South Korean philanthropists have constructed over 260 houses for residents in the Banteay Srei district of Siem Reap province. Working through the Cambofriend organisation, their efforts aimed to enhance local livelihoods while strengthening the friendship between the two nations.

Sat Meas, a representative of Cambofriend, announced on June 2 that the philanthropists, Korean volunteers, had fundraised in their home country to build houses for impoverished Cambodians and newlyweds living separately from their parents.

“These houses, despite their small size, symbolise their love for the Cambodian people and their wish for them to have a decent shelter,” Meas explained.

Volunteer-built houses, comprised of wooden structures with zinc roofs, measure approximately 5 metres by 4 metres.

“Their efforts go beyond mere house construction, extending into the education sector with the building of school facilities, wells, and recreational areas for children,” Meas elaborated.

Woo Taehan, a representative of the Korean volunteers, voiced the group’s pleasure at aiding the Cambodian people and pledged to continue fundraising in Korea.

“Our team, particularly those who have previously volunteered in Cambodia, hold a deep affection for the Cambodian people and their culture. We hope to foster long-term friendly relations between our two countries,” Taehan said.

Hun Sambath, deputy governor of Banteay Srei district, declined to comment due to other engagements, and Ly Samrith, deputy governor of Siem Reap province, admitted unfamiliarity with the project’s specifics.

According to the Cambofriend report, since its inception, the organisation and Korean donors have funded several projects such as five school buildings, libraries, bathrooms, gates, fences, school kitchens, children’s playgrounds, 724 wells, and 264 houses, totalling approximately $1.5 million.