Vietnam–S. Korea friendship grows through Da Nang festivals
DNO - The Vietnam-South Korea Festival 2026 in Da Nang, taking place from August 6 to 9, promises to be a vibrant celebration of friendship, cultural diversity and shared aspirations between Vietnam and South Korea.
From cultural celebration to strategic partnership
Since its inaugural edition in 2022, the festival has evolved from a cultural exchange event into one of Da Nang’s most significant international engagement platforms.
Drawing more than 40,000 visitors each year, it has become a popular gathering point for local residents, tourists and the growing South Korean community living and working in the central Vietnamese city.
The event has played an important role in strengthening people-to-people ties, promoting investment and trade, and showcasing Da Nang as a dynamic and internationally connected destination.
This year’s edition places a stronger emphasis on future-oriented cooperation in investment, trade, tourism, education and technology.
A key highlight is the conference titled “Meet South Korea in Da Nang: Artificial Intelligence (AI) - A New Driver for Growth and Development.”
The event is expected to bring together more than 200 delegates and around 100 South Korean enterprises, underscoring the growing importance of innovation and digital transformation in bilateral Korea relations.
The conference will provide a platform for policymakers, academics and business leaders to discuss the development of AI ecosystems, innovation partnerships, talent development and technology transfer.
The participation of Korean cities such as Yongin, Osan and Pyeongtaek, alongside universities and enterprises from both countries, reflects Da Nang’s ambition to deepen cooperation in high-tech industries and position itself as a regional hub for innovation.
Also, the festival will witness important milestones in educational and municipal cooperation. Da Nang and Osan are expected to exchange a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening friendship and collaboration.
Meanwhile, the University of Foreign Language Studies under the University of Da Nang will sign a cooperation agreement with the Hanbat National University of Korea, opening new avenues for student exchange, academic research and Korean language education.
Education remains a central pillar of Vietnam-Korea relations. Nearly 20 South Korean universities and educational institutions will participate in the festival, introducing their academic programs, learning environments and study opportunities.
The initiative offers students in Da Nang direct access to information about higher education in Korea while fostering stronger connections between educational institutions in both countries.
Vibrant showcase of friendship
At the heart of the festival is a lively cultural space at the Bien Dong Park, where 90 booths will showcase Vietnamese and South Korean culture, cuisine, tourism products and services. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the rich traditions and contemporary lifestyles of both nations in an open and interactive environment.
The festivities begin with a colourful parade featuring artistic troupes, members of the South Korean community, students and local residents. The procession is expected to create an energetic atmosphere while conveying a powerful message of friendship, solidarity and mutual understanding.
A wide range of cultural activities will further enrich the experience. Korean Film Days at CGV Vincom Da Nang, a Vietnam- South Korea culinary competition and numerous community events will bring people together through shared cultural experiences.
One of the festival’s most anticipated attractions is the four-night series of Vietnam-South Korea artistic exchange performances. Artists from Gwangyang, Daegu and Yeongam will join Vietnamese performers in showcasing a blend of traditional and contemporary art forms.
A special collaborative performance by the Da Nang Traditional Arts Theatre and the Yeongam artistic troupe is expected to stand out as a symbol of cultural harmony and creative exchange.
Visitors will also enjoy hands-on cultural experiences, including Samulnori drum performances, Sogo dance, Vietnamese bamboo dancing, K-pop Random Dance activities and other interactive programs.
The finals of the Vietnam-South Korea Talent Competition and K-pop dance contest are expected to attract large audiences, highlighting the strong appeal of Korean popular culture among young people in Da Nang.
With its rich and diverse program spanning culture, arts, cinema, cuisine, sports, education, tourism and technology, the Vietnam-South Korea Festival 2026 demonstrates the remarkable depth and vitality of bilateral relations.
As Vietnam and South Korea continue to strengthen their ties, the friendships nurtured through events like this will help build a future of shared prosperity, mutual respect and enduring cooperation.