From September 10 to 14, 2025, a delegation from the Vietnam National Museum of History, led by Director Dr. Nguyen Van Doan, conduct a working visit to the National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage of Korea as part of the long-term cooperation plan between the two institutions.
Established in 1994 following decades of underwater archaeological discoveries since 1976, the National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage of Korea is the leading institution in maritime heritage. Its functions include conducting maritime heritage research, carrying out underwater excavations, conservation efforts, and organizing exhibitions. The institute encompasses a research center, a conservation center, a museum, as well as local branches located at shipwreck sites across the country.
Since 2009, the Vietnam National Museum of History and the National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage of Korea have cooperated on maritime cultural heritage through joint research, field surveys, and training programs in both countries. Accordingly, the partnership has focused on researching Vietnam’s ancient ports and traditional boats, organzing conferences to publish research on maritime trade, shipping, and taxation networks in medieval East Asia. As part of the cooperation program on education and human resource training, staffs of the Vietnam National Museum of History have participated in study and exchange programs at underwater excavation sites in Jin-do, Incheon, and Tae-an. The two institutions have also co-hosted workshops and published works such as Traditional Boats of Vietnam, Ancient Ports of Vietnam, and they are preparing a new volume on Traditional Boats of Vietnam’s Ethnic Communities.
During this mission, the two parties signed a two-year extension (2025 - 2027) to complete and publish the joint study titled Traditional Boats of Vietnam’s Ethnic Communities. Additionaly, they will conduct surveys of shipwreck heritage in central Vietnam. These surveys will provide a basis for future underwater excavations, as the increasing number of shipwreck discoveries highlights the historical significance of Vietnam’s seas along international maritime trade routes.
Dr. Nguyen Van Doan, Director of the Vietnam National Museum of History, and Mr. Lee Eun Seok, Director of the National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage of Korea signing the Memorandum of Understanding on maritime heritage research (2025 - 2027).
The two sides taking a commemorative photo at the signing ceremony.
As part of the program, the delegation surveyed the Mado No.4 shipwreck excavation, visited the Tae-an Conservation Center, and participated in both the special exhibition and the symposium commemorating a decade of research on Mado No.4. At the symposium, they delivered a presentation titled “Underwater Archaeology in Vietnam: Current Status and Results”. The delegation also engaged in professional discussions on excavation techniques, preservation methods, and the study of ceramics related to maritime trade.
The delegation visiting the Mado No.4 shipwreck excavation site in Tae-an.
Experience sharing on underwater excavation on the vessel Nurian.
The delegation visiting the Tae-an Conservation Center.
Dr. Nguyen Van Doan (7th from left) with delegates at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibition
Dr. Nguyen Van Doan giving a speech at the symposium.
Delegates taking a commemorative photo at the symposium
The visit ended successfully, marking a new milestone in cooperation and reaffirming the strong friendship between Vietnam and Korea.
Thu Hien