On the afternoon of July 7, 2025, the Vietnam National Museum of History (VNMH) hosted a meeting with researchers from the National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage of Korea. The visit was part of an annual survey activity conducted under the Memorandum of Understanding between the two organizations, which has been approved by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam.
The
meeting was attended by Dr. Nguyen Van Doan, Director of VNMH, along with manager
and staffs of the Archaeology, and Communication & External Relations Departments.
The Korean delegation included researchers from the Cultural Heritage Department
of the Korean National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage.
Panoramic photo of the meeting at the VNMH
During the meeting, both sides discussed plans for the field survey to be carried out in 2025 across several northern provinces of Vietnam, such as Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Yen Bai, Bac Kan and Thai Nguyen. This survey marks the next phase in a collaborative research project focusing on traditional boat type used by various ethnic communities in Vietnam.
The Korean representatives expressed their sincere appreciation to Dr. Nguyen Van Doan and the VNMH for their continuous support and facilitation throughout the collaboration. Mr. Hong Sun Jae mentioned that the final survey is expected to take place in March 2026, with both sides commite to completing the manuscript for publication by the end of 2026. An expert from VNMH will travel to Korea to contribute directly to the process.
According to the Korean representatives, the Director of the Institute has shown a strong interest and commitment to fostering cooperation with the VNMH. In addition to the successful traditional boat research project, both sides are preparing to work together on underwater archaeology as well.
From July 17, 2025, the Director of the Korean Institute and other experts will visit Vietnam to conduct an on-site survey of a shipwreck site in Quang Ngai province. During the visit, they will work with the Museum to discuss the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding for the 2026-2030 cooperation period.
Dr. Nguyen Van Doan expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Korean researchers for their long-term collaboration with the Museum over the years. He emphasized that their efforts have fostered sustained interest and support from the Institute. The results achieved so far clearly show the seriousness, responsibility and effectiveness of the cooperation.
Regarding publications on ancient ports and traditional Vietnamese boats, he noted that domestic experts highly value their academic quality. He affirmed the Museum's commitment to engaging in meaningful, long-term projects that contribute to the preservation and promotion of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
Dr. Nguyen Van Doan acknowledged the challenges facing underwater archaeology in Vietnam due to limited resources, equipment, and funding. However, he expressed confidence that with Korea’s support and experience-sharing, both sides would gradually overcome these obstacles and achieve positive results soon.
Representatives of both sides took a commemorative photo at VNMH
The Korean delegation’s working trip in Vietnam is scheduled to last from July 8 to July 18, 2025.
Thu Hien