Korean duo driven by local culture

They want to publish a book of photographs and a description of their journey when they get back to the RoK.

The trip began on June 30 at the Lung Cu flag tower, in the northernmost province of Ha Giang, and is due to end at Rach Tau cape, in the southernmost province of Ca Mau.

The idea for the journey came from Chang, a 24-year-old student from the Hanoi National University, who works for the international non-government organization Good People International. He has lived in Vietnam for 10 years and considers the country his second home.

“Most of my friends in the RoK only know Ha Long and Nha Trang bays, while the country has many other beautiful spots,” said Chang.

“I have travelled to some places in three regions of the country but it is not enough for me.”

“I asked my friend Ahn to join me. I want to take notes and photos to share the beauty of all destinations in Vietnam with my friends.”

Ahn, a professor at Namseoul University in Cheonam, the RoK, came to the country on a business trip three years ago, intending to stay for several months. But he stayed on.

“Like other Koreans, when I thought of Vietnam, famous icons like HCM City and Ha Long Bay immediately sprang to mind, but when I got here I had a chance to understand more,” Ahn said.

Part of the trip has involved difficult terrain, particularly mountainous regions like Ha Giang Province.

Chang said, “The mountain roads and dangerous bends gave us a few problems. They may be the most difficult roads we will ever pass in our lives. We got a puncture from one of the rugged stones which fell from the mountainside after rain, many ethnic people came and helped us but they couldn’t speak Vietnamese.”

“Like many people in such remote regions they only speak their ethnic languages. So we tried to use signs to communicate,” he noted.

Visiting the central region in mid-summer, the two travelers were struck by both the natural beauty and the severity of the weather.

“It was baking sun and dry wind. It gave us a lot of respect for the local people who still work diligently through all seasons,” Chang added.

So far, the trip has left a deep impression on Ahn. It satisfies his demand to discover new horizons and will help him make another decision.

“I’m nearly 40 years old and have to decide whether to stay on in Vietnam or go back to Korea. It’s a choice that will change my life forever.

“It’s like finding an 18-year-old girl who’s nice and beautiful at once to date.”