On October 18, 2025, the Hai Phong Department of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Korean Association in Hai Phong, successfully organized the Interview Round of the 11th Hai Phong Korean Speaking Contest 2025, with the participation of nearly 60 contestants who had outstandingly advanced from the Preliminary Round.
Launched in August 2025, the contest received enthusiastic participation from nearly 300 contestants representing 30 institutions, including primary, secondary, and high schools, universities, colleges, and Korean enterprises based in Hai Phong. Contestants competed in three categories: Category A – Primary and Secondary School Students, Category B – High School Students, and Category C – University, College Students, and Working Individuals. Each category carried its own character and meaning: Category A represented the youngest learners who, despite newly approaching the Korean language, demonstrated excitement, confidence, and natural talent in mastering a new language. Category B gathered dynamic and talented high school students with creative thinking and flexible language skills. Meanwhile, Category C became a vibrant and competitive “arena” where students and professionals showcased their advanced Korean proficiency and their ability to apply the language in real-life communication, study, and work.
From the nearly 300 submissions in the Preliminary Round, contestants demonstrated their passion for the Korean language and their deep understanding of Korean culture, people, and society. During the Interview Round on October 18, participants were comprehensively assessed through listening, speaking, and communication reflex tests. More than just a language competition, this was also an opportunity for contestants to exchange knowledge, gain experience, express confidence and dynamism, and share their love for the Korean language and culture. The contest thus went beyond language evaluation — it served as a bridge fostering friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and Korea, inspiring pride and awareness in nurturing and strengthening the long-standing friendship between the two nations.
After a fair and rigorous evaluation process, the Jury selected the 15 most outstanding contestants from all three categories to advance to the Final Round of the 11th Hai Phong Korean Speaking Contest 2025, which will take place at 1:00 PM on October 26, 2025, at the Hai Phong City Convention and Performance Center (Bac Song Cam Urban Area, Thuy Nguyen District).
Images of some contestants during their interviews
This year’s Final Round promises to be a vibrant stage where the 15 finalists will compete through speeches under the theme “Vietnam – Korea: Together, We Continue the Story of Friendship and Cooperation.” The program will feature impressive performances and exciting prizes sponsored by Korean partners for contestants and audience members.
Over the past decade, the Korean Speaking Contest organized by the Hai Phong Department of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Korean Association in Hai Phong has not only served as an intellectual playground but also as a bridge connecting the languages and cultures of the two nations. The contest has contributed to promoting Korean language learning, improving the quality of young human resources, expanding educational–cultural–economic cooperation, and building a vibrant Korean-loving community in Hai Phong. Throughout its journey, the contest has become a vivid expression of friendship, mutual understanding, and cooperation between the people of Hai Phong and the Korean community living and working in the city, laying a strong foundation for deeper exchanges and collaborations in the future.