The '2025 Korean Language and Culture Summer Campus,' a meaningful cultural education program systematically introducing Korean language and culture in Hai Phong, Vietnam, officially kicked off on July 8th. This month-long campus is expected to provide Vietnamese youth with an opportunity to deeply experience Korean culture and serve as an important stepping stone for cultural exchange between the two countries.

Led by Local Expert, Over 1,500 Students Participate 

This summer campus is co-hosted by KAM Education Institute and the Vietnam-Korea Culture Center. It holds particular significance as Professor Dang Lam Giang of the Department of Korean Studies at Hai Phong University directly planned and oversaw the entire program. Professor Dang Lam Giang is a local expert in Korean culture, teaching students at Hai Phong University of Fine Arts' Department of Korean Studies, working as an announcer for Hai Phong Broadcasting Station (BTV), and successfully operating summer camps for many years. The fact that a Vietnamese professor, not a Korean, is leading the camp is seen as an example of the spontaneous spread and localized acceptance of Korean culture within Vietnam.

Approximately 1,500 elementary, middle, and high school students on summer vacation are participating in this camp, making it the largest ever. Participating students will naturally encounter Korean culture not only through Korean language learning but also through various cultural activities such as Hanbok experience, Korean food making, traditional games, and K-POP dance. Beyond a simple language program, it is expected to be a valuable opportunity for youth from both countries to understand each other's cultures and build friendships.

Rich Programs with Invited Korean Artists 

This year's camp is made even richer with the participation of artists invited from Korea. Pyo Seon-ah, a modern percussionist who reinterprets traditional Korean rhythms in a contemporary way, will present performances and experiential lectures on the theme of 'Modern Percussion: Korean Rhythms and Emotions.' Students can directly handle traditional instruments like janggu and kkwaenggwari to feel the excitement and beauty of Korean music.

Additionally, Hangul calligrapher Pyo Seon-hee will showcase calligraphy demonstrations and introduce the aesthetics and philosophy of Hangul, providing participants with time to experience the depth of the Korean alphabet. Especially during the calligraphy experience, students will have a special opportunity to directly write Hangul, appreciating its beautiful formative art and understanding the principles behind its creation. In addition, various programs are prepared to enhance participant satisfaction, including learning the latest K-POP choreography under the guidance of a K-POP dance expert, Korean film screenings and discussions, and special lectures on Korean history.

Expected to Be a Practical Hub for Korea-Vietnam Cultural Diplomacy 

The organizers stated, "Cultural experiences formed during adolescence form the foundation of long-term bilateral relations," and emphasized their commitment to making this summer campus a practical hub for cultural diplomacy between Korea and Vietnam. This camp, in particular, is expected to greatly contribute to revitalizing private exchanges between Korea and Vietnam. Recently, the Hallyu wave in Vietnam has expanded beyond K-POP and dramas to encompass Korean language learning and Korean culture in general, and this camp is expected to meet this local demand.

Meanwhile, fundraising for the camp's operation is also actively underway. Sponsorship is seen as a meaningful participation that goes beyond simple financial support, contributing to Korea-Vietnam cultural exchange, and anyone including companies, institutions, and individuals can participate. Professor Dang Lam Giang added, "I hope this camp will be an opportunity for students to genuinely like and understand Korea, beyond simple interest," and "further, I hope it will be an opportunity for students to dream of a wider world." He also expressed his deep gratitude to "everyone who has shown sincere interest and support for Korean culture."

This '2025 Korean Language and Culture Summer Campus' is expected to not only introduce Korean culture to Vietnamese youth but also promote mutual understanding and friendship among future generations, ultimately having a positive impact on the development of relations between the two countries in the long term. It is hoped that such private cultural exchange programs will continue to expand, further strengthening the relationship between Korea and Vietnam.

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