Oh Se-hoon Shares Han River Development Experience with Hanoi People's Committee Chairman: "Wishing for a Red River Miracle"

Mayor Oh Visits Hanoi for the First Time in 18 Years
Special Lecture Delivered to Students at Hanoi University
Over 400 University Students Attend and Participate in Q&A Session

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon met with the administrative head of Hanoi, the Chairman of the People's Committee, during his visit to the Vietnamese capital for the first time in 18 years. The Hanoi authorities are currently promoting the development of the Red River, which runs through the city, and Mayor Oh shared Seoul's experience with the Han River development and smart city policies. In addition, Mayor Oh introduced the strengths of Seoul's industries, such as AI and biotechnology, to local university students as part of efforts to attract talented individuals.

On the 5th, Mayor Oh held an official meeting with Vu Dai Thang, the newly appointed Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, and shared Seoul's flagship policies, including Han River waterfront development and smart city initiatives. The two cities agreed to expand exchanges focused on these exemplary policies for cooperation and joint prosperity.

On Friday the 5th, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon visited the Hanoi People's Committee and held a meeting with Vu Duy Tang, Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee. Provided by Seoul City

Hanoi is currently pursuing a comprehensive urban regeneration plan to tackle complex challenges such as changes in flood levels, embankment structures, the creation of cultural spaces, and improving access to the waterfront. To this end, the city is reportedly examining Seoul's urban development and management cases, including the Han River.

Chairman Vu stated, "Vietnam and Hanoi are currently at a time of great transformation. We believe the Red River will play an important role in our pursuit of growth, and we expect that, just as the Han River achieved a miracle, the Red River will also bring about a miracle for the development of Vietnam and Hanoi."

In response, Mayor Oh said, "I hope that this visit will serve as an opportunity for in-depth research on the Red River, and that the area around the river will become a catalyst for dramatically improving the quality of life for the citizens of Hanoi."

Earlier that morning, as his first official event, Mayor Oh attended the "2025 Seoul-Hanoi Urban Policy Sharing Forum" and explained Han River waterfront development and Seoul-style digital transformation policies to the leadership of the Hanoi People's Committee.

Hanoi's Top Talent Flocks to Learn Korean: "Can I Find a Job or Start a Business in Seoul?"

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon is giving a special lecture at the "Seoul Talent Attraction Network Promotion" held at Hanoi University on the 5th. Provided by Seoul City

Additionally, at Hanoi University, Mayor Oh introduced Seoul's policies and study abroad programs to about 400 local students, including those from the Korean Language Department, expressing his commitment to discovering outstanding talent. Hanoi University has the largest number of Korean language students among all Vietnamese universities. Double major programs, which allow students to acquire both language proficiency and specialized knowledge, are also actively offered. After choosing a second major in their sophomore year, students graduate in four years with both Korean language skills and expertise in another field.

The event was so popular that students lined up to enter. With the auditorium filled up to the second floor, Mayor Oh delivered a lecture titled "How to Learn, Work, and Live in Seoul" and engaged in a Q&A session with the students.

Mayor Oh emphasized Seoul's high global rankings in various industries. He stated, "Seoul has a well-functioning ecosystem supporting various companies, research institutes, and AI. If you want to build your future in AI, coming to Seoul will offer you significant opportunities. The fintech industry ranks among the world's top 10, and the content industry is ranked around seventh globally."

He also introduced the institutions in Seoul that can help international students adapt to life in the city. Mayor Oh said, "From finding housing to daily life, everything may feel unfamiliar, but there are as many as 16 institutions in Seoul that can help. They provide support to resolve any difficulties you may encounter in your daily life."

University students at the event asked questions about employment, entrepreneurship, and urban safety in Seoul. Mayor Oh responded, "Seoul is experiencing a significant labor shortage, so as long as you have basic Korean language skills, you will have no difficulty finding a job in Seoul." He also added, "Even at 10 or 11 p.m., women can walk or jog alone at Namsan in Seoul without any problems. At least when it comes to safety, there is nothing to worry about in Seoul."

The city expects that this talent attraction seminar and cooperation will serve as the starting point for a long-term partnership for talent exchange between the two cities. Moving forward, Seoul plans to expand its network to secure outstanding talent from Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries and to establish a sustainable talent exchange system in cooperation with local partners.