Mrs. Kim Hye-kyung had a conversation this morning with Mrs. Naly Sisoulith, who is visiting Korea with her husband, President Thongloun Sisoulith of Laos. Mrs. Kim expressed her pleasure by saying, “I am glad to have another time of fellowship today following our visit to Jogyesa Temple yesterday,” to which Mrs. Naly Sisoulith responded with gratitude for the hospitality, saying, “Thanks to you, I had a comfortable rest and had kimchi for breakfast.”
Mrs. Kim mentioned that “many Korean tourists visit Laos,” noting that last year, about 240,000 people from both countries visited each other, the largest number ever, indicating a significant increase in human exchanges since the establishment of diplomatic relations. In response, Mrs. Naly Sisoulith said, “Laos has natural beauty and historical heritage, and recently, more people are visiting for golf trips,” adding, “If given the opportunity, I would like to invite Mrs. Kim to show her the waterfalls and temples.”
Additionally, Mrs. Naly Sisoulith introduced that “interest in Korean food has greatly increased in Laos due to the influence of the Korean Wave,” noting that “especially samgyeopsal and bulgogi are very popular.” The two ladies also discussed traditional clothing of both countries. When Mrs. Kim remarked that “the intricate patterns of Lao traditional skirts are impressive,” Mrs. Naly Sisoulith responded, “The colors of hanbok are very beautiful,” adding that she had prepared silk fabric in the colors of the Lao flag for Mrs. Kim, which would suit hanbok well.
In return, Mrs. Kim prepared a hand-embroidered silk frame, a traditional Korean craft, for Mrs. Naly Sisoulith. The two ladies shared the view that mutual interest and cultural exchange would further solidify friendly cooperation between the two countries. When Mrs. Kim expressed regret that there were many places she wanted to introduce, such as museums, but lacked time, Mrs. Naly Sisoulith said, “Although the visit was short, I made many precious memories,” and looked forward to meeting again.