VN second home to Korean scholar
After more than 40 years studying Vietnamese, Professor Ahn Kyong Hwans biggest joy is introducing Vietnamese history and culture to South Korean people.
His valuable body of work consists of dozens of books on Vietä Nam, including Nhatä Kyù Trong Tuø (Diary in Prison) by President Hoà Chí Minh, Truyeän Kieàu (The Tale of Kieuà ) by great poet Nguyenã Du and Hoià Kyùcuaû Ñaiï Töônù g VoõNguyenâ Giapù (Memoirs of General Voõ Nguyenâ Giapù ). He will publish a new book of Hoà Chí Minhs poems in September this year.
He always believes that the translation of Diary in Prison is a bridge between the two nations.
Now more South Korean people will know who Hoà Chí Minh is and what he did during his life to bring independence to Vietä Nam, he said, Im happy about that.
In order to bring his closer to the public, he co-ordinated with many South Korean calligraphers to write Hoà Chí Minhs poems in a calligraphic style and exhibit them in many big South Korean cities, as well as in Vietä Nam.
Before translating the diary in 2002, I did not know much about Vieät Nams leader, he said, I only knew that all Vietnamese people respect him. When I translated the work, I understood why.
I was proud that Asia had such a great writer, he said, The collection expresses the leaders love for nature, people, life and his patriotism as well as his desire for freedom.
The elements of an Eastern philosopher included humanity, wisdom and bravery, he said.
When translating any work from Vietnamese to Korean, Prof Ahn pays lots of attention to choosing the right words as well as searching for other materials to achieve accuracy and precision.
Prof Ahn was impressed with Vietnamese characteristics of bravery, friendliness and hospitality.
Fate with Vieät Nam
Prof Ahn started studying Vietnamese at the Vietnamese Faculty of South Koreas Foreign Languages University in 1974.
At that time, there were no Korean teachers teaching Vietnamese, he said, The university invited staff from the Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul to teach us. Then, relations between South Korea and Vieät Nam were interrupted until 1988. In December, 1992, the two countries established diplomatic ties, and South Korean enterprises started to invest in Vietä Nam, which resulted in a large number of South Korean students learning Vietnamese.
In 1989, he was appointed to work as branch director of Hyundai Thailand in HCM City. In 1993, he graduated with a Masters degree in Vietnamese and three years later, he was awarded with a Doctorate from HCM Citys Social Sciences and Humanities University.
On returning home, he taught Vietnamese and culture at Yong San University. Since 2006, he has taught at Chosun University in Gwangju City. He has also acted as chairman of the Vietnamese Research Association since 2014.
Many people asked me why I switched from doing business to teaching, I said it was because I love Vietä Nam and the Vietnamese soul, he said.
For me, Vietä Nam has never been a foreign country, he said.
I love Vietä Nam for all aspects, he said, I love Vietnamese people for their simplicity and strength. Vietä Nam is home to a great people, where both men and women are heroes.
Prof Ahn always tells his students that Vietä Nam and South Korea have four things in common.
First, in geography, the countries are both in the shape of a letter S, close to the East Sea.
In culture, the two peoples are influenced by Confucianism with similar ways of thinking.
Both peoples care a lot about tradition.
The two countries have also been invaded by foreign countries and have been divided between South and North.
The descendants of the Vietnamese Lyù Dynasty are living in South Korea.
And now, many South Korean men get married to Vietnamese women. Hence the two people share the same blood.
But I admire Vietä Nam as Vietnamese people have the phrase ñonà g baoø (which means being born from the same pile of eggs according to the legend of Mother Au Cô, who gave birth to a pile of 100 eggs, which then hatched into 50 boys and 50 girls. They were the ancestors of the Vietnamese people; and figuratively means compatriot.)
Prof Ahn said he wants to do more to support Vietnamese brides getting married to Korean men.
There are more than 20,000 Vietnamese women married to Korean men, he said, The number increases by 7,000 to 9,000 people every year. There are more and more Vietnamese people seeking jobs in South Korea. But Vietnamese brides living in South Korean dont speak Korean, dont know Korean customs and South Korean grooms do not know anything about Vietä Nam.
The book he co-wrote with author Traàn Thò Thu Löông titled Handbook for Multi-Culture South Korea and Vietä Nam Families will be published later this year.
He now teaches Vietnamese language, history, culture and society at the English Language Faculty, Chosun University, and online for South Korean students.
The number of students registering for my subject has never fallen, he said. Last term, 800 students signed up for my courses.
Visiting Vietä Nam from time to time, Prof Ahn said he likes Vietnamese dishes like
chaû caù Laõ Vonï g (grilled fish),
bunù ñauä (vermicelli with fried tofu), and rau muoná g xaoø toiû (morning glory fried with garlic). VNS
The Space Insomnis performed by Foxy Tail (Katya Iskra) will take place from 8pm to 6am on July 20 at Arcan on 106/2 Ñienä Bienâ Phuû Street, HCM Citys Bình Thacï h District.
New in town and freshly arrived from Cambodia, Dj Foxy Tail conveys happiness and dreams. She has a special ability to push people on the dance floor with eclectic and surprising sets exploring all genres of electronic music.
Katya Iskra is a dancer who knows what kind of music to play to make people get up and move. She has danced for 15 years around the world, including Japan, Italy, and China.
Her favourite style is tech house. Most of the time her performance is unique mix of tribal house with African and ethnic vibes.
Nocturne classical music concert
The Nocturne classical music concert will be held from 6.30pm to 8pm on July 21 at Salon Saigon on 6d Ngoâ Thôiø Nhiemä Street in HCM Citys District 3.
The concert will be a unique experience that encompasses classical music and visual arts in an inspiring artistic venue.
The concert programme is organised by Saigon Classical, an organisation that aims to bring Vietnamese classical music performers to the public and create a platform for classical music lovers in the city.
Pianists and violinists Nguyenã Haoø Quang, Thaiù Ngocï Thuyø Trang and Löõ Hoanø g Thònh will perform compositions by Debussy, Glinka, Toselli, Chopin, Caccini, and Donizetti.
Tickets are VNÑ450,000 (US$19), and VNÑ200,000 ($8) for students and members of Salon Saigon.
Thaûo Ñieàn Flea Market at Saigon Outcast
The Thaoû Ñienà Flea Market will be held at Saigon Outcast from noon to 8pm on Saturday on 188/1 Nguyenã Vanê Höônû g St in HCM Citys District 2.
There will be rows of cleverly crafted bits and pieces, unique outfits and accessories, tasty snacks, and interesting start-up products.
The visitors can find gifts for friends and family, or treat themselves to something beautiful.
Entry is VNÑ20,000 with one bottle of water or beer included. VNS