Hanoi seeks South Korean partnerships for Metro expansion
Hanoi is calling for deeper cooperation with South Korean partners to accelerate its metro development, strengthen transport policy-making and support the city’s shift toward greener mobility solutions.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi welcomes South Korean partners to join and share support and experience in urban railway projects, transport policy-making and the green mobility transition to boost its socio-economic growth, said Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Duong Duc Tuan.
Infrastructure development plays a crucial role in helping Hanoi reach its targets, including growth of more than 10% in the pivotal year of 2026, Tuan said during a meeting with Kim Yong-seog, Head of the Motor Vehicles Management Bureau under South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, today (November 26).
Standing Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Duong Duc Tuan (right) meets with Kim Yong-seog, Head of Motor Vehicles Management Bureau of South Korea’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Photo: The Hanoi Times
The Hanoi Vice Chairman said the city plans to complete 15 railway lines of various types, many of which are scheduled to begin construction in early 2026.
“With the government’s approval, Hanoi will be able to expand its urban railway network to around 20 lines, with a total length of more than 1,000 kilometers,” said Tuan.
Reviewing progress in Vietnam–South Korea relations, Tuan highlighted the similarity in both countries’ development goals and commitment to openness.
He said the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and South Korea has progressed quickly and is now entering a new phase marked by strong political trust.
The Hanoi official also welcomed the growing interest of South Korean enterprises seeking investment and cooperation opportunities in Vietnam and Hanoi.
“South Korean-funded projects have consistently shown high quality and delivered practical value to Hanoi’s development,” said Tuan.
Kim Yong-seog presented an overview of South Korea’s metro system. Drawing on decades of experience, the country’s rail network now spans about 1,400 kilometers across 24 lines.
He said that such development requires close coordination in research, planning and management to maintain technical standards and ensure system-wide technological integration.
Expressing readiness to cooperate with Vietnam and Hanoi, Kim said South Korea will work to support Hanoi in developing a comprehensive master plan and improving the operation of its metro network.
He also pointed to opportunities to apply South Korea’s technological strengths to Hanoi’s future transport infrastructure.
Vice Chairman Tuan welcomed these proposals and said further discussions will follow.
He assigned the Hanoi Department of Construction, the Hanoi Urban Railway Management Board and Hanoi Metro Company as the main contacts to coordinate research and propose concrete cooperation initiatives with Korean partners.
The Hanoi official stressed that cooperation must be practical, substantive and highly effective.
Hanoi currently operates two metro lines: the Cat Linh–Ha Dong line and the elevated section of the Nhon–Hanoi Station line, connecting Nhon Depot and Cau Giay Station. These two lines have proven effective in meeting the daily travel needs of residents.
