On the occasion of the 136th anniversary (May 19, 1890 – May 19, 2026), on May 17, the Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea solemnly organized a ceremony to honor President Ho Chi Minh, with the participation of a large number of officials and staff from Vietnamese representative agencies in South Korea, representatives of associations and the Vietnamese community in South Korea, along with many scholars, artists, partners, and friends who love Vietnam.

This year’s event carries profound political, cultural, and diplomatic significance, not only expressing the heartfelt reverence of the Vietnamese community in South Korea for President Ho Chi Minh – the national liberation hero and outstanding cultural figure – but also contributing to widely promoting to the South Korean public the image of the country, its people, and the noble humanitarian values of Vietnam.

The Vietnamese Ambassador to South Korea, Vu Ho, speaks at the ceremony to honor President Ho Chi Minh.

In a solemn and moving atmosphere, delegates together reviewed the life, glorious revolutionary career, and immense contributions of President Ho Chi Minh to the cause of national reunification and building the foundation for friendship and peace among nations worldwide.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Vietnamese Ambassador to South Korea, Vu Ho, emphasized that honoring President Ho Chi Minh in South Korea not only holds significance for the Vietnamese community far from home but also serves as an opportunity to enhance understanding, empathy, and connection between the peoples of Vietnam and South Korea, based on shared values of peace, cooperation, and development.

A highlight of the program was an exhibition of paintings, photos, and documents about President Ho Chi Minh, vividly recreating important milestones in his life and revolutionary career, while introducing to attendees simple yet inspiring stories about his ethics, lifestyle, and humanitarian thoughts. The exhibition attracted special interest from many South Korean friends, with numerous delegates expressing emotion and impression at the image of a simple, approachable leader of great stature for the era.

Sharing his feelings when attending this meaningful event, Mr. Kwon Sung Taek – Chairman of the Korea-Vietnam Cultural and Economic Exchange Association (KOVECA) expressed deep admiration for President Ho Chi Minh. According to him, President Ho Chi Minh’s thoughts on peace, national independence, humanitarian spirit, and development aspirations are not only significant for Vietnam but also hold universal value for the international community.

Embassy officials and delegates attending the event take a commemorative photo.

KOVECA Chairman Kwon Sung Taek emphasized that through activities organized by the Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea, more and more South Korean people understand President Ho Chi Minh as well as Vietnam’s history, culture, and people, thereby contributing to promoting people-to-people exchanges and strengthening friendship between the two countries.

For Professor Park Yeon Kwan – Head of the Vietnamese Language Department at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, attending this event was an honor. He emotionally shared that, as someone who has dedicated his entire career to researching and teaching about Vietnam, he deeply admires the far-reaching and insightful vision of President Ho Chi Minh – who not only led the Vietnamese people to regain independence and freedom but also was a sage with decisions of epoch-making stature.

Professor Park Yeon Kwan stated that in the Vietnamese Language Department at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, when teaching South Korean students, teachers not only convey the language but also share with them the simple yet immensely great life of President Ho Chi Minh.

“President Ho Chi Minh is not only the great leader of the Vietnamese nation but also a symbol of the aspiration for independence, peace, and compassion. The image of President Ho Chi Minh – simple, approachable yet full of wisdom and courage – has generated special interest among many generations of South Korean students and scholars studying Vietnam,” Professor Park Yeon Kwan shared.

Children perform artistic performances at the event.

Professor Park Yeon Kwan highly appreciated the role of the Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea in persistently promoting academic and cultural exchange activities and specialized exhibitions about President Ho Chi Minh, thereby helping South Korean students and the public gain deeper perspectives on Vietnam’s history, culture, and development path.

Within the framework of the program, delegates offered incense to commemorate President

Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea

The Vietnamese Embassy in South Korea, located in Seoul, serves as a diplomatic mission representing Vietnam’s interests and supporting its citizens abroad. Established following the normalization of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and South Korea in 1992, the embassy has played a key role in fostering bilateral cooperation in trade, culture, and education. It also provides consular services and promotes cultural exchanges, reflecting the growing ties between the two nations.

President Ho Chi Minh

President Ho Chi Minh was the founding father and first President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, leading the country’s struggle for independence from French colonial rule. His legacy is honored at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum in Hanoi, where his embalmed body is preserved for public viewing. As a revered revolutionary leader, he remains a central figure in Vietnamese history and culture.

South Korea

South Korea is a vibrant East Asian nation known for its dynamic blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge modernity. Its history spans thousands of years, from the ancient Gojoseon kingdom and the Three Kingdoms period to the Joseon Dynasty, followed by Japanese colonization and the Korean War, which led to its division. Today, South Korea is a global leader in technology and pop culture, with historic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace and the DMZ reflecting its complex past.

Vietnam

Vietnam is a Southeast Asian country known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes, from the terraced rice fields of Sapa to the limestone karsts of Ha Long Bay. Its history includes centuries of Chinese rule, a period of French colonization, and the Vietnam War, which profoundly shaped its modern identity. Today, Vietnam blends ancient traditions with rapid economic growth, offering a vibrant mix of historic temples, bustling cities, and resilient local communities.

Korea-Vietnam Cultural and Economic Exchange Association (KOVECA)

The Korea-Vietnam Cultural and Economic Exchange Association (KOVECA) is a nonprofit organization established to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between South Korea and Vietnam. Founded in the early 2000s, it focuses on fostering cultural exchanges, economic partnerships, and people-to-people ties, reflecting the strengthening bilateral relations since diplomatic normalization in 1992. Through various events, language programs, and business forums, KOVECA plays a key role in deepening the historical and contemporary connections between the two nations.

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS), located in Seoul, South Korea, was founded in 1954 to foster global leaders with expertise in foreign languages and international affairs. It grew out of the post-Korean War need for skilled diplomats and translators, expanding to offer over 45 languages—the widest range in the country. Today, HUFS is renowned for its specialized education in area studies and international relations, producing many prominent figures in diplomacy and business.

Vietnamese Language Department at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

The Vietnamese Language Department at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) in Seoul, South Korea, is a leading academic program dedicated to Vietnamese language and culture. Established as part of HUFS’s commitment to fostering global expertise, the department has played a key role in strengthening Korea-Vietnam relations since Vietnam’s economic reforms in the 1980s and 1990s. It offers comprehensive training in linguistics, literature, and area studies, producing skilled graduates who contribute to diplomacy, business, and cultural exchange between the two countries.