The South Korean Government will allocate about KRW 200 million (US$151,000) for the development of a Vietnamese village in Bonghwa County, North Gyeongsang Province, in 2024.
Parliamentarian Park Hyeong-soo told Vietnam News Agency correspondent that local authorities are endeavoring to expand the village within what was originally a local project. Under the project, a Vietnamese-Korean historical-cultural experience center was set up, and a road to the Baekdudaegan incubator was paved. Funding for the project will be included in the government's 2024 budget plan.
| Vietnam Village will be built in Bonghwa County, North Gyeongsang Province. |
The village is part of a project to strengthen cultural exchanges and accelerate cooperation between Bonghwa and Vietnam in tourism, culture and education.
The South Korean province is home to a hall of the Ly Hoa Son (Lee Hwasan) clan, descendants of Ly Long Tuong, a prince of the Ly dynasty who ruled Vietnam between the 11th and 13th centuries.
After the Ly dynasty fell to the Tran dynasty in 1225, Tuong fled to the kingdom of Goryeo, now on the Korean peninsula, where he and his followers were warmly welcomed by the local king, Kojong.
At the time, Goryeo was threatened by the Mongol Empire. The Vietnamese prince allied himself with King Kojong against the Mongol aggression.
The defeat of the Mongols earned him the king's trust and respect. Tuong lived in South Korea until his death and became the founder of the Ly Hoa Son clan there.
A musical called Ly Long Tuong will be performed in Bonghwa Village on Sept. 22 as part of the local government's efforts to promote interaction with multicultural families in the area.
The premiere of the self-composed musical will be held on the occasion of Vietnam Day.
The Ho Chi Minh National University Art Troupe was invited to perform the musical.
Meanwhile, singer Seung-guk, who has appeared in many popular TV shows such as Mr. Trot 2 and King of Mask Singer, has been cast as Prince Ly Long Tuong, raising public interest and expectations.
