The ceremony for introducing and presenting the textbook "Modern Korean Society"

On August 19, 2008, a ceremony was held at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) to introduce and present the textbook "Modern Korean Society". This is one of the products of a collaborative project to publish textbooks on Korean studies between Seoul National University and Vietnam National University, Hanoi, which has been underway for three years.

Attending the introductory ceremony were Mr. Im Hong-je - Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Vietnam, Mr. Paik Nak-Whan - former Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Vietnam, Mr. Kim Shin Bok - Vice President of Seoul National University, and Mr. Bark Taeho - Dean of the Graduate School of International Studies, Seoul National University. Representing Hanoi National University was Prof. Dr. Vu Minh Giang - Vice President.

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2008/8/21/img_3697.jpg" border="0" alt="Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh" title="Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh" width="120" height="180" align="left" ]

Following the "Advanced Korean Language Textbook" and "Korean History Textbook," "Modern Korean Society" is the third textbook produced within the framework of the collaborative project between the two sides. After being compiled by professors from Seoul National University, this textbook was translated by lecturers from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and piloted in the Department of Oriental Studies (University of Social Sciences and Humanities). After receiving feedback from students and lecturers, the University then organized the editing and publication in Vietnam.

[img class="caption" src="images/stories/2008/8/21/img_3733.jpg" border="0" width="240" height="160" align="right" ]

Speaking at the book launch ceremony, Professor Dr. Nguyen Van Khanh - the Rector of the University - affirmed:The Vietnamese translation of this textbook, released today, is thanks to the great efforts and contributions of Korean and Vietnamese scientists... In the context of the developing field of Korean Studies in Vietnam, this book will be a valuable textbook for institutions involved in Korean studies training and research. The successful adoption and effective use of this textbook in the training of Vietnamese students in Korean Studies is the next step towards success that the Korean authors and the Vietnamese translation team are eagerly anticipating.i”.

Mr. Park Tae Ho, President of the Graduate School of International Studies at Seoul National University, stated:All academic exchange and development efforts are insignificant without practical and positive actions aimed at achieving concrete and successful results. And today's book launch celebration holds profound meaning, serving as proof that the academic exchange, cooperation, and development between professors and lecturers of the two universities over the past period have yielded positive results."

Also appreciating the practical significance of the cooperation project between the two leading universities of Vietnam and South Korea, Mr. Im Hong-je - Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Vietnam - called it an important activity, contributing to laying the first bricks to bring the relationship between the two sides to a new level as strategic partners.

The book "Modern Korean Society," over 300 pages long and divided into 10 chapters, focuses on analyzing and presenting the fundamental characteristics of modern Korean economy, culture, and society from various perspectives, including: economic development and industrialization amidst political upheavals; demographic transition in Korean society; shifts in social stratification and changes in educational and career orientations; religious issues; cultural transformations in contemporary society; characteristics of Korean social relations; and predictions for the future development of one of Asia's fastest-growing economies, a nation with a rich cultural tradition, unique identity, and strong global influence.