Youth strengthens Vietnam-South Korea friendship

Students at the Quang Tri Medical College and Seoul National University – Social Responsibility have reinforced friendship through thoughts, mostly aspirations to learn and dedicate to the community, especially supporting children of disadvantages in Quang Tri with a variety of activities.

Students at the Quang Tri Medical College and Seoul National University – Social Responsibility. Photo: T.L

Significant actions

During the recent Tet holiday, many lecturers and students of the Quang Tri Medical College were heartened by the congratulatory messages they received from South Korea. The lovely lines were sent by young individuals from the Department of Korean Language and Literature, Seoul National University.

They are friends coming on a volunteer trip. They returned to South Korea with cherished memories of the land and people of Quang Tri, and they all wish to return to this peaceful area.

Bui Thi Thanh Loan, a lecturer at the Quang Tri Medical College responsible for international relations, has a strong impression of the Korean student delegation participating in volunteer activities in Quang Tri. The lecturer, who has been working at this school for 22 years, has welcomed and supported many Korean delegations, each leaving a unique impression on her. Among them, the volunteer group from the Department of Korean Language and Literature, Seoul National University, left the most memories. “Most of the members of this volunteer group are students. They come with warm hearts full of friendship,” Loan said.

Previously, Thanh Loan spent two years in South Korea studying for a master’s degree in public health, supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). This experience helped her connect with many organizations and individuals in South Korea, including the Department of Korean Language and Literature, Seoul National University.

In 2022, when she learned that the school would organize a delegation of lecturers and students to Quang Tri for community activities and needed support, Loan volunteered to help. She shared: “They were willing to travel a long distance to organize international exchange activities here. As a resident of Quang Tri, I find it joyful to join them.”

Thanh Loan’s sentiments resonated with many people. During the programs in Quang Tri, the young Korean volunteers received much support from relevant agencies, especially the Quang Tri Medical College and educational institutions. The volunteer group received support everywhere they went. Consequently, the school leadership decided to make this volunteer and friendship exchange program an annual event.

Students from Seoul National University – Social Responsibility introduce South Korean culture to Quang Tri children. Photo: T.L

Building bridges of youth

To ensure the success of the volunteers’ activities in their first year, the leadership of the Department of Korean Language and Literature, Seoul National University, and Quang Tri Medical College emphasized the need to build a bridge of friendship among the students.

In the program, students from Quang Tri and South Korea had the opportunity to interact, learn from, and support each other. They were also the most active participants in organizing community activities. Despite initial concerns about language and cultural barriers, the organizers were surprised by the quick bonding among the young participants.

Reflecting on the time spent with the students from South Korea, Tran Hong Quan, a student from the K8 Pharmacy class of Quang Tri Medical College, appeared happy. Quan, who participated in the program for the third year, shared his initial worries about language and cultural barriers. However, he soon discovered that these barriers could not separate young hearts. Through each activity, Quan felt the enthusiasm and loving hearts of the students, which strengthened the bond between him and the Korean volunteers. He also learned many new skills from this experience.

Returning to the program for the third time, Tran Hong Quan has transitioned from being a supporter to the leader of the student group at Quang Tri Medical College. Together with his teacher, Quan divided the students into small groups to support the Korean students. During the four days, he and the students of Quang Tri Medical College actively participated in various activities such as translation assistance, program arrangement, connecting with relevant organizations and individuals, and creating a lively exchange atmosphere. Despite their busy schedules, the Quang Tri students were always willing to help the Korean group members with personal tasks.

Great support from officials, teachers, and the students of Quang Tri moved the South Korean volunteer group members. Through each activity, everyone seemed to get closer. The stories they shared extended beyond volunteer activities, touching on topics such as learning, family, and interests.

Schoolchildren in Quang Tri are happy to join activities launched by students from Seoul National University – Social Responsibility. Photo: T.L

Sharing good things together

The strongest bond for the students of Quang Tri and South Korea was organizing volunteer activities for children. This year, the participating students were divided into four groups to organize events at eight schools in Vinh Linh District and Dong Ha City.

The activities focused on personal hygiene guidance, environmental protection, and global citizenship. Additionally, volunteers introduced the children to traditional Korean cultural features, aiming to provide them with necessary knowledge and skills in a new and interesting way.

To achieve this goal, the 20 members of the volunteer group from the Department of Korean Language and Literature, Seoul National University, spent much time and effort preparing. They discussed the main activities thoroughly with Quang Tri officials and students to ensure the most suitable implementation.

Participating in this activity for the second time, Bouk Seo, the assistant team leader, shared that before the program, everyone had many thoughts. They wondered if the children in Quang Tri would have difficulty interacting with the group and if they would enjoy the activities. They also considered how to increase interaction.

However, the warm welcome from officials, teachers, and students at the schools quickly helped the team members integrate. As a result, the exchange activities became more lively and joyful. “I’ve never seen such friendly eyes and so many smiles,” Bouk Seo disclosed.

Under the guidance of Bouk Seo and the student groups, the schoolchildren experienced many new and interesting things, such as brushing their teeth, planting trees in recycled plastic bottles, and communicating with foreigners. The children were excited to wear Hanbok for the first time, learn Korean customs, and immerse themselves in traditional Korean games.

The excitement of the students brought joy to the officials and teachers from the schools as well. Truong Thi Thu Hieu, Leader of the Youth Union at Vinh Long Primary and Secondary School, said: “This is an unforgettable experience for our students. The Korean and Quang Tri students have brought many meaningful things.”

During the four days in Quang Tri, the students from the Department of Korean Language and Literature, Seoul National University, felt that time passed quickly. They did not feel like they were in a foreign country but rather at home.

Everyone gave each other affectionate feelings like family members. These feelings grew stronger as they worked together to create simple but meaningful things, supporting the children and contributing to strengthening the good relationship between Vietnam and South Korea.

Tay Long – Linh Pham