Korea Foundation President Kim Byung-kook received an honorary award from the Vietnamese government Thursday for his contribution to enhancing the relations between South Korea and Vietnam.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training said that Kim has expanded and deepened the academic exchanges between two countries since he was appointed as the head of the organization last June. 

Kim is a life-long scholar in foreign affairs and politics and served as the secretary for foreign affairs at the presidential office in 2008.

The foundation has also been highly recognized in light of broadening academic, cultural and personal exchanges between two countries since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1992.

Affiliated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the foundation is responsible for promoting better understanding of Korea overseas and stimulating exchanges with global communities. In an effort to promote Korea in Vietnam, the organization has tried to introduce Korean studies and language, providing scholarships to Vietnamese scholars of Korean studies and inviting Vietnamese leaders to Korea.

The foundation plans to offer a $100,000 scholarship to Vietnamese high school and college students jointly with Samsung.

By Lee Woo-young (wylee@heraldcorp.com)