On the afternoon of March 9, 2026, in Hanoi, the Vietnam National Museum of History (VNMH) welcomed a delegation from the National Research Institute of Maritime Heritage of Korea (NRIMH). The delegation was headed by Mr. Hong Sun Jae, researcher from the Department of Maritime Heritage Research. The meeting focused on plans for surveying and researching traditional boats of Vietnam’s ethnic communities.
Representing the VNMH, Dr. Nguyen Van Doan, Director of the Museum, together with managers and professional staff from the Department of Archaeology and the Department of Exhibition and External Relations, attended the meeting.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed the itinerary for surveying traditional boats across various provinces and cities, including Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Can Tho, Dong Thap, and Tay Ninh. This survey will mark the final phase of a long-term research program jointly conducted by the two institutions over many years.
Panoramic view of the meeting at the VNMH
Upon completion of the survey, the two sides will compile and evaluate their findings to finalize a manuscript for publication, which is expected to be released in December 2026. On this occasion, the two sides also planning a book launch ceremony to mark nearly 20 years of cooperation, tentatively scheduled for March 2027.
At the meeting, the Korean delegation also shared that the President of the Republic of Korea is expected to pay an official visit to Vietnam in April 2026. In this context, the Korean side proposed promoting the signing of a cooperation agreement between the governing authorities of the two institutions to establish an official state-level cooperation framework, which would help facilitate further joint research, particularly in the field of underwater cultural heritage.
The two sides taking a commemorative photo
On behalf of the Vietnamese side, Director Nguyen Van Doan highly appreciated the initiative proposed by the Korean side. If implemented at the state level, the agreement would contribute to strengthening research collaboration between the two sides in the future. However, since the proposal involves cooperation at the governmental level, its signing must be considered in accordance with relevant regulations and the authority of concerned agencies. Consequently, the VNMH will consult with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and other relevant authorities to explore the feasibility of this proposal.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Mr. Hong Sun Jae expressed his sincere gratitude to Dr. Nguyen Van Doan and the VNMH for the proactive support and partnership. He also expressed his hope that joint research activities between the two sides will continue to be strengthened in the future.
Thu Hien