DAV Ambassadors’ Journey Organizes Study Visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Viet Nam

On 27 February 2026, within the framework of the DAV Ambassadors’ Journey, the Department of Undergraduate and Graduate Education successfully organized a visit and working session at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Viet Nam. The activity provided participants with an opportunity to gain practical insights into diplomatic work, expand academic connections, and further strengthen the cooperative relations between Viet Nam and the Republic of Korea in general, as well as between the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam (DAV) and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Viet Nam in particular.

From the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, the programme was honored to welcome H.E. Choi Young Sam, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Viet Nam, along with Embassy officials and representatives of the Korean Education Office. From DAV, the delegation was led by Ambassador Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Tung, former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Viet Nam to the Republic of Korea; Ms. Hoang Mai Huong, Head of the Undergraduate Affairs Office; Ms. Tran Dieu Ly, Lecturer of Korean Studies; together with DAV staff members and participants of the course.

The visit offered participants the opportunity to directly experience the working environment of a professional diplomatic mission, helping them gain a clearer understanding of the practice of foreign affairs while also inspiring and guiding their career aspirations in diplomacy and international relations.

As one of the largest and most active diplomatic missions in Viet Nam, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea is well known for its architecture that strongly reflects national identity and was once recognized as the “Government Building that Best Represents the Identity of the Republic of Korea Overseas.” At the beginning of the programme, participants toured the Embassy’s premises, learning about the philosophy and traditional Korean cultural values subtly integrated into its architectural design and interior arrangement.

In his welcoming remarks to the DAV delegation, H.E. Ambassador Choi Young Sam expressed his pleasure in receiving Ambassador Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Tung, together with the staff, lecturers, and participants of the DAV Ambassadors’ Journey 2025. He also emphasized the important role of the younger generation in inheriting, nurturing, and further developing the strong cooperative relations between Viet Nam and the Republic of Korea.

On behalf of the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam, Ambassador Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Tung delivered a response speech expressing appreciation for the warm and thoughtful reception extended by the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Viet Nam. He also highlighted the practical significance of learning and research activities associated with real-world experiences at diplomatic missions, which help participants broaden their knowledge and gain deeper exposure to foreign affairs work.

During Discussion Session I, themed “Viet Nam - Republic of Korea Relations,” Political Counsellor Han Young Hee presented an overview of the history of the establishment and development of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The presentation highlighted key milestones as well as major areas of cooperation, including politics and diplomacy, economy, culture, education, and people-to-people exchanges. Subsequently, Ambassador Prof. Dr. Nguyen Vu Tung shared practical experiences from his tenure in the Republic of Korea, offering vivid and insightful perspectives on bilateral diplomatic activities in the context of a rapidly changing regional and international environment.

Following the programme, Discussion Session II, themed “Korean Culture and Studying in Korea,” created a dynamic exchange that provided participants with valuable information. Representatives from the Embassy and the Korean Education Center in Ha Noi introduced distinctive features of Korean culture and shared information about scholarship programmes and attractive study opportunities in the Republic of Korea for Vietnamese students. At this session, Ms. Hoang Mai Huong, Head of the Undergraduate Affairs Office at the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam, also introduced an overview of the Korean Studies programme at the Academy, helping participants gain a more comprehensive understanding of learning and research opportunities in this field.

Discussion Session III provided a friendly networking space between DAV alumni currently working at the Embassy and the course participants. Through authentic stories about their professional journeys - from their time at the Academy to working at a diplomatic mission - the alumni shared essential skills, professional requirements, and key qualities needed for students aspiring to pursue careers in diplomacy. Practical advice on improving foreign language proficiency, strengthening academic knowledge, and cultivating professionalism helped participants better visualize their own career development paths.

In an open and dynamic atmosphere, the Q&A session featured numerous questions related to internship and employment opportunities at the Embassy, as well as prospects for educational cooperation between the two countries. Participants not only gained professional knowledge but were also inspired by the career stories and dedication of diplomatic practitioners.

The study visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea, organized within the framework of the DAV Ambassadors’ Journey, provided students of the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam with valuable hands-on experiences regarding the operations of a diplomatic mission. The activity also contributed to further strengthening the cooperative relationship between the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Viet Nam.

In line with its commitment to integrating academic learning with practical experience, the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam continues to expand diverse experiential learning activities that enable students to accumulate knowledge, develop professional competence, and proactively adapt to international working environments. Through meaningful programmes such as the DAJ Tour, each participant gradually builds a solid foundation to confidently integrate into the global community and contribute to the promotion of cooperation and development between Viet Nam and international partners.