South Korea may ease visa requirements for Vietnamese citizens

THE HANOI TIMES — The Government of South Korea may simplify visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens, according to Prime Minister Kim Min Seok.

The South Korean Government will also strengthen measures to help Vietnamese and other foreign brides maintain stable lives in the country, Prime Minister Kim made the remarks at a meeting with General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam on August 11.

At the meeting, General Secretary To Lam requested that the South Korean Government continue caring for and supporting the Vietnamese community in South Korea.

He also proposed that South Korea consider simplifying visa procedures, moving towards visa exemption for Vietnamese citizens entering the country.

Improved visa policies will “help strengthen people-to-people exchanges between the two countries and boost bilateral tourism,” Lam said.

Currently, about 350,000 Vietnamese people live in South Korea. In 2024, there were 600,000 Vietnamese visitors to the country.

Meanwhile, about 250,000 South Koreans are living in Vietnam. In 2024, Vietnam welcomed 4.6 million South Korean visitors.

In January-July, about 2.5 million South Koreans visited Vietnam, accounting for one-fifth of the Southeast Asian country's international arrivals.

Vietnam now exempts visas for citizens of 13 nationalities, including Koreans.

Boosting bilateral trade to $150 billion by 2030

At the meeting, General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Kim Min Seok agreed to promote economic cooperation more effectively and comprehensively, aiming to raise bilateral trade to US$150 billion in a more balanced way by 2030.

To achieve this, General Secretary To Lam suggested that South Korea step up support for Vietnamese firms to access Korean e-commerce platforms and local markets.

He also called on South Korea to help Vietnamese businesses strengthen their competency and join the global supply chains led by Korean companies.

The general secretary encouraged Korean companies to expand investment in Vietnam, especially in infrastructure, high-tech electronics manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), renewable energy, and smart cities.

He proposed that Korean companies build specialized industrial production complexes along the value chain, linking investment with technology transfer and human resources training for Vietnam.

For his part, Prime Minister Kim Min Seok expressed his wish for Vietnam to facilitate Korean participation in Vietnam-based key projects as mentioned.

He affirmed that South Korea will further expand grant aid, especially in research and development (R&D) and innovation.

Science, technology, and innovation as new pillars

General Secretary To Lam said that science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, and human resources training make up the new pillar of bilateral relations.

He expected that the two sides would jointly develop strategic industries and enhance cooperation in telecommunications, information technology, e-government, biotechnology, climate technology, nanotechnology, clean and renewable energy, and digital transformation.

The general secretary urged both sides to strengthen public support and build lasting bonds between the two countries and peoples.

Regarding the renewal of the memorandum of understanding on the Employment Permit System (EPS) for foreign workers between Vietnam and South Korea, he proposed that South Korea continue increasing quotas, expand job categories, and boost cooperation in education.

He also suggested South Korea assist in training high-quality human resources in areas such as semiconductors, electric vehicles, biotechnology, shipbuilding, and AI.

Prime Minister Kim Min Seok affirmed that South Korea will continue working with Vietnam to train high-quality human resources for the economic development of both countries in the future.

Through regular exchanges of delegations at all levels, especially high-level ones, Vietnam and South Korea remain reliable partners with close strategic cooperation, particularly in economic relations.

South Korea continues to hold the top position in foreign direct investment in Vietnam ($87 billion), ranks second in official development assistance (ODA) with $4 billion for 2025–2030, and third in trade with $81.5 billion.

The State visit to South Korea by General Secretary To Lam and the high-level Vietnamese delegation lasts from August 10 to August 13. This is the first State visit since the new South Korean administration took office.

According to Prime Minister Kim Min Seok, the visit reflects special importance attached to bilateral relations, marks a new milestone, and adds momentum to the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

General Secretary To Lam congratulated Kim Min Seok on being elected Prime Minister with high confidence, and expressed belief that the South Korean Government will continue to achieve greater success.