Hanoi looks to Seoul’s Han River revival for Red River transformation

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi hopes to partner with Seoul on smart-city development, digital transformation and urban planning, especially on advancing the Red River plan inspired by the South Korean capital’s successful Han River revival.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen shared these views at the Hanoi Seoul Urban Policy Exchange Forum held today [December 5].

Quyen said Hanoi and the rest of the country are entering a new era that calls for people and institutions to accelerate their efforts so the capital can stand alongside regional and international peers.

In this context, cooperation between Vietnam and South Korea in general and between Hanoi and Seoul in particular carries special meaning because it is rooted in cultural ties and shared development goals.

Hanoi will focus on improving the Red River planning approach with an emphasis on ecological restoration, innovation and better living conditions for residents.

“The plan aims to create a new engine of growth that also strengthens the city’s transport network,” he stated

He said that Hanoi is prioritizing digital transformation and the development of integrated data and innovation centers to move toward a sustainable and smart urban model.

Quyen expressed hope that Hanoi will work alongside Seoul as the capital pursues these goals, noting Seoul’s extensive experience and proven models in the region.

For his part, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon praised Hanoi’s progress and said the capital is poised for further breakthroughs.

He noted that the forum focuses on two areas where Seoul has strong expertise and Hanoi has clear priorities. These include river restoration and planning as well as smart city development.

“The successful revival of the Han River greatly improved Seoul’s urban landscape and residents’ quality of life and contributed to South Korea’s broader growth. Similar success is also possible for the Red River,” Oh said.

Oh also highlighted the growing influence of information technology and digital transformation in daily life.

He said the exchange of smart city lessons and new digital approaches is both timely and practical for both capitals.

At the forum, South Korean Ambassador to Vietnam Choi Young San noted that bilateral cooperation has grown rapidly and substantively over more than thirty years.

He said exchanges between the two countries happen frequently and energetically, with ties between Seoul and Hanoi serving as a strong example of effective collaboration.

The ambassador said he hopes the forum will offer a chance to discuss advanced technology in urban development and shared strategies for major river planning, opening new opportunities for joint growth and prosperity between the two cities and the two countries.

During the exchange, participants from both capitals had lively discussions on urban transport planning, digital technology and city management, building a stronger foundation for future cooperation.