Vietnam and South Korea Deepen Ties Through Cultural Exchange

As part of the official visit to the Republic of Korea by Vietnamese National Assembly Chairman Tran Thanh Man, his spouse, Nguyen Thi Thanh Nga, met with Samuel Chung, Chairman of the Korean Association for Cultural Development, and representatives of Korean design, fashion, and handicraft associations, businesses, and cultural figures in Seoul on September 7. The meeting focused on fostering cultural exchange between the two nations, exploring avenues for enhanced cooperation particularly in the fields of design, fashion, and handicrafts. Mrs. Nga emphasized that culture serves as a crucial pillar in bilateral relations, contributing to mutual understanding and the creation of economic opportunities. Vietnam has been increasingly placing culture at the center of its global development agenda, as evidenced by the UN's adoption of the International Decade of Culture for Sustainable Development, proposed by Vietnam. Deepening cultural ties with South Korea aligns with Vietnam's broader strategy to elevate the role of culture on the international stage. This engagement extends beyond mere cultural exchange, holding the potential to unlock new business opportunities for Vietnam's rapidly growing economy, particularly in its manufacturing and export sectors. Domestically, Vietnam is actively leveraging culture as an engine for economic growth, with initiatives such as promoting Hanoi tourism and creating growth opportunities in the cultural industries in Tuyen Quang province. Under Vietnam's one-party system, cultural policies are often integrated into national strategies, aiming to enhance the country's international image and soft power. The cultural exchange with South Korea is expected to generate synergies between these national objectives and South Korea's renowned advanced design, fashion, and handicraft industries.