The program was jointly organised by Hyundai Motor Group and World Vision International in Vietnam from July 27 to August 2, with the participation of 60 RoK students, 10 Vietnamese students, as well as advisers and staff from the two units.

During the programme, the volunteers worked with local residents, teachers and pupils to renovate a primary school library and playground, upgrade a football pitch and paint murals, helping create a more welcoming environment for children to study and play.

At a secondary school, they organised a series of STEAM educational activities integrating science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. Through lessons on wind energy and practical learning activities, students were encouraged to explore, create and discover new possibilities.

RoK and Vietnamese volunteers take part in the Hyundai Happy Move Global Youth Volunteers Programme 2026. (Photo: WVIV)

The programme also devoted one day to teaching oral hygiene skills to preschool children, making toys and organising interactive activities to help them develop healthy habits from an early age.

RoK student volunteer Kim Yunsoo said the days spent working with children in Hai Phong had left a deep impression on him.

“I am truly happy to have been part of this programme. Over the past few days, we explored wind energy with the children in Hai Phong and helped renovate the football pitch. What impressed me most was their eagerness to learn and enthusiasm,” Kim Yunsoo said.

Beyond delivering practical facilities and educational activities, the volunteer journey also gave students from the two countries an opportunity to learn about each other’s culture, customs and community life. Many of the RoK volunteers, travelling abroad for the first time, were able to experience the meaning of global citizenship firsthand by living, working and interacting with local residents.

National Director of World Vision International in Vietnam Doseba Sinay said sustainable change could only be achieved when communities, local authorities, businesses and volunteers worked together and contributed their respective strengths towards the shared goal of children’s well-being. According to him, the programme also reflected World Vision’s long-term commitment to supporting children and vulnerable communities through partnerships closely connected with local needs.

Vice President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group’s Vietnam Business Division Junheang Heo affirmed that Vietnam was not merely a market but also a place where Hyundai manufactures, conducts business and grows alongside Thanh Cong Group, thousands of employees and millions of customers. He said a company contributes to a country’s development not only through jobs and products but also through education, community development and efforts to foster friendship.

The closing ceremony was attended by representatives of local authorities, schools and the community. At the event, the organisers presented Hyundai-sponsored bicycles to disadvantaged children in Hai Phong and held cultural and artistic exchange performances celebrating the friendships built throughout the volunteer journey.

Launched in 2008, the Hyundai Happy Move Global Youth Volunteers Programme has attracted more than 13,000 students worldwide. Through practical volunteer activities, the programme promotes cooperation, strengthens intercultural understanding and develops young people’s leadership skills.

Hyundai Motor Group and World Vision expressed hope that their partnership, together with the Vietnam-RoK friendship nurtured through the programme, would continue to grow in the years ahead.

Vietnam Ranks First in Number of Foreigners with Long-Term Stays in RoK According to a report released by Statistics Korea on July 9, Vietnam ranked first in the number of foreign nationals entering the RoK for long-term stays in 2025, with approximately 98,000 people. Vietnamese citizens accounted for the largest share among foreigners staying in the country for more than 90 days.

Ambassador Choi Young Sam Awarded “For Peace and Friendship Among Nations” Medal During his tenure in Vietnam, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Vietnam Choi Young Sam has made significant contributions to promoting friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the Republic of Korea. Through his support for high-level visits and efforts to strengthen connections among localities, businesses, and people of the two countries, the Ambassador has helped deepen the Vietnam-Republic of Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership while expanding cooperation in people-to-people exchanges. In recognition of these contributions, the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations presented him with the “For Peace and Friendship Among Nations” Medal at a ceremony held in Hanoi on July 14.