The ASEAN–Korea Garden is planned to be built on the campus of VNUF – a leading center for forestry education and research in Southeast Asia. The garden is not merely a landscape project, but a strategic highlight vividly reflecting VNUF's commitment to international integration, sustainable development, and regional knowledge connectivity.

Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dien delivers the opening remarks

On the morning of July 3, delegates from Korea, Laos, Cambodia, and domestic experts conducted a site survey of the proposed garden area. In the afternoon, the workshop officially took place under the chairmanship of Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dien - President of VNUF and Dr. Lee Yeong Joo – Director of the Mekong Regional Office (AFoCO), with the participation of nearly 100 experts, managers, and staff from ministries, research institutes, and universities both within and outside Vietnam.

Mr. Lee Seonghan – ODA Project Team Leader shares remarks

International delegates included: Dr. Lee Seonghan – ODA Project Team Leader (AFoCO); Mr. Lee Yeong Joo – Director of the Mekong Regional Office; Ms. Kim Sung Min – ODA Project Officer (AFoCO); Dr. Yun Ho Jun – Korean Landscape Design Expert; Dr. Lee Jeongho – Senior Advisor, Korea Forest Service; Mr. Xaysompheng Sengkhamyong and Ms. Phetsamai Phouvanno – Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Laos; Mr. Bun Radar and Mr. KHORN Nori – Forestry Administration, Cambodia.

Director Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Sam – Project Manager presents the project overview

Domestic delegates included many experts and officials representing ministries, research institutes, and universities: Department of Forestry and Forest Protection, Vietnam Academy of Forest Sciences, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, University of Social Sciences and Humanities – Vietnam National University, Hanoi University of Civil Engineering. On the side of VNUF, there were university leaders and lecturers, experts in forestry, landscape architecture, crop science, environment, and resource management.

Dr. Yun Ho Jun – Korean Design Expert presents his report

In his opening speech, Prof. Pham Van Dien emphasized the symbolic role of the Friendship Garden in realizing shared values among Korea and ASEAN countries, such as: promoting environmental education, biodiversity conservation, cultural exchange, and sustainable development cooperation. The garden is also expected to become a space for experiential learning, field research, and hosting international events – helping elevate the standing of VNUF. Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dien expressed hope that the project would receive valuable contributions from experts to turn the Friendship Garden into a green symbol of ASEAN–Korea cooperation.

On behalf of AFoCO, Mr. Lee Seonghan – ODA Project Team Leader – shared a vision of the garden's role in advancing environmental education and enhancing regional and international connections.

Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Sam – Director of the International Cooperation Division and Project manager  – gave an overview of the project, activities already implemented, and future plans. The design consulting unit presented the proposed master plan with five functional zones. The design emphasizes sustainability, the use of eco-friendly materials, and native biodiversity.

Representative of the Design Consulting Company presents the garden design

Experts from Korea, Laos, and Cambodia also shared their international experiences in building friendship gardens in their respective countries. Representatives from Laos and Cambodia – where ASEAN–Korea garden models have been or are being developed – shared practical lessons and insights valuable to the Vietnamese side.

Mr. KHORN Nori – Forestry Administration of Cambodia shares experience in building the ASEAN–Korea Garden in Cambodia

Mr. Xaysompheng Sengkhamyong – Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Laos presents results from Laos' ASEAN–Korea Garden project

In the discussion session, many thoughtful opinions were shared and exchanged, focusing on key issues: identifying priority directions for planning and operating the ASEAN–Korea Friendship Garden in alignment with educational, research, biodiversity conservation, and community engagement goals; proposing effective coordination mechanisms among stakeholders from the design and construction phases to operational management; discussing implementation resources; and outlining a feasible implementation roadmap to ensure the project's quality and progress.

In particular, many delegates emphasized the importance of ensuring the garden's long-term sustainability through educational use models, strategic landscape management, and engagement from students, faculty, experts, and international partners. This is not only a regional cooperation project but also a rich experiential space for learning and research with great potential for the future.

Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dien and Dr. Lee Yeong Joo co-chair the discussion session

Concluding the workshop, Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dien affirmed: "The ASEAN–Korea Garden at VNUF will be a vibrant symbol of regional cooperation, a clear testament to international integration, and the University's commitment to spreading the values of education, research, and sustainable nature conservation." VNUF commits to closely coordinating with all stakeholders to implement the project on time, with high quality and effectiveness, turning the ASEAN–Korea Garden in Vietnam into a symbolic space for exchange, innovation, and sustainable development.

Some photos from the Workshop

Prof. Dr. Tran Huu Vien shares his remarks

Dr. Lee Yeong Joo – Senior Advisor, Korea Forest Service delivers his speech

International experts visit the planned site of the ASEAN–Korea Garden in VNUF campus