Vietnamese-Korean Children Embark on a Journey: “Back to the Motherland”

Embarking on a journey to Vietnam presents a unique opportunity for Vietnamese-Korean children to forge a deeper connection with their motherland and its rich cultural heritage. This trip promises to be a transformative experience, offering a chance to explore and embrace the country's vibrant history and traditions.

Administrator

6 August, 2024

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A delegation of Vietnamese expats living in South Korea, comprising teachers and children aged 10-13, arrived in Hanoi on August 4, for a five-day trip titled “2024 Vietnam trip for Vietnamese Korean teachers and children.” The itinerary included exploring the city of Hanoi and the provinces of Ninh Binh and Quang Ninh.

On their first day, the group visited the Tran Quoc Pagoda, a serene attraction nestled in the heart of West Lake, boasting a history of over 1500 years. They were awe-struck by the temple’s ancient allure and unique charm, recognized by Wanderlust as one of the “10 most beautiful temples in the world.”

The following morning, the delegation assembled early at Ba Dinh Square to tour Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum and the Presidential Palace. For many, this was an emotional first experience paying respects to President Ho Chi Minh. They were thrilled to discover artifacts and documents that illuminated the life and revolutionary journey of the beloved leader. The Vietnamese Korean children, in particular, were captivated by Uncle Ho’s dedication to the youth, and they eagerly explored his stilt house and fish pond.

The delegation of Vietnamese Korean teachers and children pose during their visit to President Ho Chi Minh’s mausoleum and the Presidential Palace. Photos: Viet Anh

One of the Vietnamese Korean youths shared, “I admire Uncle Ho for his talent and determination. My teacher taught me to sing ‘Who loves Uncle Ho more than children?’ in Vietnamese.” These children, born and raised in South Korea, are nonetheless fluent in their mother tongue, thanks to the efforts of their parents and community.

A heartwarming moment occurred when the children sang “As if Uncle Ho were here on Victory Day” and recited the “Independent Democratic Republic of Vietnam” motto in Vietnamese, showcasing their connection to their cultural roots.

After a memorable visit to the Presidential Palace, the delegation made their way to the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university. For Vietnamese Korean children like Le Trang, this visit was a revelation. “I was amazed to learn that this was the place where the children of the Vietnamese Imperial family studied,” Le shared. “It’s fascinating to discover the similarities in the educational traditions of Vietnam and Korea.”

Vietnamese Korean children recite the “Independent Democratic Republic of Vietnam” motto at the statue of President Ho Chi Minh

As their two-day stay in Hanoi drew to a close, the delegation met with leaders of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese and visited the Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam. The children enthusiastically participated in a conical hat-making activity, embracing a traditional Vietnamese craft.

Instilling Patriotism in the Next Generation of Vietnamese Koreans

The “2024 Vietnam trip for Vietnamese Korean Teachers and Children” aims to provide Vietnamese Korean children with a profound understanding of their cultural and historical heritage. It offers them a chance to experience the unique values of their Motherland, fostering a sense of pride, solidarity, and responsibility for their country.

Dr. Do Ngoc Luyen introduces the Presidential Palace to the overseas Vietnamese Korean children.

“We want to show these children the richness and majesty of Vietnam’s history and scenery,” shared Dr. Do Ngoc Luyen from Kwang Un University, a member of the delegation. “Additionally, this trip fosters their independence and enhances their Vietnamese communication skills.”

Mr. Doan Quang Viet, another member of the delegation, emphasized the importance of instilling patriotism in the children. “Most Vietnamese parents teach their children about their Motherland, but it’s the ‘real people, real things’ experiences that truly impact their sense of national pride,” he said. “Through trips like these, they can confidently share Vietnam’s history and achievements with their Korean friends.”

The delegation of Vietnamese Korean teachers and children explore the Temple of Literature in Hanoi.

Doan firmly believes that “knowing where you come from is the best way to fight discrimination.” By empowering his children with knowledge and a strong sense of self-esteem about their heritage, he ensures that they can hold their heads high, no matter where life takes them.

Preserving the Mother Tongue Abroad

The Vietnamese community in South Korea, established in 1992 following the diplomatic relations between the two countries, has flourished, with nearly 277,000 members. As a result, the demand for Vietnamese language education in South Korea is on the rise, especially among the next generation of Vietnamese Koreans.

Vietnamese Korean children engage in conical hat-making at the Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam. Photo: Tuan Viet

Nguyen Thi Le Hoa, President of the Vietnamese Association in Gwangju City and Jeolla Province, shared that her community offers free online and offline Vietnamese language classes for children. She emphasized the importance of language in preserving cultural identity and commended the efforts of Vietnamese Korean children in upholding their Motherland’s values.

The South Korean government, through its multicultural policy, has been supportive of initiatives to teach the Vietnamese language to children of Korean-Vietnamese families. Additionally, since 2014, Vietnam has been included as the second foreign language option in the university entrance exams, and some high schools have introduced Vietnamese as an official subject since 2018.