The visit to the capital’s historic heart, including Ngoc Son Temple and the illuminated The Huc Bridge, formed part of the sidelines of President Lee’s state visit to Vietnam from April 21–24 at the invitation of Party General Secretary and President To Lam.

The President’s unexpected appearance drew warm attention from locals and visitors alike, with many greeting him along the lakeside. President Lee and the First Lady responded with friendly waves, underscoring a sense of closeness and accessibility.

In a moment that quickly resonated online, the First Lady stopped at the iconic Thuy Ta Ice Cream shop to buy ice cream for the delegation - a small gesture that added to the informal, personable tone of the visit.

Earlier, the President and his spouse also enjoyed Vietnam’s signature dish, Phở, at a local restaurant in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Speaking later at the Vietnam–RoK Business Forum, President Lee reflected on his impressions of the capital, describing the Hoan Kiem area as a place that preserves the thousand-year cultural essence of Vietnam, where he could feel both historical depth and the country’s dynamic energy.

He also highlighted Vietnam’s strong economic momentum, noting its sustained growth of around 7% annually and describing the country as a dynamic economic hub of ASEAN.

Beyond official engagements, the President pointed to cultural exchanges as a powerful driver of bilateral ties. He cited examples such as performances by K-pop group Blackpink in Hanoi and the growing popularity of Vietnamese cuisine in Korea, alongside rising two-way tourism, which saw around five million visits in 2025.

Images from the visit, including scenes from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and other destinations, shared on the President’s social media platform TikTok have attracted significant public engagement, with many Vietnamese users expressing warm support.

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VOV.VN - Vietnam and the Republic of Korea (RoK) are shifting their cooperation from traditional trade and investment toward the co-development of next-generation industrial and technology ecosystems, with a focus on innovation, high-value supply chains, and strategic industries.