Dong Nai youth delegation joins cultural exchange programme in RoK’s Gyeongnam Province

A youth delegation from Dong Nai City is taking part in a cultural exchange programme in Gyeongnam Province of the Republic of Korea (RoK) from August 3 to 7. The programme is held under a cooperation agreement signed between the People's Committee of Dong Nai Province (now Dong Nai City) and the government of Gyeongnam Province on May 13, 1996 to promote exchanges in the fields of economy, culture, science and education, including youth exchange activities. The Dong Nai delegation is led by Nguyen Viet Thang, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Foreign Affairs.

The delegation comprises representatives from the Dong Nai Youth Union, the Department of Education and Training, and 19 outstanding students selected for their academic excellence, active participation in Youth Union and community activities, talents in arts or sports, good health, and balanced representation in terms of gender and educational level. Priority was also given to students with English or Korean language proficiency.

The Dong Nai City delegation poses for a commemorative photo with representatives of the Gyeongnam Provincial government. Photo: Thanh Phuong

The exchange programme aims to strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between young people from the two localities through cultural, educational and experiential activities, while laying a stronger foundation for the cooperative relationship between Dong Nai City and Gyeongnam Province in the new development period.

On the afternoon of August 3, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Gyeongnam provincial government. The delegation was received by Kim Hyonmi, Head of the Gyeongnam Youth Policy Division, along with representatives of relevant provincial departments and agencies.

The Dong Nai City delegation arrives for cultural exchange activities in Gyeongnam Province, South Korea. Photo: Thanh Phuong

At the meeting, Gyeongnam’s leader welcomed the Dong Nai youth delegation to the 2026 exchange programme and highly valued the friendly and cooperative relationship that has been maintained and developed over the past three decades across various sectors.

She noted that youth exchange programs are meaningful activities that help strengthen mutual understanding and friendship among younger generations, thereby creating a solid foundation for expanding cooperation between the two localities in the future.

Nguyen Viet Thang, Deputy Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, presents a souvenir to a representative of the Gyeongnam Provincial Government. Photo: Thanh Phuong

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Nguyen Viet Thang, Deputy Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs thanked the Gyeongnam provincial government for its warm hospitality. He said the youth exchange programme is one of the most significant cooperative activities under the bilateral agreement, providing students with opportunities to broaden their knowledge, learn about each other's cultures and education systems, and foster closer ties between the people of Dong Nai City and Gyeongnam Province, particularly the younger generation.

During the visit, the Dong Nai youth delegation will participate in a wide range of activities, including exchanges with local youths in Gyeongnam, visits to historical and cultural sites as well as scenic attractions, experiences of the Korean school environment and student life, cultural and artistic programmes, and tours to learn about the province's socio-economic achievements.

The Dong Nai City delegation poses for a commemorative photo at the RoK’s Gyeongnam Provincial Government headquarters. Photo: Thanh Phuong

The 2026 youth exchange programme continues to reaffirm the strong friendship and cooperative relationship between Dong Nai City and Gyeongnam Province. It is expected to further promote people-to-people exchanges, enhance mutual understanding among young people, and create new opportunities for deeper cooperation in education, culture and international exchanges in the years ahead.

By Thanh Phuong - Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha