Hanoi, Sejong forge "future city" partnership
Sejong, South Korea’s emerging administrative capital, shared its vision of becoming a "future city" with Hanoi, which faces similar challenges of urban overpopulation and infrastructure strain.
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi and South Korea's Sejong City have agreed to strengthen cooperation in building smart, sustainable urban centers while relocating administrative functions from their overcrowded capitals.
The commitment came during a meeting on April 18 between Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Tran Sy Thanh and Sejong Mayor Choi Minho. Both cities are shifting non-core functions away from their political centers, Sejong from Seoul and Hanoi from its traditional urban core, to balance development and reduce congestion.
Hanoi People's Committee Chairman Tran Sy Thanh gifts souvenir to Sejong Mayor Choi Minho on April 18. Photo: Viet Anh/The Hanoi Times
Chairman Tran Sy Thanh praised Sejong’s model, noting Hanoi’s plans to decentralize economic activities to neighboring provinces while retaining its role as Vietnam’s cultural and political heart. He stated that, like Seoul, Hanoi had to rethink urban functions to ensure sustainable growth. Mayor Choi affirmed that Sejong’s transition, designed to alleviate Seoul’s burdens, offers valuable lessons for Hanoi.
The city leaders discussed major issues related to smart city development, with Sejong showcasing advancements in AI, autonomous buses, and drone-based services. Hanoi proposed joint projects in big data, IoT, and green energy with a focus on technology transfer and training.
Education and workforce exchange were also covered in the meeting. Sejong pledged scholarships and Korean language programs for Vietnamese students, while Hanoi highlighted its young, tech-savvy labor force. "With one million university students, Hanoi is ready to collaborate on nurturing future talent," Mayor Thanh stated.
Economic ties were another priority, with both sides agreeing to facilitate business matchmaking in high-tech manufacturing, renewable energy, and smart infrastructure. Mayor Choi invited Hanoi’s leaders to visit Sejong to explore further partnerships.
The meeting concluded with plans to finalize a comprehensive cooperation agreement by early 2026, targeting tangible outcomes in urban innovation, education, and cultural exchanges. Both sides acknowledged a shared ambition: redefining capital cities for the AI era while preserving their cultural values.
