At the invitation of the leadership of Suwon City (Republic of Korea), a working delegation from Hai Phong City, led by Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong, Deputy Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs, attended the 62nd Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival from September 26 to 29, 2025. The visit was a resounding success, enabling the Hai Phong delegation to gain deeper insights into Suwon’s culture, people, and heritage values, as well as its management model in preserving and promoting a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The trip laid a solid foundation for elevating the friendship and cooperation between the two cities to new heights.
The parade reenacting the royal procession of King Jeongjo
The Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is a major annual cultural and historical event that reenacts the unique heritage values associated with the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The festival attracts not only local residents but also international visitors and delegations. This year, the Hai Phong delegation had the honor to join representatives from Suwon’s sister and friendship cities, including Asahikawa and Fukui (Japan); Freiburg (Germany); Tours (France); Phoenix (United States); Siem Reap (Cambodia); and Zhuhai (China), along with representatives from various embassies and Korean localities maintaining close relations with Suwon.
Delegates from Hai Phong City in a commemorative photo with Suwon Mayor Lee Jae Joon
During the visit, the Hai Phong delegation actively participated in a series of activities arranged by the host city to exchange experiences and explore cooperation opportunities. Key engagements included: 1) Cultural and Urban Development Study – Visits to major landmarks such as the Haewoojae Museum (Mr. Toilet House), Suwon Museum, Samsung Innovation Museum, Suwon World Cup Stadium, and Hwaseong Haenggung Palace; 2) High-Level Exchanges and Festival Events – Attendance at the Mayor’s and City Council Chairman’s receptions, participation in the Opening Bell-Ringing Ceremony, the Royal Parade of King Jeongjo, and the Hwaseong Media Art Show; 3) Bilateral Meetings – Working sessions with the Vice Mayor for Planning and Coordination, the Suwon–Hai Phong People’s Exchange Committee, and the Suwon International Relations Team.
Delegates from Hai Phong City in a commemorative photo with Suwon – Hai Phong Civic Exchange Committee
Building on the existing friendship and cooperation agreements previously signed (between the former Hai Duong Province and Suwon) in 2004, 2019, and 2024, both sides reviewed the outcomes of past cooperation and discussed potential new directions for future collaboration. Notably, the new orientation for cooperation will be developed based on the enhanced potential and strengths of Hai Phong City following its administrative merger with Hai Duong Province, creating opportunities for more comprehensive and dynamic partnership initiatives.
Hai Phong and Suwon share strategic similarities in development vision, laying the groundwork for deeper and more effective collaboration: 1) High Technology and Innovation – Suwon is home to the headquarters of Samsung Group and a leading hub of information technology. Likewise, Hai Phong is committed to advancing high-tech industries, promoting digital transformation, and developing an Innovation and Creativity Center; 2) Economic and Heritage Development – Both cities are establishing free trade zones and share the distinction of having UNESCO-recognized heritage sites.
With such promising potential and complementary strengths, it is firmly believed that beyond cultural and people-to-people exchanges, Hai Phong–Suwon cooperation will soon expand and yield tangible achievements in economic development, high technology, and heritage management, contributing to building both cities into more civilized, modern, and prosperous urban centers.