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Vietnam’s history and culture were introduced at a festival held in Seongdong district, Seoul capital, on September 22.
Vietnamese brides who were married to men from the Republic of Korea gave an impressive art performance highlighting the cultural traditions of both countries.
The women, dressed in Ao Dai (Vietnam’s traditional long dress) and wearing conical hats, performed folk songs, helping Vietnamese nationals in the RoK ease their homesickness.
Addressing the event, Park Noh-soo, honorary president of the RoK-Vietnam Friendship Association (KOVIFA), noted that Vietnam is a friendly neighbour and a comprehensive strategic cooperation partner of the RoK.
“Through this festival, I hope that you will remember Vietnamese girls who were born and grew up in a country that has a rich cultural tradition.
“Everybody should know that relations between the RoK and Vietnam are developing well in all areas, and that Vietnam will be an economic power in the future.
“I hope that this festival is a good chance for local people and multi-cultural families to know more about each other,” said Park, who used to serve as the first RoK ambassador to Vietnam.
Vietnamese Minister Counsellor Nguyen Manh Dong appreciated the KOVIFA and the RoK Ministry of Gender Equality and Family for organising four such festivals in four districts in Seoul capital in September 2012.
“The festival offers a chance for RoK people to get a better understanding of RoK-Vietnam families, as well as the cultural tradition, customs and life of the Vietnamese community in the RoK,” said Dong.
In his welcoming speech, Goh Jae-deuk, head of Seongdong district, confirmed that the local administration pays special attention to the lives of multi-cultural families.
“Together with the development of the friendship and strategic cooperation, the Vietnamese community in the RoK, as well as the RoK community in Vietnam, now numbering more than 130,000, serve as a bridge between the two nations through friendship and blood relationships,” said Goh.
“We will provide the best possible conditions for foreign expatriates, including those from Vietnam, to live, study and work in Seongdong,” he said.
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