On January 12, 2026, South Korean Ambassador to Vietnam, Choi Young-sam, delivered a message that resonated beyond the usual diplomatic platitudes. "Vietnam will not only be a manufacturing base but also has the potential to become a nation of innovation and creativity," he asserted, according to VnExpress. This sentiment, while optimistic, is firmly rooted in the remarkable evolution of Vietnam-South Korea relations over the past three decades.
Thirty-three years have passed since Vietnam and South Korea established diplomatic ties in 1992. In that time, what began as a pragmatic relationship focused on economic cooperation has blossomed into a multifaceted partnership. The breadth of this collaboration now spans the economy, trade, investment, defense, education, labor, and, increasingly, science and technology. The two countries marked a major milestone in December 2022 when they elevated their partnership to the status of Comprehensive Strategic Partners—a move that set the stage for even deeper cooperation in the years ahead.
Ambassador Choi, in a recent interview with VnExpress, highlighted the significant achievements that have emerged from this partnership, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), digital infrastructure, and semiconductors. He pointed to the 2025 agreement between KT (Korea Telecom) and Viettel, a Vietnamese telecom giant, which established a strategic partnership worth 130 billion won to advance AI collaboration. Around the same time, LG CNS and VNPT inked a memorandum of understanding to build AI data centers in Vietnam. These deals, Choi noted, are not isolated events. They are part of a larger trend in which South Korean companies are actively supporting Vietnam's digital transformation, from smart manufacturing and e-government to boosting research and development capacity through the establishment of research centers by Samsung and LG in Vietnam.
What makes this cooperation particularly noteworthy is its comprehensive nature. It covers the entire spectrum, from design and manufacturing to the training of human resources. According to VnExpress, this collaboration is now expanding to include innovative startups and enterprises in both countries, marking a qualitative leap beyond the traditional focus on manufacturing. Vietnamese enterprises, with their strong production capacity and adaptability to local markets, are increasingly seen as optimal partners in emerging industries such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
One standout example is the recent partnership between Vietnam's CT UAV and South Korea's Airbility. Ambassador Choi described this as a "typical example" of how technology cooperation between the two nations is reaching new heights, extending to innovative and startup businesses. He emphasized that both Vietnamese and South Korean enterprises possess complementary technological strengths and market knowledge, enabling them to seek opportunities in the global marketplace together. However, he also cautioned that the South Korean market maintains high standards for technology, quality, and regulatory compliance, making thorough preparation and local partnerships essential for Vietnamese firms looking to make inroads.
Despite these advances, some experts have observed that Vietnam's role in the global technology value chain remains largely focused on assembly rather than innovation. Ambassador Choi acknowledged this challenge and argued that South Korea is uniquely positioned to help Vietnam move up the value chain. He cited South Korea's own experience in industrialization, where the country advanced by investing in research and development, training human resources, and fostering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups. "South Korea can support Vietnam in improving technology design and platform technology through joint research and development, establishing research centers in Vietnam, and expanding exchange of master's and doctoral level human resources between universities and enterprises," Choi explained. He stressed the importance of moving beyond simple technology transfer to more sophisticated forms of cooperation, such as joint planning and investment, which would empower Vietnamese enterprises to compete independently at home and abroad.
The strategic importance of science and technology cooperation was underscored during the August 2025 visit of General Secretary To Lam to South Korea. Both sides agreed to make science and technology a new pillar of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Ambassador Choi described this as a "critical step reflecting the future orientation of bilateral relations," emphasizing that it will serve as a key driver for mutual trust and competitiveness in industrial sectors. To realize this vision, Choi recommended institutionalizing high-level policy dialogues and increasing joint research and development in strategic technologies such as AI, next-generation telecommunications, and energy technology.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Choi painted a vivid picture of the next ten years in Vietnam-South Korea technology relations. He predicted a shift from an "investment and production" model to one characterized by "joint innovation and global market expansion." The synergy between Vietnam's young, dynamic workforce and its rapid adoption of digital technologies, combined with South Korea's cutting-edge capabilities and established industrial ecosystem, could propel both countries to the forefront of strategic industries like AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotechnology, digital assets, and green technology.
To achieve these lofty goals, Choi called for a dual focus on both the scale and quality of human resource training. He advocated for expanding joint research and development, creating more testbeds and standardization initiatives, and relaxing regulations to facilitate the growth of startups and SMEs. Financial instruments and guarantees, as well as support for market expansion, would also be necessary to help fledgling companies realize their potential. "These Vietnam-South Korea partnerships will contribute to leading the ASEAN market and creating larger effects in the global value chain," Choi remarked.
Vietnam's demographic advantages are not lost on observers. With a young, energetic population and a rapidly growing digital economy, the country is well-positioned to play a more prominent role in the global innovation ecosystem. Ambassador Choi expects Vietnam to become not just a hub for manufacturing, but a genuine center for innovation in fields such as AI, software, smart manufacturing, green technology, and human-centric technologies. To get there, he argues, Vietnam must continue to invest in human resource development, research and development, open data initiatives, and regulatory innovation. Deepening international cooperation and greater participation in global value chains will also be crucial.
Vietnam is already laying the groundwork for this transformation with the implementation of policies such as Resolution 57 on science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation, as well as Resolution 68 on private sector economic development. Ambassador Choi concluded, "Vietnam will continue to be a partner in ushering in an era of prosperity led by science, technology, and digital innovation. I hope the two countries will build an inclusive and sustainable technology ecosystem together."
As the world enters the era of digital transformation and Industry 5.0, the Vietnam-South Korea partnership stands as a compelling example of how countries can move beyond old models and forge new paths toward shared innovation and prosperity.
