On 28 April 2026, the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO), in collaboration with the Department of Forestry (DoF) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Lao PDR, held a groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of the ASEAN-Korea Garden at Houay Nhang Protection Forest in Vientiane. The event marked an important milestone in strengthening cooperation between ASEAN Member States and the Republic of Korea through environmental and cultural collaboration.
The ceremony brought together government officials, development partners, and various stakeholders to commemorate the official commencement of the project. Distinguished guests included Dr. Saynakhone Inthavong, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Lao PDR; H.E. Jung Yung Soo, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Lao PDR; Mr. Jin Sun Pil, Vice Executive Director of AFoCO; and Dr. Somvang Phimmavong, Director General of the Department of Forestry of Lao PDR. Representatives from Vientiane Capital, the National University of Laos, the Lao-Korea Research Center, and other partner institutions also attended the event.
The ASEAN-Korea Garden project originated from the 2019 ASEAN–Republic of Korea Commemorative Summit as a symbol of friendship and enduring partnership between ASEAN Member States and the Republic of Korea. The project is being implemented by the Department of Forestry of Lao PDR with financial and technical support from AFoCO.
Located within the Houay Nhang Botanical Garden adjacent to the Government Complex in Vientiane Capital, the project covers approximately 10 hectares of forest and wetland areas. The project aims to enhance human well-being by creating an ecological green space where people and nature can coexist while safeguarding endangered tree and plant species and promoting biodiversity conservation.
Drawing inspiration from the spatial philosophy of Korea’s Gyeongbokgung Palace and Lao PDR’s Wat Phou, the garden is designed to provide visitors with an immersive journey through diverse landscapes that gradually guide them toward a deeper connection with nature. Beyond serving as a recreational space, the garden is envisioned as a platform for environmental education, research, and sustainable eco-cultural experiences.
The ceremony featured a project presentation by the Department of Forestry, followed by welcome and congratulatory remarks from distinguished guests. The event concluded with a ceremonial shoveling activity and site visit, symbolizing the official commencement of the garden establishment process.
In his congratulatory remarks, Mr. Jin Sun Pil, Vice Executive Director of AFoCO, highlighted the significance of the project as a shared regional initiative:
“The ASEAN-Korea Garden represents more than a physical space; it symbolizes our shared commitment to connecting people and nature while strengthening friendship and cooperation across the region. AFoCO hopes this garden will become a place where future generations can learn, experience, and appreciate the value of forests and biodiversity.”
The distinguished guests expressed their expectation that the ASEAN-Korea Garden would contribute to biodiversity conservation, ecotourism promotion, and environmental awareness, while becoming a symbolic landmark reflecting the enduring partnership and shared vision between ASEAN Member States and the Republic of Korea.
With a total project budget of approximately USD 1.26 million, the initiative further reflects AFoCO’s continued commitment to promoting sustainable forest management and strengthening regional cooperation through people-centered green initiatives.
PROJECT OVERVIEW – AFOCO/043/2024
Establishment of ASEAN-Korea Garden in Lao PDR
Project Duration & Budget : 1 January 2024 – 31 December 2026 / US$ 1,259,159 (AFoCO: US$ 1,152,959; National: US$ 106,200, In-kind)
Implementing Agency : Department of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAF), Lao PDR
Project Sites : Government Complex of Vientiane, Houay Nhang Botanical Garden, Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR
Contributed by Sungmin Kim, Assistant Program Officer, Project Team 1 (ODA Project)