South Korea and Vietnam to Discuss the Strengthening of the Collaboration in the fields of Culture, Tourism and Business Growth

Published on November 20, 2025

A working session between Jinju Mayor Jo Kyoo-il and Chairman Truong Canh Tuyen took center stage on November 19, 2025, where both parties discussed ways to enhance cooperation in the areas of culture, tourism, and business. Precisely, Can Tho and the strengthening of economic ties between Vietnam and South Korea topped the agenda of discussions. This meeting forms part of an ongoing drive to deepen bilateral ties and create more opportunities for collaboration between the two cities, which share an increasing interest in cultural exchange and tourism development.

Can Tho’s Strategic Importance and Growing Tourism Potential

Chairman Truong Canh Tuyen began the meeting by highlighting Can Tho’s unique position as the economic engine of the Mekong Delta. The city has recently seen an administrative merger, expanding to 6,360 sq.km and boasting a population of 4.2 million, making it the largest locality in the region in terms of both population and land area. Tuyen emphasized the city’s diverse cultural heritage, including its signature festivals and annual Vietnam-South Korea cultural exchanges, which foster the growing relationship between Vietnam and South Korea.

The city’s dynamic tourism landscape also received attention. Can Tho is set to host the Esports Championships Asia (ECA) 2025, the first Esports tournament of its kind in Vietnam, attracting athletes from South Korea, China, Japan, and other countries. This event, which will bring together over 100 athletes from seven countries, is seen as a major opportunity for Can Tho to enhance its reputation as a tourism and sports destination.

Potential for Deepened Cooperation in Culture, Tourism, and Business

In his statement, Chairman Tuyen expressed his hope that Jinju and Can Tho would further strengthen their cooperation by establishing a formal friendship relationship. He suggested that the two cities sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to share best practices in areas of mutual interest, including cultural exchange, tourism cooperation, and business development. This formal collaboration could pave the way for joint events, tourism initiatives, and the sharing of expertise in sectors such as urban development, tourism infrastructure, and sports tourism.

Tuyen emphasized the long-term socio-economic benefits that could be realized by both cities through this partnership, particularly in tourism, cultural exchange, and business linkages. He also noted the importance of developing joint tourism packages and cross-border tourism campaigns to attract visitors from South Korea and other markets, with a focus on creating sustainable tourism offerings that showcase both cities’ unique cultures.

Mayor Jo’s Support for Growing Ties and Future Cultural Exchange

Mayor Jo Kyoo-il expressed his delight at the opportunity for Jinju to participate in the ECA event hosted by Can Tho starting November 20, 2025. He wished the tournament a successful start and shared his excitement about the Esports competition as a platform to further cement the cultural connection between South Korea and Vietnam. He noted that the success of ECA 2025 in Can Tho could serve as a valuable learning experience for Jinju, which will be hosting the Esports Championships in 2026.

Mayor Jo also extended an invitation for Can Tho representatives to attend next year’s edition of the tournament in Jinju. In addition, he expressed his desire to expand cultural and tourism exchanges between the two cities, particularly in the arts, history, and sports tourism sectors. This two-way exchange would help to not only boost tourism but also promote a deeper mutual understanding between the two cities.

The Role of Esports in Strengthening Regional Ties

The Esports Championships event will play a key role in enhancing cultural diplomacy and promoting sports tourism between Vietnam and South Korea. Esports has rapidly gained popularity worldwide, and the ECA 2025 event will showcase Vietnam’s growing influence in the global Esports scene, attracting international attention. This event also provides an opportunity for both Can Tho and Jinju to explore how Esports tourism can contribute to local economies by bringing international visitors and boosting the hospitality sector.

Moreover, the Esports event will serve as an ideal platform for Can Tho to showcase its tourism offerings—from local landmarks and cultural festivals to the region’s culinary delights and natural beauty. Similarly, the event is expected to strengthen Jinju’s position as a key destination for sports tourism in South Korea.

Expanding Cultural and Business Cooperation for Future Growth

The cooperation between Can Tho and Jinju goes beyond just Esports and tourism. Both cities are focused on leveraging their cultural assets and business potential to boost their global presence. By creating more business linkages and cultural exchanges, the two cities can attract new investments, foster trade relationships, and facilitate knowledge-sharing between Vietnam and South Korea.

As Vietnam continues to position itself as a dynamic emerging economy in Southeast Asia, strengthening ties with key economic partners like South Korea is essential for Can Tho’s long-term development. The collaboration with Jinju could serve as a model for other Vietnamese cities looking to engage more deeply in international tourism and cross-border business activities.

A Promising Future for Vietnam-South Korea Relations

The working session between Mayor Jo Kyoo-il and Chairman Truong Canh Tuyen represents a great step forward in the improvement of relations between Vietnam and South Korea, especially in the spheres of tourism, culture, and business. The success of the event ECA 2025 in Can Tho will be yet another turning point in this budding relationship, with the invitation to Jinju in 2026 creating a follow-up cultural exchange between the two cities.