinating intersections between Korean and Algerian cultures. 

My presentation on Algerian weddings during RefKA Open Talks session - Photo credits: Honorary Reporter Imane Bouhnika 

We had an online Open Talks session on June 25th where the group shared insightful presentations on various aspects of Algerian culture. For instance, I chose to present an overview of the wedding ceremonies in different regions of Algeria highlighting some of the rites and traditions that are still maintained by the Algerian society.

This has given me the opportunity to research and reflect on our shared histories, traditions and find contemporary connections between the 2 countries. 

In addition to writing, I've been actively involved in discovering and creating meaningful digital content. This includes producing videos, social media posts, and other multimedia that celebrate our cultural heritage and promote mutual understanding. Engaging with digital content creation has been particularly exciting, as it allows for creative expression and innovative ways to connect with others.

Moreover, attending major events organized by our embassy will also be the highlight of our role as RefKA supporters. I had the pleasure to be one of the attendees during the GKS Alumni Networking meeting event held at the Korean Embassy in Algiers on June 27th, organized in collaboration with the Korean Embassy in Algeria and KOICA office in Algiers.

Attending GKS Alumni Networking meeting event held at the Korean Embassy in Algeria in collaboration with KOICA- Photo credits: Honorary Reporter Imane Bouhnika 

This event provided a great space to engage with diplomats, cultural ambassadors, Algerian GKS alumni, KOICA office members, Korean families living in Algeria and fellow supporters. We had fruitful exchanges, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Each event is a learning experience, offering new perspectives and opportunities to contribute to our shared goals.

Overall, I believe that my journey as a RefKA 1st Korea-Algeria Supporter will be a deeply fulfilling experience. It will surely help broaden my horizons, build my networks and enhance my cultural knowledge, and of course strengthen my commitment to promote our unique bilateral relationship.