On the morning of March 3, 2026, the Vietnam National Museum of History (VNMH) welcomed a delegation from the National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage (NRIMH) of the Republic of Korea. The delegation was headed by Mr. Hong Kwang Hui, an expert from the Underwater Archaeology Department.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Nguyen Van Doan, Director of VNMH, Mr. Nguyen Manh Thang, Head of the Archaeology Department and representative of the Exhibition and External Relations Department.
Panoramic view of the meeting at the VNMH
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the plan for research, survey, and assessment the scale and current condition of the shipwreck site in the Chau Thuan sea area (Quang Ngai province). This activity is part of the cooperation program between the two institutions for the 2025 - 2027 period, continuing a long-term partnership established in 2009 in the fields of underwater archaeology, ancient seaport research and human resource training.
The Korean delegation expressed their sincere appreciation for the close cooperation of the VNMH in facilitating administrative procedures and supporting the delegation in carrying out its mission as planned. They also noted the challenges in making plans, as previous surveys had not fully determined the scale of the site. They hope this mission will provide a solid basis for future excavation and research.
The two sides taking a commemorative photo
At the meeting, Dr. Nguyen Van Doan emphasized the significance of the cooperation program. He said it helps to step-by-step improve the capacity for research, survey, excavation, and conservation of underwater archaeology in Vietnam - an emerging field that still faces many challenges.
Dr. Nguyen Van Doan also affirmed that the VNMH would work closely with relevant central and local authorities to ensure that the survey is conducted safely, effectively and in accordance with all regulations. He expressed confidence that the program would achieve positive results and lay the groundwork for further cooperation in the future.
The two sides agreed to maintain regular communication during the survey, actively coordinate and handle any arising issues in a spirit of cooperation to ensure objective and scientific research outcomes.
Following the meeting, the Korean delegation and staff from the VNMH travelled to Chau Thuan (Quang Ngai) to carry out the survey program as scheduled.
Thu Hien