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Vietnam and South Korea deepen ties through people-to-people exchanges

With over 550,000 citizens living across each other's borders, Vietnam and South Korea are leveraging their growing diaspora communities to strengthen bilateral relations. The two nations are expanding cooperation in areas ranging from nuclear energy to artificial intelligence.

LSN Vietnam · 8 October 2026

Vietnam and South Korea deepen ties through people-to-people exchanges

Vietnam and South Korea are capitalizing on extensive people-to-people connections to promote mutual understanding and deepen their bilateral partnership. Approximately 350,000 Vietnamese nationals are currently residing, studying, and working in South Korea, while roughly 200,000 South Koreans maintain a presence in Vietnam. When combined with Vietnamese-Korean multicultural families, these communities serve as vital bridges linking the two nations at the grassroots level.

The growing diaspora has become instrumental in fostering cultural and economic exchanges between Hanoi and Seoul. Recent initiatives include the introduction of Vietnamese-language learning applications designed for communities in South Korea, reflecting efforts to facilitate communication and cultural integration among resident populations.

Beyond cultural initiatives, the two countries are pursuing substantive cooperation in strategic sectors. Vietnam is actively seeking South Korea's technical expertise and assistance in developing its nuclear power capabilities, while also exploring collaboration in artificial intelligence research and development. Additionally, both nations are sharing experiences in public budget management and regional connectivity infrastructure projects.

The expansion of ties reflects both countries' commitment to strengthening their relationship amid evolving geopolitical dynamics in Asia. By leveraging their interconnected populations and complementary economic strengths, Vietnam and South Korea are positioning themselves for enhanced cooperation across multiple domains in the coming years.