Awarding prizes for the Korean Literature Appreciation Contest.

Trung Hieu sent this to USSH.

This is an annual competition sponsored by the Korean Literature Translation Institute, open to students nationwide who love Korean literature. The competition aims to encourage students to express their passion for reading, as well as to provide an opportunity for outstanding Korean literary works to reach Vietnamese readers.

This year, the competition required participants to write reflections on the novel "Toy City" by author Lee Dong-ha, translated by Do Thi Khanh Van. Over 200 entries were submitted by high school and graduate students from 20 high schools and universities nationwide, including many prestigious institutions such as: Vietnam National University, Hanoi; Foreign Trade University; Commercial University; University of Labour and Social Affairs; Trade Union University; Diplomatic Academy; University of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City; Da Lat University; Hue University; Hanoi College of Arts; Central College of Pedagogy; Amsterdam High School for the Gifted…

According to the Organizing Committee, this year's competition was outstanding in terms of the number of entries and the number of participating universities and high schools. The competition not only attracted students majoring in Korean language and Korean studies but also saw active participation from students in literature, sociology, international relations, economics, and other fields. The large number of high school students participating is also a notable aspect of this year's competition, demonstrating its growing appeal to a wide range of young people who love Korean literature and culture, regardless of age or region.

The judging panel consisted of leading experts in Korean Studies, Foreign Languages, and Korean Literature from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and Hanoi University. After several rounds of judging, the panel awarded one First Prize, two Second Prizes, three Third Prizes, and ten Consolation Prizes. The First Prize-winning entry will be submitted to the international competition on Korean Literature Appreciation later this year. The winner will receive a one-week trip to Korea as a reward.

First prize went to Huynh Thi To Uyen (Department of Korean Studies – Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City); Second prize went to Vu Lien Huong (Department of Korean Language – Hanoi University) and Nguyen Thi Ngan (Department of Literature – Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University Hanoi); Third prize went to Nguyen Thi Yen (Department of Oriental Studies – Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University Hanoi), Le Thi Tuyet Ngan (Department of Economics – Foreign Trade University), and Nguyen Thi Huong (Department of Oriental Studies – Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University Hanoi). The Department of Oriental Studies (Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University Hanoi) was awarded the collective prize for having the highest number of entries.