[Provided by Bonghwa-gun]
[Provided by Bonghwa-gun]

Bonghwa-gun in North Gyeongsang Province held the "Korea-Vietnam Global Exchange Event Commemorating the 800th Anniversary of Prince Yi Yong-sang's Settlement in Korea" on Saturday at Chunghyodang in Bongseong-myeon.

This year marks the 800th anniversary of Prince Yi Yong-sang of Vietnam's Ly dynasty settling in the Goryeo Kingdom, making it a particularly significant occasion.

The event was organized to celebrate the long historical ties between Korea and Vietnam and to strengthen cultural exchange and friendly cooperation between local governments.

About 800 people attended, including Vietnamese Ambassador to Korea Vu Ho, delegations from Bac Ninh city and Tu Son ward, North Gyeongsang Province officials, National Assembly member Im Jong-deuk, local council members, Vietnamese residents and students living in Korea, and local residents.

The program opened with a pre-ceremony performance by a troupe from Bac Ninh Province, followed by a calligraphy performance, the unveiling of a memorial stone at Chunghyodang, and a dragon ornament performance in the style of the Ly dynasty.

The memorial stone was crafted and donated by the Hwasan Yi clan association, adding further significance to the occasion.

The venue also featured a range of side events, including a Vietnamese cultural experience booth and a Korea-Vietnam culinary collaboration showcasing Vietnamese dishes prepared with locally sourced Bonghwa ingredients.

The dragon ornament, which drew the most attention at the event, was made in Bac Ninh city — the birthplace of the Ly dynasty — and presented as a gift to Bonghwa-gun.

Bonghwa-gun Mayor Choi Ki-young said the dragon ornament "symbolizes the deep friendship and trust between the two countries," adding that he would work to establish Bonghwa-gun as a hub for historical and cultural exchange linking Korea and Vietnam.


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com