Vietnam-South Korea trade forecast to top US$100 billion for first time
Da Nang is also pursuing closer South Korean ties in technology, finance and education, while tourism remains a major link.
Vietnam and South Korea could record their first year of trade exceeding US$100 billion in 2026, South Korean Consul General Han Jungil said during a celebration of his country’s National Day.
South Korea ranks first among foreign investors in Vietnam. Cumulative investment involving the two countries crossed US$100 billion for the first time in the first half of 2026.
Han pointed to the importance of central Vietnam, particularly Da Nang, in the relationship. The city recorded 1.46 million visitors from South Korea in 2025, more than from any other international market. He said South Korean companies supported employment and economic activity locally through industries including shipbuilding, manufacturing, tourism and high technology.
Da Nang wants to strengthen collaboration with South Korea on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, finance, logistics, digital transformation, education and the training of highly skilled workers, said Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, vice-chairwoman of the Da Nang People’s Committee.
Thi said nine South Korean localities had friendship and cooperation arrangements with Da Nang, among them Yongin, Daegu and Pyeongtaek. Activities in 2026 included the Da Nang Vietnam-South Korea Festival and the Meet Korea in Da Nang conference, with attention to innovation and technology.
Han also highlighted a character intellectual property memorandum signed by the Korea Character Culture Industry Association and Da Nang’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. He presented it as an example of links between cultural activity and digital technology.
