A Red Cross delegation from Seoul, South Korea has joined hands with their counterparts from the Ho Chi Minh City Red Cross Society for a week-long exchange program in the southern Vietnamese city from February 16 to 23.

Their visit includes environmental conservation efforts, cultural immersion, and humanitarian activities, strengthening the bond between the two cities.

Among the key activities, the volunteers from both countries waded through mud to plant mangrove trees in the outlying district of Can Gio, known as the “green lung” of Ho Chi Minh City. 

Despite the scorching heat--contrasting starkly with the winter chill of Seoul--the young participants eagerly took part in reforestation efforts to combat climate change.

Hwao Yeda, a 12th-grade student from South Korea, described her initial apprehension about stepping into the muddy terrain but soon found joy in contributing to the reforestation efforts.

"Stepping into the mud was scary at first," she said, wiping sweat from her forehead. 

"But after planting my first tree, I wanted to keep going. This experience made me realize how important it is to protect the environment,” she shared.

Vietnamese participant Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, from Dao Son Tay High School in Thu Duc City, elaborated that while she had previously joined tree-planting initiatives, this was her first experience planting in mangrove wetlands.

“Walking through the mud made me appreciate the hard work of those who plant and protect forests. It reminded me that if each of us creates more green spaces at home and school, our environment will be much healthier,” Ha said.

Following the tree-planting session, the volunteers attended an educational session on the importance of the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, and took a trip to Monkey Island and the historic Rung Sac revolutionary base.

Park Jong Seon, head of the Seoul Red Cross Youth Division and leader of the South Korean delegation, emphasized the importance of international solidarity in environmental conservation.

"This initiative not only strengthens the connection between different generations but also teaches young people practical lessons on environmental conservation. 

“It highlights the importance of preserving nature and fosters collaboration between institutions, schools, and communities across borders,” Park said.

Vietnamese and South Korean Red Cross volunteers jointly repaint stair railings at Dao Son Tay High School in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City as part of a week-long exchange program from February 16 to 23, 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: K.A.

Aside from environmental efforts, the program also focused on cultural and humanitarian exchanges. 

The volunteers visited Dao Son Tay High School in Thu Duc City and Hong Ha Primary School in Binh Thanh District, engaging in art workshops, first-aid training, and school beautification projects.

One of the artistic highlights was a collaborative painting featuring a Vietnamese girl in ao dai (Vietnamese traditional costume) and a Korean girl in a hanbok, symbolizing the growing friendship between the two nations.

Additionally, the volunteers worked together to repaint school railings, learn basic first-aid techniques, and showcase their culinary skills by preparing popular Korean dishes like teokbokki (spicy stir-fried rice cakes) and Korean rice balls with grilled meat.

Renowned South Korean actor Jung Il Woo, serving as a promotional ambassador for the Korean Red Cross, actively participated in some of the volunteer activities. 

He expressed his joy in contributing to charitable efforts and emphasized the importance of humanitarian work in fostering empathy and understanding.

"This exchange allows us not only to learn about each other's cultures but also to develop essential life skills. Painting schools, for example, contributes to creating an inspiring and welcoming learning environment for students,” the actor said.

The 56-member Red Cross delegation from Seoul included first-aid auditors, students, young teachers, and actor Jung Il Woo. 

Park Jong Seon hoped that the exchange program would be a memorable and meaningful experience for both groups, strengthening the friendship between Ho Chi Minh City and Seoul.

“We are grateful for the warm welcome from our Vietnamese friends. This visit has provided an invaluable opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and share effective humanitarian initiatives,” he concluded.

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