Young Koreans come to Ho Chi Minh City to wade through mud to plant trees and build friendship.

Volunteers from the Seoul Red Cross Society (Korea) and the Ho Chi Minh City Red Cross Society (Vietnam) are having an exchange trip in Ho Chi Minh City from February 16 to 23.

Vietnamese and Korean students wade through mud to plant trees and create mangrove forests in Can Gio district (HCMC) - Photo: KA

During their stay in the city named after Uncle Ho, volunteers from both countries planted trees and planted mangrove forests in Can Gio district, painted, and exchanged cultural, artistic and culinary experiences.

In addition, the delegation also visited teachers and students of Dao Son Tay High School (Thu Duc City) and Hong Ha Primary School (Binh Thanh District), visited the Ho Chi Minh City Blood Donation Center, Cu Chi Tunnels and the city center.

The activity has profound meaning, connecting and strengthening international friendship. At the same time, it demonstrates the social responsibility of organizations and communities in protecting the environment and responding to climate change.

Mr. PARK JONG SEON

Wading through mud to plant forests

In the hot weather of Vietnam this season compared to the cold weather of the capital Seoul, Korean students and students from Ho Chi Minh City wade through mud to plant trees and create mangrove forests in Can Gio district.

Hwao Yeda (grade 12) was covered in mud and sweat and said: "The first time I set foot in the mud, I was a bit scared. But after planting one tree, I continued to plant another. Like that, together with my Vietnamese friends, we planted more trees to help make the forest greener. We want to participate in protecting the environment through this activity and also contribute to keeping the atmosphere clean."

Nguyen Thi Thu Ha (Dao Son Tay High School, present at the exchange trip) shared that she had also participated in tree planting activities in the past, but this was the first time wading through mud to plant trees, so she was quite emotional.

"Only by wading through the mud can I feel the hardships of those who plant forests. So if each of us creates more green spaces in our homes and schools, the living environment will be cleaner," Thu Ha said.

After finishing the forest planting, you were shared about Can Gio mangrove forest which is known as the green lung of Ho Chi Minh City. Then the group also visited Monkey Island and Sac Forest base.

Head of the delegation Park Jong Seon - head of the youth work department (Seoul Red Cross Society) - shared that planting forests together will contribute to promoting the spirit of international solidarity and sharing responsibility in protecting nature.

"This activity not only brings connections between generations but also creates practical lessons on environmental protection for young people, helping them understand and practice sustainable living values. Not only is it valuable in terms of environmental protection, this activity contributes to educating the community about the importance of maintaining and protecting nature. Thereby promoting international cooperation between organizations, schools and communities," said Mr. Park.

...and repainting the railing of Dao Son Tay High School (Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City) - Photo: KA

Will return to Vietnam

Experiencing volunteer activities together, Hwao Yeda said that she connected with Vietnamese friends via social networks, email, and phone to keep in touch when she returned home. She praised Ho Chi Minh City for its beautiful scenery, so she thought Vietnam would have many places to visit.

"Not only will I tell my family and friends about your country when I return, but later as a student, I will spend time returning to Vietnam to explore more places in this country with very friendly people," she said.

They also drew a picture together with the highlight being a Vietnamese girl in ao dai and a Korean girl in traditional hanbok, representing the friendship between the two countries. They painted the school railing together, participated in first aid training, and then showed off their skills in making Korean dishes that are popular among young people, such as spicy rice cakes, grilled meatballs with Korean sauce, etc.

Actor Jung Il Woo - the promotional ambassador for the Korean Red Cross - participated in some activities with volunteers this time. He expressed his joy at sharing charitable actions with difficult cases through volunteer activities.

He said people not only have the opportunity to exchange and learn about the culture and traditions of each country, but also improve their understanding of necessary life skills.

"In particular, the school painting activity has contributed to beautifying our beloved school, creating a green, clean, beautiful and inspiring learning environment," actor Jung Il Woo expressed.

Share humanitarian activities together

The Seoul Red Cross delegation has 56 members including emergency auditors, students, young teachers and actor Jung Il Woo in the role of ambassador for the Korean Red Cross. Head of the delegation Park Jong Seon hopes that the exchange will be a fun and meaningful time for young people from both sides because they have carried out many volunteer activities and cultural exchanges together.

Mr. Park thanked the Vietnamese side for their warm welcome and participation in the activities, and hoped that the friendship between Seoul and Ho Chi Minh City would become deeper. "This is an important occasion to enhance understanding and friendship between the two cities, and an opportunity to share initiatives and effective humanitarian models," said Mr. Park.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ban-tre-han-quoc-toi-tp-hcm-loi-sinh-trong-cay-ket-noi-huu-nghi-20250220235221997.htm