Following a diplomatic note from the South Korean Embassy in Vietnam, a delegation led by Mr. Seo Won-sam, Minister and Consul General, visited and worked in Hai Phong on the morning of June 2, 2026. This visit, held at the City People's Committee headquarters, marked one of Hai Phong's most significant foreign affairs activities in the second quarter of 2026.
Presided over by Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee Hoang Minh Cuong, the working session took place in a formal and cordial atmosphere. Participants included leaders from the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Industry and Trade, as well as the Hai Phong Economic Zone Management Authority. The full presence of these key economic and investment agencies demonstrated the city's special regard for its South Korean partners.
Portrait of an Experienced Diplomat
The delegation was led by Mr. Seo Won-sam, a professional diplomat with an extensive and diverse background. Appointed as Minister and Consul General of the South Korean Embassy in Vietnam in March 2026, Mr. Seo brings high academic qualifications and international experience. His distinguished career includes roles as Counselor at the Consulate General in Montreal, Canada; First Secretary in Mexico; Counselor in Vienna, Austria; and Minister Counselor in Laos. Notably, before his current appointment, he served as the Deputy Presidential Secretary for Protocol in the Office of the President. With such experience, Mr. Seo is expected to be a vital bridge in promoting relations between South Korea and Vietnamese localities, including Hai Phong.
Hai Phong – South Korea: A Model Cooperation Relationship
During the session, Hai Phong city leaders affirmed that South Korea is currently one of its top priority partners in economy, investment, trade, education, training, and people-to-people exchange. This relationship has seen continuous positive growth, particularly in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Many major South Korean corporations and businesses are operating effectively within the city's industrial zones and economic zones, contributing significantly to the local budget and economic growth. Furthermore, the growing South Korean community in Hai Phong serves not only as a high-quality workforce but also as cultural ambassadors strengthening the friendship between the two peoples.
Cooperation Potential and Breakthrough Expectations
The core objective of this visit was to exchange measures to further promote economic, trade, and investment cooperation. The South Korean side specifically focused on ensuring favorable conditions for the production and business activities of Korean enterprises already present in Hai Phong. Key discussion topics included:
- Investment Expansion: Encouraging new South Korean investors to target the city's strengths, such as high-tech industries, electronics, and logistics.
- Business Support: Timely listening to and resolving difficulties to create a transparent and open investment environment for South Korean businesses.
- Consular Issues: Discussing procedures and policies to support the South Korean community living and working in Hai Phong, ensuring their rights and sustainable development.
Expectations for a Sustainable Future
The visit carries the expectation of a new wave of higher-quality and "greener" investment into Hai Phong. The city's thoughtful reception at the Reception Room and the careful preparation by various departments demonstrated Hai Phong's readiness to accompany investors.
The results of this working session are expected to open concrete cooperation agreements, contributing to Hai Phong's goal of becoming a leading modern industrial center and international seaport, with South Korean resources continuing to play a vital role as a driving force. With the promising start of Minister Seo Won-sam and the city's commitment to maximum support, the Hai Phong – South Korea partnership is poised to continue "bearing fruit" and achieve great success.