Coach Kim Sang-sik enjoyed banh chung for the first time and meticulously decorated peach branches to celebrate Vietnamese New Year.

Inspiration from Coach Park Hang-seo

Not only is he passionate about Vietnamese cuisine like pho, but he also shares special feelings about Vietnamese culture and people, as well as the pressure and motivation stemming from the resounding success of his compatriot Park Hang-seo.

On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, Coach Kim Sang-sik had his first experiences with the traditional Vietnamese New Year, from trying banh chung (traditional rice cake) to preparing lucky money envelopes to wish the players a happy new year. Notably, he consulted with Coach Park Hang-seo – who has a deep connection with Vietnamese football – to create a warm and friendly atmosphere during this special occasion.

Coach Kim Sang-sik wears a conical hat to decorate a peach blossom tree.

This year marks his first time celebrating Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) in Vietnam.

Coach Kim enjoys Vietnamese sticky rice cake (Banh Chung).

"I consulted with coach Park Hang-seo about how to prepare lucky money envelopes to give to the players as New Year's gifts and to wish them a happy new year when they visit me," he said in an interview with VTV .

Coach Kim Sang-sik and Coach Park Hang-seo through the lens of Park's son.

PHOTO: Park Chan-sung

When mentioning coach Park Hang-seo, Mr. Kim couldn't hide his admiration. He sees the successes that coach Park has achieved with Vietnamese football as both a pressure and a motivation to strive even harder.

"Park's success is half pressure, but the other half is motivation for me to focus and strive harder. Park has achieved great things and is loved by many. Achieving what he has is very difficult, but I hope to receive the same love from the players and fans as Park has," Coach Kim expressed.

Coach Kim Sang-sik celebrates Tet away from home but not alone.

Despite having lived and worked in Vietnam for seven months, Coach Kim still misses his family in South Korea. "During my time away from home, I miss my family and sometimes feel very lonely. I miss my parents, my wife, and my two children. After completing my duties at the AFF Cup, I plan to return to South Korea to see and take care of my family," he confided.

However, thanks to his Korean friends and the support from Vietnamese fans, Coach Kim feels more connected to the place. "In Vietnam, I have many Korean friends who always support and encourage me. At the same time, the strong relationship between Vietnam and Korea also helps me feel a deep connection with everyone."

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He was also particularly impressed by the passionate love of football among the Vietnamese people: "What impressed me most is that the Vietnamese people love football so much, from young children to the elderly. Everyone cheered and supported us unconditionally. I am happy about that."

This year, Coach Kim will celebrate Lunar New Year with his family, but not in his hometown.

Coach Kim shared, "My family is also visiting Vietnam this time, and we plan to have a short vacation in Nha Trang. Vietnam has many beautiful places that I want to take my family to enjoy a meaningful holiday."

In real life, coach Kim Sang-sik is a gentle, somewhat shy person.

Coach Kim's house is located next to My Dinh Stadium.

This year's Lunar New Year is not only a time for Coach Kim to rest after busy working days, but also an opportunity for him and his family to experience Vietnamese culture and people. With careful preparation, he hopes the holiday will become an unforgettable memory for himself and his family.

"I feel very happy living in Vietnam. I am extremely satisfied with the weather, the environment, and the food like pho and bun cha. During these Tet holidays, I hope to understand more about Vietnamese culture and connect more closely with the players and fans here," he said.

With sincerity and a commitment to integration, Coach Kim Sang-sik is gradually building a good relationship with Vietnamese players and fans. The Lunar New Year will be an opportunity for him to bond more closely with the team, providing further motivation for future successes.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/hlv-kim-sang-sik-lan-dau-thuong-thuc-banh-chung-ti-mi-trang-tri-canh-dao-don-tet-viet-nam-185250128115306634.htm