On September 12, the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City (USSH, VNU-HCM) and the Bonghwa County Government (Republic of Korea) co-hosted the K-Vietnam Valley presentation event to promote Vietnam–Korea friendship. The program commemorated the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic relations and highlighted the depth of bilateral cultural exchange.
Distinguished guests from Korea included Mr. Kwon Dae Han, Acting Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Jang Do Hwan, Head of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Representative Office in Ho Chi Minh City; Mr. Shin Hyung Il, Head of the International Cooperation Division, Bonghwa County; and Mr. Lee Si Chang, Chief of the Ly Hoa Clan Office—descendants of the Ly Dynasty in Korea—along with other Bonghwa County officials.
Representing VNU-HCM were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Minh Tam, Vice President of VNU-HCM. From USSH, Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan, President of the University and Honorary Citizen of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, attended together with Dr. Phan Thanh Dinh, Vice President, department and faculty leaders, lecturers, students, and media representatives.
Overview of the K-Vietnam Valley project introduction event – Photo: Lý Nguyên
In her opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan emphasized that the K-Vietnam Valley Project in Bonghwa County is not only a cultural and historical landmark but also a symbol of nearly 800 years of Vietnam–Korea relations. She noted that the introduction event offered an opportunity to spread the project’s meaningful message, awaken national pride, and raise young generations’ awareness of preserving and promoting cultural heritage. Prof. Lan expressed her hope that the K-Vietnam Valley would become an important cultural and educational landmark, contributing to friendship, tourism development, and the comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Korea.
Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Phuong Lan expressed hope that the K-Vietnam Valley will serve as a key cultural–educational landmark strengthening Vietnam–Korea friendship and cooperation – Photo: Ly Nguyen
Mr. Shin Hyung Il, Head of the International Cooperation Division of Bonghwa County, expressed his honor in attending and extended his gratitude to the university for organizing such a meaningful program. He introduced Bonghwa as a tranquil region known for its natural beauty and as the only place in Korea preserving relics and descendants of the Vietnamese Ly dynasty. He highlighted the special significance of the project amid the 33rd anniversary of diplomatic ties, noting its role in enhancing cooperation between Gyeongsangbuk-do and Bac Ninh provinces, as well as between Bonghwa County and Tu Son City. Mr. Shin also highly appreciated the partnership with USSH and warmly invited faculty, students, and visitors to visit the K-Vietnam Valley to experience and help promote Vietnamese culture.
Mr. Shin Hyung Il praises the collaboration with USSH and invites faculty, students, and visitors to experience K-Vietnam Valley – Photo: Lý Nguyên
In his congratulatory address, Mr. Kwon Tae Han, Acting Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Ho Chi Minh City, affirmed that Vietnam–Korea relations have steadily flourished since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992, particularly after being elevated to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2022. He emphasized Bonghwa’s special role in bilateral cultural exchange and expressed confidence that the K-Vietnam Valley Project would further promote friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
Acting Consul General Kwon Tae Han believes the event will strengthen Vietnam–Korea friendship – Photo: Lý Nguyên
At the event, experts introduced the key values of the K-Vietnam Valley project—from its design concept and long-term development vision to the application of AI technology in management and promotion. K-Vietnam Valley, in the hopes of the Vietnamese community in Korea, is envisioned as a historical bridge and a vivid symbol of Vietnam–Korea relations. The project aspires to become a cultural landmark that not only connects communities but also promotes the image of Vietnam in Korea in a modern, creative, and sustainable way.
The K-Vietnam Valley project stands as a special symbol of the long-standing bond between Vietnam and Korea, and as a living testament to the cultural exchange and lasting integration of Vietnamese people in Korea. Located in Bonghwa County—home to relics and descendants of the Ly Hoa Son lineage—the project covers over 118,000 square meters, featuring key landmarks such as the One Pillar Pagoda, a statue of King Ly Thai To, a museum, and a Vietnamese cultural center. Beyond honoring the Ly family’s legacy, the project also opens up a vibrant space for education, tourism, and cultural exchange, serving as a bridge between past and future and strengthening the foundation for sustainable Vietnam–Korea cooperation.
Exhibition of the K-Vietnam Valley project at USSH, VNU-HCM – Photo: Lý Nguyên
Statue of King Ly Thai To at K-Vietnam Valley, Bonghwa County, Gyeongsangbuk Province, Korea – Photo: Lý Nguyên
The K-Vietnam Valley project introduction event at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, not only celebrated traditional cultural values and affirmed national pride but also opened up practical opportunities for cooperation in education, tourism, and people-to-people exchange.
Additional photos from the event:
MINH KHÔI - QUỲNH NHƯ
TRANSLATED BY: TIÊN VŨ
