“The Roots of the Vietnamese Royal Family Blossom in Bonghwa, Becoming Seeds of Global Exchange”

A Thousand-Year-Old Bond Rekindled in Bonghwa
Vietnamese Roots and Korean Heritage Intertwined
K-Vietnam Valley Emerges as a Hub for Global Exchange
Planting the Seeds of Future-Oriented Cooperation

The thousand-year relationship between Korea and Vietnam was renewed in Bonghwa, Gyeongbuk.

The thousand-year bond between Korea and Vietnam was renewed in Bonghwa, Gyeongbuk.

The 'Korea-Vietnam Global Exchange Event' held on August 24 in Changpyeong-ri, Bongseong-myeon, Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongbuk-also known as 'Vietnam Village'-was not just a local event, but a meaningful occasion to celebrate the deep history and shared future of both countries.

The event was attended by a large number of dignitaries from both nations, including Ho An Phong, Vice Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam; Vu Ho, Vietnamese Ambassador to Korea; National Assemblyman Lim Jongdeuk; Kim Hyunjun, Director at the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Park Hyunkook, Mayor of Bonghwa County; as well as Vietnamese residents living in Korea, opening a new chapter of exchange.

◆ From the Vietnamese Prince's Refuge to the Bonghwa Clan Village

Changpyeong-ri in Bongseong-myeon is where the descendants of Prince Lee Yong-sang of the Vietnamese Ly Dynasty took root. In 1226, fleeing political turmoil, Lee Yong-sang drifted to Goryeo and became naturalized. He was granted the family name 'Hwasan Lee' by the king.

His 13th-generation descendant, Lee Jangbal, died fighting against Japanese forces in the Battle of Mungyeong during the Imjin War. In his honor, the Chung Hyodang memorial still remains in Bonghwa today.

◆ K-Vietnam Valley, a Forward Base for Global Exchange

Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Bonghwa County are launching the K-Vietnam Valley project in earnest, taking this event as an opportunity. The event featured a topping-out ceremony for the Multicultural Community Center, a 'Vietnam Day' tour, and the unveiling of a statue of Ly Thai To, a symbol of Korea-Vietnam cultural exchange, adding further meaning to the occasion.

Park Hyunkook, Mayor of Bonghwa County, emphasized, "The roots of Bonghwa and Vietnam, which began a thousand years ago, are now expanding into global exchange," adding, "Bonghwa will establish itself as a hub for culture and tourism connecting East Asia."

◆ Seeds of Future-Oriented Cooperation

This event connected past and present, further solidifying the friendship between Korea and Vietnam. In particular, Bonghwa's Vietnam Village is expected to become a hub for multicultural exchange and a new driving force for revitalizing the local economy.

Vu Ho, Vietnamese Ambassador to Korea, said, "Bonghwa is a special place where the history of Vietnam lives and breathes," and expressed hope that "this stage will bring our two countries closer and serve as a symbolic platform for building a shared future."

They are taking a commemorative photo after the 'Korea-Vietnam Global Exchange Event.' Photo by Byunggun Kwon

The sounds of traditional Vietnamese music and the waves of the Taegeukgi flag in Changpyeong-ri, Bongseong-myeon, created a scene reminiscent of a thousand-year-old lost connection being restored today. The reporter witnessed firsthand the moment when this small village in Bonghwa was reborn as an international stage embracing the history and future of both nations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.