South Korean naval vessel docks at Da Nang port
The Warm South Korean Visit to Đà Nẵng City
Vietnam's central city, Đà Nẵng, played host to the Republic of Korea (RoK)'s naval ship, Kang Gam Chan, and its crew for a three-day visit. This friendly gesture is part of efforts to boost camaraderie, collaboration, and exchanges within the comprehensive strategic partnership between Việt Nam and the RoK.
Upon arriving, the RoK naval crew met with Đà Nẵng's Zone 3 Navy, embarking on city tours and joint exercises. The occasion was marked by Vice Chairman of Đà Nẵng People's Committee, Hồ Kỳ Minh, who praised the warm visit from the Korean ship. He emphasized that the RoK is a key partner for Đà Nẵng in terms of investment, trade, and tourism.
Minh disclosed that Korean investors have pumped $382 million into 285 projects in the city, making it one of the top five Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Đà Nẵng. Furthermore, 1.68 million Korean tourists visited the city last year. As a token of continued cultural exchange, Đà Nẵng will host the fourth annual Vietnamese- Korean Cultural Festival in August, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Korea.
RoK Colonel Kwon Yong Gu was left in awe of Đà Nẵng City's development. He showed gratitude for the warm welcome extended by the city's relevant agencies during the visit. In 2017, the Kang Gam Chan ship had previously paid a visit to Đà Nẵng City.
The Korean Navy ship, Kang Gam Chan with 296 crew members receives a warmly welcome by Đà Nẵng City during its three-day visit to the central city. Photo courtesy of Đà Nẵng City's Foreign Affairs Department
In recent years, a series of cultural activities and exchange programs have been organized between Korean partners and Đà Nẵng City. Changwon City gifted 11,000 Korean language teaching books to the city's library and foreign language university. Moreover, Đà Nẵng City's fishery association and Jeju fishery trade cooperative have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on fishing development.
Furthermore, Hải Chaû District in Đà Nẵng and Uiwang City in Gyeonggi signed an MoU for cooperation and friendship, while six universities from Korea have partnered with Đông Á University in Đà Nẵng. Additionally, five cities - Changwon, Daegu, Hwaseong, Seoul, and Jeju - have established friendship ties with Đà Nẵng.
Over the years, relations between Đà Nẵng City and South Korea have blossomed across various aspects, including cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, economic cooperation, and joint activities. This bond continues to flourish and underscore regional development.
Historical Context:
Vice chairman of Đà Nẵng City's People's Committee, Hồ Kỳ Minh hosts a team from Korean Navy ship, Kang Gam Chan. - VNS Photo Công Thành
The relationship between Đà Nẵng City in Vietnam and South Korea dates back to several notable collaborations and exchanges, as follows:
- Visits and events: The visit of the South Korean Navy ship Kang Gam Chang to Đà Nẵng in May 2025 was a defining moment in the strengthening of ties between the two nations. Colonel Kwon Yong Gu voiced admiration for Đà Nẵng's progress, praising the warm reception by local agencies[1][5].
- Educational Cooperation: Changwon City donated 11,000 Korean language teaching books to Đà Nẵng's library and foreign language university, enhancing cultural exchange and language education[5].
- Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs): Regional ties were fostered through Hải Châu District in Đà Nẵng and Uiwang City in Gyeonggi's MoU for cooperation and friendship[5].
- Infrastructure and Development: South Korean investments in Đà Nẵng focus on infrastructure development and technology, contributing to the city's economic growth.
- University Agreements: Đông Á University in Đà Nẵng has partnered with six universities from Korea, promoting educational exchanges and research collaborations[5].
- City Sisterhoods: Đà Nẵng has established friendships with several South Korean cities, including Changwon, Daegu, Hwaseong, Seoul, and Jeju[5].
Recent Advancements
In April 2025, Kang Gam Chan's visit to Da Nang paved the way for a friendly city agreement between Da Nang and Pyeongtaek. This development marks the expansion of bilateral cooperation[4].
- The Republic of Korea (RoK) Colonel Kwon Yong Gu, after witnessing Đà Nẵng City's development, appreciates the warm welcome extended by its relevant agencies.
- In the realm of education and self-development, Changwon City has contributed 11,000 Korean language teaching books to Đà Nẵng City's library and foreign language university.
- In the sports sector, Đà Nẵng City is set to host the fourth annual Vietnamese-Korean Cultural Festival in August, a collaboration with the Consulate General of Korea.
- Within the annual framework of trade and investment, Korean investors have poured $382 million into 285 projects in Đà Nẵng, making it one of the top five Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in the city.
- The relationship between Đà Nẵng City and South Korean cities, such as Changwon, Daegu, Hwaseong, Seoul, and Jeju, has expanded to include a friendship tie, further enriching cultural exchanges.
