First Lady Kim Visits Jogyesa with Lao President's Wife: "Hope This Visit Promotes Friendship Through Religion and Culture"

According to Deputy Spokesperson Jeon Eunsoo of the Presidential Office, on December 14, First Lady Kim Hye-kyung visited Jogyesa, the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, together with First Lady Naly Sisoulith of Laos, who is on an official visit to Korea, accompanied by Thongloun Sisoulith, President of Laos.

Yonhap News Agency

This visit was arranged to strengthen exchanges and solidarity between Korea and Laos, based on their long-standing friendship, through cultural and religious ties.

After paying respects at the Daeungjeon Hall of Jogyesa, First Lady Kim and First Lady Naly had tea together at the Gwaneumjeon Hall, where they discussed the history and spirit of Korean Buddhism, as well as the cultural and spiritual values shared by both countries.

To mark the occasion, Monk Myojang, Director of Planning at the Jogye Order, and Monk Tanbo, Deputy Head of Jogyesa, welcomed the visit by noting that the majority of Laotians are Buddhists. They stated, "Buddhism is a significant spiritual foundation in Laotian society and, in Korea as well, has long served as a shared cultural asset that has preserved the values of national unity and peace throughout history."

First Lady Naly responded, "I am especially delighted to visit Jogyesa together with First Lady Kim Hye-kyung." She continued, "Korea and Laos not only share Buddhist culture but also have similarities in their food cultures. For example, while Korea has kimchi, Laos has its own version called 'Som Pak Kat.' I hope this visit to Korea will further deepen cultural exchanges between our two countries."

Yonhap News Agency

First Lady Kim remarked that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Laos, as well as the 50th anniversary of the founding of Laos, making it a particularly meaningful year. She said, "It is even more significant to visit the main temple of the largest Buddhist order in Korea, located in the heart of Seoul, together with First Lady Naly of Laos, a Buddhist nation. I hope that exchanges and cooperation between our two countries will continue."

In particular, First Lady Kim emphasized, "I hope this visit will serve as an opportunity to promote mutual understanding and friendship between our two countries, not only through economic cooperation but also through religion and culture."