" Oh Myung-hwan, President of the Korea-Laos Friendship Association

The value of being an Asian powerhouse

Korea-Laos Friendship Association

KLFA / Korea-Laos Friendship Association

"I am confident that Laos will definitely emerge as an emerging power in Asia in the future. Our association is a private diplomatic organisation approved as a non-profit organisation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Laos and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea over a decade ago." Oh Myung-hwan, President of the Korea-Laos Friendship Association

Our Association

The KLFA has more than 1,000 officers and members. We also have a counterpart in Laos, the Lao-Korean Friendship Association (LKFA), which was established in 2009 under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Laos, and both associations (KLFA/LKFA) hold annual general meetings in Korea and Laos and share various information. Next year, in the spring of 2024, they will hold their 12th General Assembly in Seoul.

The Korea-Laos Friendship Association is one of the most active friendship associations in Korea, and the third most active in Laos after China and Vietnam among countries around the world.

Activities

As part of its public-private diplomacy programme, the KLFA is engaged in a variety of activities, including strengthening the management of people-to-people exchanges with Laos, improving the educational environment in remote areas, improving living conditions, and providing medical assistance.

In Korea, KLFA's first priority since its establishment in 2004 has been to support international students from Laos. In cooperation with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, we provide key information on various events in Laos and on the entry of Korean public and private companies into Laos. The most important activity is to help Korean investors resolve difficulties in coordination with the local LKFA.

In addition, it aims to become the most trusted association for Koreans who want to do business with Laos.

President Oh Myung-hwan

"This year, 2023, marks the 19th anniversary of the KLFA, and I have been involved with Laos for about 30 years," said Mr Oh.

The team is composed of local diplomatic staff, including corporate heads, branch managers, and expatriates, who have been working in Laos since the early 1990s.

This experience has laid the foundation for the organisation as a public diplomacy organisation between the two countries, and as of 2023, it has received 12 Friendship Medals from the Lao government in recognition of its work.

The organisation's most significant growth was in December 2011, when five airlines (Lao Airlines, Jin Air, Jeju Air, Tway Air, and Busan Air) launched direct flights between Korea and Laos.

OH-Myung Hwan(오명환)

Work Experiences

1977-1981 : Sam-ho Construction Co, Ltd korea & saudi arabia

1981-1984 : Seo-I1 Construction Co, Ltd singapore

1984-1989 : Ssang-Yong Construction Co, Ltd korea

1989-1999 : I1-Sung Construction Co, Ltd korea, uruguay, lao pdr

2000-2004 : Geotera IT Co, Ltd china

2004-Present : KLFA Chairman

Awards

1986 : Received the Engineer Award from Minister of Ministry of Construction of Korea

1988 : Received the Engineer Award from Minister of Ministry of Construction of Korea

2012 : Friendship Medal(No 179) from Lao PDR

2015 : Victory Friendship Medal(No 355) from Lao PDR

Laos Now

Like China and Vietnam, Laos has introduced capitalist elements to a large extent.

The capital is Vientiane, and the most famous cities are Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Pakse.

It is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, sandwiched between China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. It is blessed with few natural disasters and calm weather.

Most women in Laos earn very little money to support their families. In Lao markets, more than 90 per cent of vendors are women, and their dedication to their families and society is a driving force.

These days, Lao women love to spend time with friends and family, both in person and online. They spend most of their free time socialising with people they care about.

Laos is a predominantly Buddhist country, but in recent years it has become a mix of different religions.

The country seems to be moving away from communism and towards socialism.

Lao cuisine is also a hidden treasure. The flavours of herbs, spices and fresh ingredients are exquisite. Try the famous lap and the green papaya salad called somtum. As the saying goes, the mountains are the icing on the cake, and Laos has some beautiful natural scenery. From the towering limestone karsts of Vang Vieng to the tranquil waters of the Mekong River, it's a sight to behold. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is full of timeless charm. The city centre's bustling night markets offer endless opportunities for handicraft shopping and delicious street food.

The circle at the centre of the Lao flag symbolises the unity of the Lao people, and like the central circle of the South Korean flag, it is hoped that the two countries will live together in a circle of cooperation.