“Explore the World” is a series where we hear vivid stories from international students studying at Pusan National University (PNU). The first guest for the 2024 is Ngô Thanh Việt (Graduate School of International Studies, 19) from Vietnam. Vietnam, located in Southeast Asia, shares similarities with Korea in terms of the painful history of division and war. “Channel PNU” conducted an interview with Ngô Thanh Việt on February 21st.

Q. Please introduce yourself. 

A. I am Thanh Việt, from a small province, Phu Yen in the middle of Vietnam. I’ve spent over six years studying in Korea. I'm currently working on my PhD at the Graduate School of International Studies at PNU. I love Korea, especially Busan. Here, I have tried various delightful flavors of Korean traditional dishes and immersed myself in the beauty of the landscapes. I also love people in Busan. They are so friendly and kind. 

Q. Why did you choose Korea to study abroad? 

A. The reason why I chose Korea is quite special, I think. Firstly, my relatives said that I looked Korean when I was born, then they chose the nickname Han, which is 한 in 한국. That special name encouraged me a lot to learn and explore more about this country, so I decided to come here. 

I came to love my name more after I lived in Korea, which I chose because of my name. Everyone calls me Viet, because it is my first name, and in Vietnam, we do not call each other by their surname. When I was young, I did not really like my name because it is not a common name for girls. However, gradually I started to love my name, Viet more and more, especially when I became an international student in Korea, because I appreciate it as a representative of my Vietnamese identity. Because my name is a part of my country name, Viet-Nam. I believe that everyone in this world can pronounce my name correctly. They can also easily recognize where I am from without my further introduction. 

Q. What do you major in?

A. I am doing my Ph. D. course at Graduate School of International Studies in PNU, majoring in International logistics and Port Management. This major is the reason why I chose Korea. I could find my main favorite major in PNU among other universities in Busan – the Logistics and port management whose foundation I have already got in Vietnam. Besides, I have great curiosity about everything in Korea, that is why I did my second major which is Korean Studies which deepened my understanding of Korean culture, history, and society.

Q. Please introduce your hometown. 

A. My hometown is named Phu Yen which means a prosperous and peaceful land. It is a small coastal province in the middle of Vietnam. The population as of 2021 is approximately 1 million people. If I have to talk about the most remarkable milestone in modern Vietnamese history of my hometown, I will mention Vung Ro port. It became an important destination on the Ho Chi Minh seaway in the 1960s where numbers of no-number ships transported weapons, from the North to support the Vietnamese people in South Vietnam's battlefield in the war against America to gain independence for our country.

Q. Can you tell me about the characteristics of Phu Yen?

A. Thanks to its favorable geographical position, my hometown is well-known as one of the nation’s largest tuna fishing and exporting provinces. If you visit Phu Yen, you must try the Tuna Eye Stew. There is nowhere but my hometown where you can find this special nutritious dish. “Tuna Eye Stew” is a dish made by thoroughly washing tuna eyes and then placing them in a small pot with medicinal herbs such as jujubes, along with vegetables, and simmering them. In addition, Phu Yen is a popular tourist destination thanks to its beautiful natural environment bordered by the sea.

Q. What do you think is the biggest attraction of your hometown? 

A. My homeland is becoming more attractive to tourists, thanks to its wild natural beauty. It is difficult to pick just one attraction from the list, but I highly recommend the Mui Dien lighthouse. It holds the distinction of being the first spot in the east of Vietnam to greet the sunrise everyday. Here, you can witness the expansive sea stretching out and inhale the refreshing sea breeze. Additionally, you can go camping overnight on the beautiful sandy beach nearby, or driving along the extensive coastal road that adds to the charm, allowing you to immerse yourself in the picturesque nature.

Q. I wonder if there are any restaurants or places you’d like to recommend in your hometown.

A. If you visit my hometown, Phu Yen province, I will recommend the Com ga Tuyet Nhung restaurant which serves stunning chicken rice. This dish is very eye-catching in appearance with golden rice grains cooked from the best rice grains with a distinctive yellow color from turmeric. The chicken flesh is fresh and delicious, and especially the Nuoc Mam, a mixture of fish sauce, chilly, garlic, sugar, is uniquely created to bring the special rich taste of my hometown chicken rice dish. 

Q. Which destination in Vietnam do you want to recommend, although it’s not well known?

A. You should consider adding Son Doong Cave to your bucket list! Situated in Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park, Bo Trach District, Quảng Bình Province, Vietnam, this marvel is renowned as one of the world’s largest natural caves. The cave’s ecosystem is a stunning harmony of colossal stalactites, stalagmites, cave pearls, underground rivers, dolines, and even a thriving forest growing right inside.

You must make a reservation for The Son Doong expedition tour which costs 3,000 dollars per person. Despite its high cost, the tour has gained immense popularity, drawing adventure enthusiasts from around the world. I believe visiting this massive cave would become an unforgettable memory.

Q. What are the characteristics of Vietnam’s climate or weather? 

A. Vietnam is a long country. The weather in the north is different from the south. You should make sure which part of the country you plan to visit. There are four seasons in the north which are spring, summer, fall and winter. If you come in winter during November to February, warm clothes are definitely essential. However, there are only two seasons in the south which are the dry season, from November to April, and the rainy season, from May to October. A thick raincoat is preferable to deal with heavy rain.

Q. Please recommend traditional foods that tourists must eat when they come to Vietnam.

A. In addition to world-famous dishes like Banh Mi or Pho, it’s also essential to try hotpot made of beef or goat. Goat hotpot, a traditional Vietnamese dish, is not only delicious but also rich in nutrients. Adding spices to the goat hotpot enhances its flavor even more. And don’t forget to spend an hour or two at a café. I recommend trying "Ca phe phin," which is enjoyed in the traditional Vietnamese way. Ca phe phin is the name of Vietnamese coffee filter and also it is the name of the coffee brewed with this filter. Ca phe phin is renowned for its intense and bitter flavor.

Q. What would you like to say to a Korean tourist who wants to travel to Vietnam?

A. Welcome to Vietnam! You’re about to embark on a journey filled with rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and warm hospitality. In Vietnam, as long as it’s not rude or illegal, you can do anything. I’d like to say that Vietnamese are lovers of peace. As you explore our country, immerse yourself in diverse traditions, savor the delicious cuisine, and connect with the friendly locals. Don't hesitate to ask for help or recommendations. Vietnamese people are always happy to assist. Have a wonderful and memorable stay in Vietnam.

Reporter Ha Chae-Won

Translated by Ha Chae-Won