The Viet Nam–Republic of Korea relationship is regarded by diplomats as a successful model of cooperation in Asia, built on political trust and deep connections in people-to-people exchanges. Thirty years after the official establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have upgraded their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, affirming that bilateral relations are now at their best. Regional and global fluctuations have not hindered the rapid and effective development of cooperation between Viet Nam and the Republic of Korea.
Since the upgrade to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2022, political trust between the two countries has been continuously strengthened, and bilateral cooperation has grown in a strong and effective manner across almost all areas. Viet Nam consistently values its relations with the Republic of Korea and wishes for cooperation to continue developing in a substantive, effective, diverse, and sustainable manner. Meanwhile, the Republic of Korea considers Viet Nam a central partner in implementing its foreign policy in the region.
On the foundation of strong political relations, economic cooperation has achieved many proud results. The Republic of Korea is the largest investor in Viet Nam, with total registered capital reaching 94 billion USD. In 2024, bilateral trade turnover reached 81.5 billion USD, up 7.3% from 2023.
People-to-people exchanges are an important driving force in strengthening solidarity between the peoples of the two countries. Through cultural and tourism connections, citizens of both sides gain a deeper understanding of each other and grow closer.
According to Hana Tour, a major tourism company in the Republic of Korea, Viet Nam currently ranks first among destinations for families with children under 10 years old. For Korean citizens, Viet Nam is a favoured tourist destination in Southeast Asia thanks to its warm climate, which is particularly suitable for winter travel. Korean cultural, artistic, cinematic, and fashion programmes are also highly popular in Viet Nam.
Contributing to the shared success of the friendly and cooperative Viet Nam–Republic of Korea relationship are the efforts of various friendship, economic and cultural associations. The Vietnamese community in the Republic of Korea and multicultural families also play a part in bridging cultural ties between the two nations.
Vietnamese Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Vu Ho noted that the Vietnamese community in the country is growing stronger and plays an active role locally. The ambassador affirmed the important role of the Vietnamese Association in the Republic of Korea in organising meaningful activities, enhancing unity and cohesion within the community, and creating opportunities for citizens to express their national cultural identity.
During its 2021–2024 term as coordinator for ASEAN–Republic of Korea relations, Viet Nam promoted the establishment of the ASEAN–Republic of Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, shaped orientations, and co-chaired many key cooperation documents, such as the Joint Statement on Strengthening Cooperation for Peace, People and Prosperity at the 22nd ASEAN–Republic of Korea Summit, and the Joint Statement on Cooperation under the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Viet Nam’s ASEAN–Republic of Korea Day initiative was also a notable highlight, helping to foster cultural exchanges between the two sides.
Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, Head of Viet Nam’s Permanent Mission to ASEAN
At the multilateral level, as an active, proactive, and responsible ASEAN member, Viet Nam has become an important bridge contributing to strengthening the connection between the Republic of Korea and ASEAN.
In an interview with Nhan Dan Newspaper, Ambassador Ton Thi Ngoc Huong, Head of Viet Nam’s Permanent Mission to ASEAN, shared that during its 2021–2024 term as coordinator for ASEAN–Republic of Korea relations, Viet Nam promoted the establishment of the ASEAN–Republic of Korea Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, shaped orientations, and co-chaired many key cooperation documents, such as the Joint Statement on Strengthening Cooperation for Peace, People and Prosperity at the 22nd ASEAN–Republic of Korea Summit, and the Joint Statement on Cooperation under the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific. Viet Nam’s ASEAN–Republic of Korea Day initiative was also a notable highlight, helping to foster cultural exchanges between the two sides.
Viet Nam and the Republic of Korea have been cultivating a flourishing tree of friendship, yielding many sweet fruits. The strong ties built by generations of leaders and citizens of the two countries will serve as a solid foundation for Viet Nam and the Republic of Korea to continue writing brilliant new chapters in their bilateral cooperation.
