On August 3, 2025, the echoes of partnership and community spirit rang out in Seoul as Comrade Do Van Chien, Chairman of the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, led a high-level delegation to South Korea. The trip, packed with symbolic meetings and heartfelt exchanges, underscored not only the growing diplomatic ties between Vietnam and South Korea but also the vibrant life of the Vietnamese community thriving far from home.
During the official visit, Do Van Chien met with South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min Seok and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Lee Hack Young, as reported by the Vietnamese press. These discussions, held in the heart of Seoul, were more than just protocol—they were a testament to the mutual respect and the desire to deepen a relationship that has blossomed across decades. Do Van Chien, visibly impressed by South Korea’s remarkable progress, proposed several initiatives to further cement the bond between the two nations. Chief among his suggestions was a call to "continue increasing high-level delegation exchanges and flexible meetings at forums and multilateral conferences to build trust and close bonds between leaders of both countries."
South Korean leaders, for their part, were quick to reciprocate the sentiment. According to official sources, both Prime Minister Kim Min Seok and Deputy Speaker Lee Hack Young expressed a strong desire to "deepen the Vietnam-South Korea relationship across all fields." There was a palpable sense of optimism in the air, as both sides recognized the potential for even broader cooperation—be it in economics, culture, education, or technology.
But the visit wasn’t confined to the corridors of power. Earlier that day, Do Van Chien and his delegation paid a visit to the Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul, where they met with embassy staff and, perhaps most significantly, representatives of the Vietnamese community in South Korea—including the historic Ly Hoa Son clan. The gathering was a poignant reminder of the enduring links between the homeland and its diaspora.
Vietnamese Ambassador to South Korea Vu Ho provided an overview of the local landscape and the Vietnamese community’s position within it. He highlighted the community’s "growing strength and its central role in diplomatic representation." The embassy, he explained, has embraced the guiding principle that "wherever there are Vietnamese, there is a community," and has worked tirelessly to diversify community activities and strengthen associations. The aim is clear: to leave no Vietnamese person unsupported, no matter where they are in South Korea.
Ambassador Vu Ho also emphasized the embassy’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with both South Korean authorities and Vietnamese community organizations. "We will continue to strengthen coordination with domestic agencies, South Korean authorities, and Vietnamese associations here to quickly resolve issues and avoid gaps," he stated. The goal is to build an even more resilient and supportive Vietnamese community, one that contributes actively to both countries and to their comprehensive strategic partnership.
The Vietnamese community in South Korea is no small group. Representatives at the meeting spoke for more than 300,000 Vietnamese living and working in the country, including nearly 90,000 Vietnamese brides in multicultural families, tens of thousands of Buddhists, and over 100,000 students pursuing their studies. The gratitude was tangible. Dao Tuan Hung, President of the General Association of Vietnamese People in Korea, along with other leaders such as Mai Thi Hong Ngoc (President of the Vietnamese Women's Union), Nguyen Tran Hung (President of the Vietnamese Student Association), and nun Thich Nu Gioi Tanh (President of the Vietnamese Buddhist Association), all expressed heartfelt thanks for the ongoing support from the Party, State, and embassy.
Community leaders shared how they have been "actively organizing activities to strengthen community bonds, promote Vietnamese culture, and support each other," all the while contributing to Vietnam’s development and the growing partnership between the two countries. They spoke of a community that looks toward the homeland, helping each other adapt to life in Korea, preserving Vietnamese cultural traditions, and working diligently while respecting local laws. Their aspiration? To contribute even more to Vietnam’s growth, especially as the country rises on the world stage.
Do Van Chien, addressing the gathering, did not shy away from highlighting the achievements of the Vietnamese community abroad and at home. He spoke with pride about the ongoing efforts to "reorganize the country"—a nod to the reforms and transformations underway in Vietnam. Most importantly, he reaffirmed the consistent policy of the Vietnamese Party and State towards overseas Vietnamese: "The Party, State, and people of Vietnam greatly value Vietnamese people living and working abroad, considering them an inseparable part of the nation, the flesh and blood of the Vietnamese people. Therefore, the Party and State’s policies have always aimed to strengthen solidarity among the people to foster patriotism, pride, community connection, and cultural preservation."
That message of unity and pride resonated deeply, especially for those who have made a life far from Vietnam’s borders. The meeting left a lasting impression, with many attendees remarking on the renewed sense of connection and purpose it inspired.
The delegation’s schedule was relentless and meaningful. On August 2, Do Van Chien and his team met with the Ly family and leaders of Bonghwa County in North Gyeongsang Province, where they learned about the "Vietnamese Village" project. Do Van Chien praised the initiative, saying it carried "great significance not only in terms of history and culture but also tourism." He offered several proposals to help make the project a success, hoping it would attract more South Koreans who love Vietnam as well as Vietnamese tourists eager to explore their heritage in a new context.
The official visit also included meetings with Kwon Gi Seop, Chairman of the Korean Economic, Social and Labor Council; Lee Sang Seok, Vice President of the Korea-Vietnam Friendship Association; and Kwon Seong Taek, President of the Korea-Vietnam Economic and Cultural Exchange Association. In each case, South Korean leaders expressed "respect for Vietnam and a desire to further deepen bilateral relations in all fields."
The visit concluded with a sense of accomplishment and hope. As the Vietnamese press noted, the trip was marked by "effective and meaningful activities, contributing to the development of Vietnam-South Korea friendship and cooperation across many areas." The story of this visit, with its blend of high-level diplomacy and grassroots community engagement, is a microcosm of the broader Vietnam-South Korea relationship: dynamic, evolving, and rooted in shared values and aspirations.
With every exchange and every handshake, the ties between Vietnam and South Korea seem to grow a little stronger, weaving together two nations and their people in ways that promise a brighter future for all involved.