Marking 20 years of diplomatic relations between Korea and Laos, the Korea-Laos Friendship Association hosted a seminar Friday in Seoul to share Korean culture to Lao students studying here as part of efforts to bolster bilateral ties and mutual understanding. 

The two-hour seminar, sponsored by the Korea Foundation, was held at Seoul Mapo Garden Hotel in central Seoul from 4 p.m., with 220 people in attendance.

Nearly 100 Laotian students, four special lecturers and officials from the Lao Embassy in Seoul, the ASEAN-Korea Center, the Korea Foundation and other relevant organizations participated in the event. 

The seminar kicked off with a special lecture by ASEAN-Korea Center secretary-general Kim Young-sun on promoting bilateral links though cultural exchanges, followed by a presentation on the history of bilateral diplomatic relations and their prospects by Phongsavath Boupha from the Lao Presidential Office. 

Cho Won-kwon, an honorary ambassador to Laos, made a speech about Laotian students’ role in boosting the countries’ relations by using the human networks they built in Korea once they return to Laos after studying here. 

As of October, 119 Laotian students, who are mostly government officials from Laos’ central and regional government, are studying at Korean universities, according to the KLFA. 

Founded in 2004 and endorsed by Foreign Ministries from both countries, the nonprofit organization KLFA has paved the way for Laos and South Korea to develop bilateral relations through cultural, academic and business exchanges for mutual benefits.

Their work includes holding seminars to boost mutual understanding and improving the living conditions for those residing in Laos’ remote, less-developed areas by building schools and providing them with medical support, stationery, clothes and scholarships. 

By Ock Hyun-ju (laeticia.ock@heraldcorp.com)