RoK Ambassador positive on relations with Vietnam

Vietnam and the RoK first established diplomatic relations in December, 1992. Over the past three decades, ties between the two have greatly progressed, reflected in fields such as investment, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. In 2022, the two countries moved to upgrade their relationship to the level of comprehensive strategic partnership.

According to the diplomat, thanks to the following three factors, the relationship between the two countries have developed well. First is the cultural and historical similarities between the two countries, second is the political-diplomatic similarities and economic complementarity, and finally it is thanks to the best efforts of many generations.

“I think, all of these things combined and led to the incredible growth of our relationship at present,” the Korean diplomat said.

Ambassador Youngsam also expressed joy at seeing Vietnam become the RoK’s third largest trading partner, while the RoK is leading the way in foreign direct investment in Vietnam, with Korean businesses operating effectively throughout 63 Vietnamese provinces and cities.

He also pledged to work harder as part of efforts aimed at moving the RoK to a higher position in terms of trade and investment in Vietnam.

Talking about people-to-people and cross-cultural exchanges between the two countries, the Korean diplomat said that as Korean Ambassador to Vietnam, he will make every effort to open more doors through improving the visa system aiming to create optimal conditions for both nations’ women and young people to hold more exchanges.

“It is also important to expand Korean and Vietnamese educational facilities so that the two countries can better understand each other. In Vietnam alone, there are 40,000 teenagers learning Korean in elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and other institutions. We will make further efforts to expand this,” he added.

Ambassador Youngsam also expressed his positive impression of Vietnam by saying that for him the country is a family and his feelings for the nation are getting deeper and deeper.

He said he also loves Vietnamese delicacies such as bun cha (Vietnamese grilled pork with rice vermicelli noodles), cơm hến (rice served with mussel), and banh xeo (crispy Vietnamese pancake), especially all types of Vietnamese coffee.

Regarding the activities of the Korean Cultural Center in Vietnam, the Ambassador said the most basic purposes of the centre is to introduce unique traditional Korean culture to the Vietnamese people, whilst the cultural promotion activities are receiving a lot of positive feedback.

In late November, 2023, the Korean Cultural Center launched a broad array of events aimed at promoting the Korean gaming industry, thereby, demonstrating the cultural co-operation between the two nations.

“We are planning many concerts, performances and joint exhibitions through collaboration with outstanding artists from Vietnam and the RoK. We wish to develop the center into an organization that acts as a bridge between the two nations.

On the occasion of the approaching Lunar New Year, known locally as Tet, the RoK Ambassador extended his best wishes to the Vietnamese people with a new year filled with many good things and happiness.