Daewoo E&C to fund and build temporary housing for Vietnamese nationals in Korea
From left, Habitat for Humanity Korea Chairman Yoon Hyung-joo, Daewoo E&C CEO Kim Hyung, Vietnam Ambassador to Korea Nguyen Vu Tung and Wono Temple monk Thic Tuong Thang pose for a photo after signing a four-way MOU to launch a project for constructing temporary housing facilities for Vietnamese nationals residing in Korea, at the Vietnam Embassy in Seoul. Courtesy of Daewoo E&C
By Kim Hyun-bin
Daewoo Engineering & Construction signed a four-way memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Vietnamese government, Habitat for Humanity Korea and Wono Temple, marking the 30th anniversary of Korea-Vietnam ties. The company will provide aid towards resolving housing issues faced by Vietnamese workers living in Korea.
Daewoo E&C President Kim Hyung, Vietnamese Ambassador to Korea Nguyen Vu Tung, Habitat for Humanity Korea Chairman Yoon Hyung-joo and Wono Temple monk Thic Tuong Thang were in attendance at the MOU ceremony held at the Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul, Oct. 15.
Daewoo E&C will donate 250 million won ($213,000) to create a mural and temporary housing facilities, while the company employees will volunteer to build the housing. The site for the rest area will be provided by Vietnamese Buddhist temple Wonosa in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, and Habitat for Humanity Korea will be in charge of the project.
“The MOU is more meaningful as 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of Korea-Vietnam diplomatic ties,” CEO Kim said. “With the project, we hope the two countries' relations are strengthened further and that the space becomes a place for Vietnamese nationals residing in Korea to rest.”
The mural will be painted on walls at the Vietnamese Embassy highlighting the two countries' bilateral tradition and harmonious relations. It is scheduled to be completed before the year end, while the temporary housing facilities at Wono Temple are expected to finish construction in October of next year. The temple will provide housing support for Vietnamese nationals living in Korea, as well as therapy and counseling.
Since 2001, Daewoo E&C has been initiating the “Hope House Renovation” campaign, fixing up housing for senior citizens who are having difficulties making ends meet. Starting in 2018, the company has been cooperating with Habitat for Humanity Korea to expand the project to include the struggling descendants of independence activists as well as engaging in diverse other social contribution projects.
“A safe and sanitary home is a basic right no matter one's nationality,” Habitat for Humanity Korea Chairman Yoon Hyung-joo said. “We hope the project brings about good health and a stable life for Vietnamese people here and helps them fulfill their dreams.”
Daewoo E&C established its Hanoi branch in 1991 and has spent nearly $3 billion worth of development projects in Vietnam. Currently, the company is in charge of building Starlake City, a major development project northwest of Hanoi.