Dr. Yanymee Guillen, a Peruvian researcher, was conferred the 2025 Seoul Honorary Citizen Award on November 26, 2025, in the City Hall’s Conference Hall in recognition of her contributions to scientific research, cultural exchange, and community building in Korea. With this honour, she became the first Peruvian woman in 23 years and one of the only two Latin Americans to receive the distinction this year.

In an email interview conducted between December 6 and January 13, Guillen, reflecting on the recognition, said, “I did not expect the recognition. I have lived in Korea for over 10 years and have worked hard in my studies and projects, but always with a social and community-driven purpose. Many foreigners in Korea also work for their communities, so being selected was an honor.”

Guillen was born in Peru and studied Nutrition with a focus on community and clinical nutrition at the National University of San Marcos in Peru. Her interest in Korea began during her undergraduate years, shaped by an interest in music. “When I first heard Korean, it caught my attention, even though I didn’t know much about Korea at the time. Through K-dramas and Korean bands, I became curious whether it would be possible to study in Korea,” she explained.

This curiosity led Guillen to the Global Korea Scholarship, a fully funded program supporting international students pursuing graduate studies in Korea. “What began as a hobby of learning languages and understanding cultures eventually led me here,” she said.

After applying through the embassy, Guillen earned her first scholarship to study abroad, arriving in Korea in 2013 to pursue her master’s degree in Food Science at Hallym University. She later completed her Ph.D. in Medicine at Seoul National University. Today, she works as a postdoctoral researcher in cancer research. “I like Korea very much. I feel safe here and am deeply grateful for all the opportunities. Korea was always my first choice. It had been in my plans for more than 10 years,” she said.

However, when Guillen first arrived in Korea, she had to navigate a new culture, language, and work environment. Over time, she adapted and aligned herself with the new way of living. This experience also encouraged personal growth, leading her to adopt healthier routines and a more structured lifestyle. “As a migrant, you eventually adapt to customs. Korea helped me grow beyond who I was, made me trust myself more, and pushed me to unlock my potential. I have never felt bored here. On the contrary, I feel more energized. Of course, I have also faced unpleasant moments and challenges, but when you do things with passion and heart, everything takes a better direction,” she explained.

This mindset led Guillen to dedicate her free time to community work when she arrived in Seoul in 2018 to pursue her Ph.D. Alongside her academic responsibilities, she volunteered in schools, teaching Spanish and sharing Peruvian culture with children and teenagers, and supported cultural and academic programs in collaboration with the Embassy of Peru. “When I first arrived, I didn’t know anyone here. I had no one to ask about scholarships or processes, so I tried to build an academic association as professionally as possible. It was difficult at first. However, later, contacting embassies, companies, and gathering the Latin community became possible,” she explained.

Recognizing this gap, Guillen focused on building academic and professional networks for Peruvians in Korea, where they could share experiences and support each other. In 2021, she founded the Peruvian-Korean Academic Association (ASAPEC), where she initially organized research meetings for Peruvians in 2022 and later expanded it to include the Latin American community in 2023. This initiative created spaces for visibility, academic exchange, and dialogue between students, embassies, and Korean institutions. 

Apart from this, Guillen has been actively involved in science diplomacy, with an emphasis on science and technology policy and women’s empowerment in STEM fields, and leadership development. Through the Peruvian Society of Scientific Researchers in Asia-Pacific (SAPPIENS), she has worked to increase the visibility of Peruvian women scientists by creating academic platforms such as webinars. She also frequently participates in leadership programs for women in science. “Before coming to Korea, I worked on project management and administration, which later helped me create associations and serve as a consultant in science diplomacy. These experiences eventually led me to establish the Peruvian-Korean Academic Association (ASAPEC), which promotes academic exchange, research visibility, and international cooperation between Latin America and Asia,” she elaborated. 

Guillen’s contributions have been recognized both in Peru and Korea. Among her recent honors are the ‘Peruvian Woman Abroad 2025’ recognition, awarded by the Embassy of Peru in the Republic of Korea and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru, for her contributions to academic leadership, scientific diplomacy, and the promotion of Peruvian culture and community abroad, and the ‘Leader Nutritionist of Lima Metropolitan 2024’ recognition, awarded for leadership and contributions in the field of nutrition in Peru.

The cumulative efforts from 2018 to 2025 also contributed to Guillen’s nomination for Seoul Honorary Citizenship.The title is usually given to ambassadors, artists, diplomats, and individuals who make significant contributions to the city. The minimum residency requirement for the nominees is three years, and they must demonstrate sustained contributions during that time.The evaluation process, which spans approximately eight months, is rigorous and requires nominees to submit detailed supporting documentation. For Guillen, the recognition carried special significance as she became the first Peruvian woman in 23 years and also the first student, having been one for more than eight years, to receive the award.

Reflecting on her journey, Guillen said that the experience has been deeply fulfilling. “I started from zero. I wasn’t known, and many doors didn’t open at first. I contacted people and institutions many times and was rejected. Little by little, through events, working with embassies, and demonstrating responsibility, things began to change. Today, my work is recognized, although that was never the goal. I simply wanted to support and contribute to our community. Additionally, being a scientist and researcher while simultaneously leading community initiatives has helped me value myself more as a person, as a professional, and above all, as a woman and human being. I realized that I can do meaningful things, especially to help others. The ultimate goal has always been to integrate and contribute to social well-being and education,” she said. 

Looking ahead, Guillen is exploring new projects and collaborations, guided by a clear commitment to improvement and growth in her role as an honorary citizen of Seoul.

*This article was 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.