Vietnamese Community In South Korea Unites For New Era

On January 24, 2026, the Vietnamese community in South Korea gathered for a pivotal series of meetings, marking both a reflection on the past year and a strategic leap toward the future. The events, attended by Vietnamese Ambassador to South Korea Vu Ho, representatives from various ministries and sectors, and leaders from across the Vietnamese diaspora, underscored the community’s resilience and growing influence in a rapidly changing environment.

According to coverage by VietnamPlus, the General Association of Vietnamese People in South Korea convened its year-end summary for 2025 and launched its 2026 activity plan. The gathering included embassy officials, executive committee members, and representatives from local Vietnamese associations throughout the country. In his opening remarks, Ambassador Vu Ho offered high praise for the General Association, highlighting its ability to unite a diverse and expanding community while contributing to South Korea’s socio-economic development and maintaining strong ties to Vietnam.

“The success of the General Association comes from the tradition of solidarity, creativity, and the diligence of the Vietnamese people,” Ambassador Vu Ho stated. He emphasized that, despite the political and economic turbulence that marked the first half of 2025 in South Korea, the Vietnamese community not only endured but thrived. Their efforts, he noted, were instrumental in overcoming adversity and fostering a sense of belonging for over 350,000 Vietnamese currently living and working in the country.

The ambassador’s remarks carried a tone of both celebration and challenge. He congratulated the General Association for its achievements in 2025 but made it clear that 2026 would require even greater ambition. Drawing on the spirit of the recent 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam, Ambassador Vu Ho called on the community to “step into the new year with a new mindset, a new position, and a new image.” He added, “The position of the nation is strong, equal with international friends, and the image of the new Vietnamese is one of pride, solidarity, and creativity, working together to build a more developed homeland.”

At the same time, the Vietnamese Business Association in South Korea (BAVIK) took center stage in a separate but related meeting. BAVIK’s chairman, Dao Tuan Hung, highlighted the association’s growing role as a bridge for Vietnamese entrepreneurs and businesses operating in South Korea. Sponsored by the Vietnamese Embassy, BAVIK has expanded its membership, deepened ties with Vietnamese community organizations, and actively sought collaboration with South Korean partners—including banks, associations, and enterprises.

“BAVIK increasingly shows its role in connecting and steadfastly maintaining the community-oriented purpose of being a common home for all Vietnamese businesses and entrepreneurs in South Korea,” Dao Tuan Hung told attendees. He detailed how BAVIK, even in the face of political and social upheaval, managed to organize impactful activities that raised the profile of the Vietnamese community. These included participating in embassy-led initiatives, fundraising to support victims of natural disasters in Vietnam, and providing direct financial aid to the Vietnam Fatherland Front and the Truong Sa Border Guard.

Beyond charitable work, BAVIK has made substantive contributions to policy discussions in both countries. The association provided input on issues ranging from support for small and medium-sized enterprises to policies on artificial intelligence sovereignty, AI development, and the defense industry in South Korea. Notably, BAVIK has put forward proposals for how Vietnam can adapt and benefit from these policy experiences, reflecting a two-way exchange of expertise and strategic thinking.

Ambassador Vu Ho, once again, expressed his appreciation for BAVIK’s efforts. “Despite complex political and social developments in South Korea in 2025, BAVIK’s meaningful activities have enhanced the image and influence of the Vietnamese community,” he said. The ambassador acknowledged the importance of the association’s work in building solidarity, supporting economic integration, and promoting friendship between Vietnam and South Korea.

Both the General Association and BAVIK have made it a priority to foster unity and mutual support among Vietnamese in South Korea. Local branch representatives added their voices during the meetings, expressing a shared desire for greater connectivity and assistance in both professional and personal spheres. Many stressed the importance of community activities that help Vietnamese abroad remain connected to their cultural roots while serving as reliable bridges to their homeland.

The impact of these organizations is tangible. In 2025, Vietnamese associations in South Korea orchestrated a wide range of events, from cultural celebrations to professional networking sessions. These efforts, as reported by the Vietnam News Agency, have provided a vital support network for Vietnamese expatriates, especially during times of uncertainty. The associations’ commitment to inclusivity is reflected in their outreach to all Vietnamese, regardless of age, gender, background, or residency status. As Ambassador Vu Ho put it, “All Vietnamese in South Korea, regardless of age, gender, origin, or residency status, are members of the community, are children of Vietnam, and are encouraged to contribute to the country and are entitled to protection under the Constitution and law.”

The meetings also served as a forum for discussing new directions and objectives for 2026. According to Dao Tuan Hung, BAVIK aims to further expand its network, organize more frequent and impactful events, and enhance the business acumen of its members. The association is committed to acting as a fair and representative body, ensuring equitable competition and fostering an environment where Vietnamese businesses can thrive alongside their South Korean counterparts.

Meanwhile, the General Association is focused on strengthening its organizational structure and maintaining regular, engaging activities that unite the Vietnamese community. Local branches are encouraged to play a more active role in supporting members, advocating for their interests, and promoting the image of Vietnam abroad. There is a clear sense of optimism and ambition, with leaders and members alike eager to build on past successes and seize new opportunities in the coming year.

These developments come at a time when the Vietnamese government is placing increased emphasis on international economic integration and the role of overseas communities in national development. The success of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam has set the stage for a new era, and the Vietnamese in South Korea are poised to be key contributors to this strategic vision.

For the more than 350,000 Vietnamese living in South Korea, the message is clear: unity, resilience, and proactive engagement are more important than ever. Whether through business associations like BAVIK or broader community groups, the Vietnamese diaspora is carving out a dynamic and respected presence in South Korea, all while maintaining a deep and enduring connection to their homeland. The year ahead promises fresh challenges, but also the chance to further strengthen the bonds that tie the Vietnamese community together, both at home and abroad.