More than 1,500 Cambodian migrant workers and diaspora members in South Korea gathered on October 3 to celebrate Pchum Ben, Cambodia’s traditional festival honouring ancestors and the deceased.
The gathering was attended by H.E. Seng Sakada, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, representing Minister H.E. Heng Sour, and H.E. Khuon Phon Rattanak, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Cambodia to the Republic of Korea.
Key Facts
| About the Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Pchum Ben celebration |
| Date | October 3, 2026 |
| Location | South Korea |
| Participants | More than 1,500 |
| Participants included | Cambodian migrant workers and diaspora members |
| Organiser | Uijeongbu Volunteer Cambodian Community |
| Main purpose | Honour ancestors and strengthen Cambodian community solidarity |
| Cambodian official | Seng Sakada |
| Cambodian ambassador | Khuon Phon Rattanak |
Cambodian community preserves traditions abroad
Organised by the Uijeongbu Volunteer Cambodian Community, the event provided an opportunity for Cambodians living in South Korea to dedicate merit to their ancestors, fallen Cambodian soldiers and deceased community members.
The gathering also aimed to strengthen unity and solidarity among Cambodian workers and diaspora members while preserving cultural traditions far from Cambodia.
The strong participation demonstrated the community’s continued connection to Cambodian cultural identity and traditions while living and working overseas.
Workers encouraged to respect Korean laws and customs
During the event, Seng Sakada conveyed greetings from Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to Cambodian workers and diaspora members in South Korea.
He encouraged Cambodian workers to remain committed to their jobs and to strictly observe South Korean laws, workplace regulations and local customs.
He said responsible conduct would help safeguard the honour and dignity of Cambodian workers and contribute to a positive image of Cambodia in the host country.
Angkor Times Analysis
The gathering illustrates how Cambodia’s overseas communities continue to maintain cultural traditions while living and working abroad.
For Cambodian workers in South Korea, events such as Pchum Ben also provide an opportunity to strengthen community ties and preserve cultural identity. The message encouraging workers to respect local laws, workplace regulations and customs reflects the importance of maintaining positive relations between Cambodian communities and their host country.
FAQs
How many Cambodians attended the Pchum Ben event in South Korea?
More than 1,500 Cambodian migrant workers and diaspora members attended.
Who organised the celebration?
The event was organised by the Uijeongbu Volunteer Cambodian Community.
What was the purpose of the gathering?
Participants dedicated merit to ancestors, fallen Cambodian soldiers and deceased people while strengthening solidarity among Cambodians living in South Korea.
Who represented Cambodia at the event?
Seng Sakada, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training, attended alongside Cambodian Ambassador Khuon Phon Rattanak.