The friendly and cooperative relationship between Korea and Vietnam: The nature, current development and potential

Diplomatic relations between Vietnam and South Korea officially began on December 22, 1992. Looking back over twenty years after the end of the Cold War, along with the profound changes in the world’s situation and the situation in Asia-Pacific region, Vietnam-South Korea relationship has grown exponentially. In the history of international relations, very few relationships have not gone through the ups and downs; but growing up steadily. It seems that the relationship between Vietnam and South Korea is an exception. In a quite short period of time, since the establishment of the diplomatic relationship in 1992, relations between the two countries have developed rapidly in many fields such as economic, political and cultural. South Korea is the fourth largest trading partner and the largest foreign investor in Vietnam, only after Japan. The Korean Samsung Corporation is the role model investor in Vietnam. South Korea also has the largest community group living and working in Vietnam. In contrary, Vietnamese students are among the largest groups of foreign students studying in South Korea. Vietnamese workers are among the largest groups of foreign labor force and Vietnamese community also is among the largest and vibrant groups of foreign communities in South Korea. In addition, beside the common historical origin and being in mutual strategic partnership relationship, Vietnam and South Korea share many similarities in business customs, cultural background, cuisine and life-styles. It can be commented that this relationship is only continually in the rise and the two countries' public opinions are particularly welcoming this booming relationship. This review article is trying to cover and analyze all-round current relationship between the two nations and the implication for the future.