KOVECA – A Vision for Economic and Cultural Integration Between South Korea and Vietnam

Dr. Kwon Sung-Taek, Chairman and CEO of the Korea–Vietnam Economic and Cultural Association (KOVECA)

WAJ: How do you evaluate KOVECA’s role in promoting economic relations between Korea and Vietnam over the past decade?

Dr. Kwon Sung-Taek: The first focus in the economic relationship between Korea and Vietnam has been maintaining a mutually complementary partnership aimed at shared development and prosperity. The ideal scenario lies in combining Korea's advanced technology and capital with Vietnam's human resources and market potential. Recognizing the essential role of agricultural development in raising rural incomes, KOVECA has prioritized this sector and achieved notable results.

We are also making significant efforts to transfer Korea’s cutting-edge technologies in environmental industries and eco-friendly energy to Vietnam.

The signing ceremony of a cooperation agreement on technology transfer and innovation between KOVECA and Vietnamese agencies (Photo: KOVECA)

WAJ: What specific activities has KOVECA implemented to enhance cultural exchange between the two countries?

Dr. Kwon Sung-Taek: Vietnam is a cultural powerhouse with a rich history and 54 ethnic groups, each with its own identity. However, we believe more effort is needed to project Vietnamese culture globally—as soft power—rather than confining it within national borders.
Based on Korea’s successful globalization of K-culture, KOVECA is actively working to globalize V-culture. We are dedicating more time and resources to cultural exchanges, including initiatives to introduce Vietnamese cultural heritage to Korean audiences.

KOVECA coordinates the organization of various Korea-Vietnam cultural exchange programs (Photo: KOVECA).

WAJ: Could you share some of the challenges KOVECA has faced in connecting educational institutions from Korea and Vietnam?

Dr. Kwon Sung-Taek: We’ve entered into an agreement with Dalat University to implement a joint educational project, which is proceeding smoothly. This initiative includes Vietnamese language programs for Koreans, a one-year university preparatory course, and a three-month intensive language course for adults and senior Korean public officials.

Additionally, in collaboration with the ISO headquarters, we are preparing to launch training programs at Dalat University that will offer ISO auditor certification and over 100 specialized ISO credentials.

WAJ: How has KOVECA supported the Vietnamese community in Korea and the Korean community in Vietnam in preserving and promoting their traditional cultural values?

Dr. Kwon Sung-Taek: We’ve organized events like the 2024 Hung Kings Festival to instill pride in Vietnamese history and culture among the Vietnamese community in Korea and second-generation Korean–Vietnamese youth. We are also preparing a special exhibition to commemorate President Ho Chi Minh’s 135th birthday in 2025.

Our goal with such events is to foster greater understanding of Vietnamese history and culture—not only within the Vietnamese diaspora but also among Koreans—by emphasizing the shared cultural roots between the two nations.

As for the Korean community in Vietnam, it already functions within a well-established structure and ecosystem, which currently does not require our direct involvement.

WAJ: What are KOVECA’s future plans to further strengthen economic and cultural cooperation between Korea and Vietnam, especially in the context of globalization?

Dr. Kwon Sung-Taek: We plan to contribute to Vietnam’s economic growth through a focused strategy targeting specialized sectors. However, we believe a truly sustainable partnership between Korea and Vietnam must be built on a solid foundation of cultural and historical understanding.

KOVECA will continue to serve as a bridge for economic, cultural, and human exchanges- ailored to the unique advantages of each region-to further enrich the partnership between our two countries.

Cooperation between KOVECA and Vietnam's Ministry of Science and Technology (Photo: KOVECA)

As KOVECA enters a new chapter, the strategy is clear: to strengthen connections not only through trade and investment but also through shared identity, mutual respect, and cultural appreciation between the two countries. This will bridge the gap between South Korea and Vietnam, not just geographically, but also in terms of culture and the human connection between the two nations. 

WAJ: Thank you, Doctor!

Dr. Kwon Sung-Taek, Chairman and CEO of the Korea-Vietnam Economic and Cultural Association (KOVECA), presides over the book launch ceremony for the Korean author who wrote/compiled a publication about the life of the late General Secretary of Vietnam, Nguyễn Phú Trọng (Photo: KOVECA).

*Dr. Kwon Sung-Taek is the Chairman and CEO of the Korea–Vietnam Economic and Cultural Association (KOVECA), founded in 2013 with the goal of fostering economic and cultural ties between South Korea and Vietnam. Under his leadership, KOVECA has spearheaded numerous initiatives in education, including an MoU with Cuu Long University to promote scientific research and establish a Korean language center. In culture, he has proposed Vietnam–Korea exchange events to mark key anniversaries. KOVECA also plays an active role in linking Korean businesses with Vietnamese partners and supporting multicultural families.