Speaking at the meeting, Prof. Hoang Anh Tuan expressed his honor to welcome the Korean delegation to visit and work at the School. The President emphasized that in the context of globalization and increasingly deep cultural exchange, promoting exchange programs between students of the two countries is not only meaningful at the level of cultural experience, but also a strategic step in strengthening cooperation in education, research and academic exchange between training institutions of Vietnam and Korea. "The school always attaches importance to international exchange activities, especially programs connecting the young generation - those who will continue to preserve and promote cultural values and the spirit of friendship between the two nations. We hope that, after this visit, the School of Social Sciences and Humanities and the Moonsoo Youth Association, Woljeongsa Temple will continue to expand cooperation programs in the fields of research, training and Buddhist cultural exchange" - Prof. Hoang Anh Tuan expressed.
Monk Lim Donguk (head of the delegation) (Ho Phap), abbot of Woljeongsa Temple - a typical Buddhist center of Korea, representing the delegation - expressed his sincere thanks to the teachers and students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities. Monk Lim Donguk affirmed that the values of Zen are not only spiritual practices, but also the foundation for nurturing understanding, empathy and respect between people - things that both the Vietnamese and Korean people aim for in their philosophy of life and national culture.
The visit and exchange at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities is the highlight of the 5-day journey of the Zen cultural exchange program in 2025. Before that, the youth delegations of the two countries participated in many rich activities such as Dharma talks, meditation practice, cultural workshops and visits to historical and cultural relics of Vietnam such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature - Quoc Tu Giam, Hoan Kiem Lake, etc. These experiences not only help the youth of the two countries better understand each other's culture and history, but also provide an opportunity to exchange new perspectives on education, ethics and sustainable development.
Accompanying the program is Chan Tam Tourism Service Co., Ltd. and Tam Chuc Tourist Area (Ninh Binh) who have supported and contributed to creating a cultural and spiritual bridge between the two countries. The program "Vietnam - Korea Zen Cultural Exchange 2025" also has the participation and coordination of Temple Stay Vietnam to organize with the consistent message: "Zen is not only a spiritual practice, but also a bridge connecting the culture - the souls of East Asian youth."
From a cultural and spiritual activity, the program has become a symbol of the soft connection between the two countries - where traditional values are lit up by the spirit of learning, sharing and cooperation for development. The event not only marks a step forward in the Vietnam - Korea friendship, but also affirms the pioneering role of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in promoting international cultural exchange, spreading humanistic values and the spirit of open knowledge - true to the mission of a leading center for research, teaching and cultural connection in the region.
Some other pictures from the program:
