Kim Sun-han, a correspondent with the Yonhap news agency in Vietnam, has received Vietnam’s Medal for Peace and Friendship for his contribution to the deepening of the friendship between Korea and Vietnam.

At a ceremony in Hanoi on Wednesday, Vu Xuan Hong, chairman of the Vietnam Union Friendship Organizations praised Kim’s contributions to promoting friendship, mutual understanding and cooperation between the two countries, Yonhap reported.

The Medal for Peace and Friendship is the highest award offered to foreigners by the Vietnamese government. Kim is the first foreign journalist to receive the honor, according to the report.

Kim has six years of experience as a correspondent in Vietnam. He first served in Vietnam from 2003-2006, and returned in 2009 for a three-year term which ends this month.

During his time there, Kim has written many articles on development in areas of mutual concern. He also published a book in Korea on Vietnam’s past, present and future in 2007.

By Oh Kyu-wook (596story@heraldcorp.com)