Vietnam-South Korea trade set to pass historic $100bn milestone: diplomat
South Korea’s consul general in Da Nang City has said bilateral trade between Vietnam and South Korea is on track to exceed US$100 billion for the first time this year, a historic milestone in economic ties between the two countries.
Han Jungil, South Korea’s consul general in Da Nang City, central Vietnam. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre
Trade between Vietnam and South Korea is expected to surpass $100 billion for the first time in 2026, South Korean Consul General Han Jungil said at a ceremony celebrating the National Day of the Republic of Korea, held on Thursday evening.
Speaking about bilateral relations, Han said the two countries had achieved significant progress across various fields since establishing diplomatic ties in 1992, becoming each other’s most trusted cooperation partners.
Economic cooperation between the two countries has continued to grow strongly in 2026.
South Korea is currently Vietnam’s largest foreign investor. As of the first half of this year, cumulative investment between the two countries surpassed $100 billion for the first time.
Han said Da Nang and the central region hold special significance in relations between the two countries.
In 2025, the city welcomed 1.46 million South Korean visitors, making South Korea the city’s largest international tourism market.
“South Korean businesses in Da Nang and the central region are contributing to local economic development and creating jobs in manufacturing, shipbuilding, tourism, and high-tech industries," Han said.
“Cooperation has also expanded into science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation.
"One example is a memorandum of understanding on character intellectual property signed by Da Nang’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the Korea Character Culture Industry Association, opening up opportunities to combine culture with digital technology."
A traditional Korean cultural performance at the reception marking National Day of the Republic of Korea. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre
Speaking at the ceremony, Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, vice-chairwoman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, said the city had established friendship and cooperation ties with nine South Korean localities, including Daegu, Pyeongtaek, and Yongin.
In 2026, cooperation between Da Nang and South Korea continued to be promoted through the Meet Korea in Da Nang conference and the Da Nang Vietnam-South Korea Festival, with a focus on fostering connections in science and technology, artificial intelligence, and innovation.
Thi said Da Nang aimed to develop into a major socio-economic centre, while promoting innovation, high technology, international finance, and the marine economy.
The city therefore sought to expand cooperation with South Korea in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, finance, logistics, education, and high-quality workforce training.
A Da Nang official (R) and Consul General Han Jungil celebrate National Day of the Republic of Korea. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre
Da Nang, Hue gain favor among South Korean tourists
Consul General Han said at the ceremony that Da Nang and Hue, with their natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, had become popular overseas travel destinations for South Koreans.
He expressed hope that combining the cultural assets and industrial capabilities of Vietnamese localities with South Korea’s technology and expertise would create further opportunities for cooperation and promote mutual development.
Van Giang - Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre News
Link nội dung: https://news.tuoitre.vn/vietnam-south-korea-trade-set-to-pass-historic-100bn-milestone-diplomat-103261023170823615.htm