Vietnam–Korea Festival 2026 kicks off in Da Nang

The Vietnam–Korea Festival 2026 has kicked off in Da Nang, a major city in central Vietnam, aiming to promote cultural and economic exchange between the two nations. The festival seeks to build long-term partnerships, with Korean companies intending to deepen cooperation with Vietnamese firms through product showcases, business-to-business matchmaking, and investment opportunities. Specific projects include the Korean "K-Vietnam Valley" initiative, smart farm development, and tourism projects, with a combined value of approximately 347.6 billion KRW (245.1 million USD). This initiative aligns with Vietnam's position as a top source of long-term foreign arrivals to South Korea. Culturally, the event highlights Vietnamese traditional martial arts and cuisine. The 9th International Festival of Vietnamese Traditional Martial Arts is expected to attract about 2,000 martial artists from 66 delegations, aiming for wider international recognition. The "Pho Cultural Roadshow Europe 2026" has traversed six European countries, showcasing Vietnamese culinary arts. My Quang, a signature dish from the Quang region, is recognized for reflecting the history and culture of its communities, contributing to Da Nang's standing as a culinary tourism destination. Furthermore, the Van Phuc silk weaving village in Hanoi and Yen Tu mountain in Quang Ninh province are being established as distinct tourism brands leveraging traditional crafts and cultural heritage. In architecture, legislative amendments will emphasize "national cultural identity," promoting designs rooted in regional heritage, natural, historical, and social conditions. This reflects how Vietnam's governance, within its one-party system, aims to bolster national identity and soft power alongside economic growth. In sports, the Vietnamese national football team has demonstrated its strength in the ASEAN Cup, maintaining its top position in Group A. Additionally, a marathon held along Ha Long Bay is globally recognized for its scenic beauty. These events illustrate Vietnam's multifaceted approach to preserving and utilizing its cultural heritage, strengthening international ties, and shaping national identity amidst continuous economic development. Source: VietnamPlus English