How President Lee Jae-myung’s Surprise Visit to Hanoi Strengthens Korea-Vietnam Relations

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President Lee Jae-myung Exiting the Korea–Vietnam Business Forum(Hanoi=Yonhap) Reporter Kim Do-hoon — President Lee Jae-myung is leaving the venue after delivering remarks at the Korea–Vietnam Business Forum held at a Hanoi hotel on the 23rd (local time). 2026.4.23 superdoo82@yna.co.kr(Hanoi=Yonhap) Reporter Kim Do-hoon — President Lee Jae-myung is leaving the venue after delivering remarks at the Korea–Vietnam Business Forum held at a Hanoi hotel on the 23rd (local time). 2026.4.23 superdoo82@yna.co.kr

President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung, who are on a state visit to Vietnam, made a surprise visit to Hanoi’s Old Quarter near Hoan Kiem Lake on the evening of April 23, engaging directly with local residents. Deputy Blue House spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong said in a written briefing that the visit was intended to slip naturally into the everyday lives of Vietnamese people and to foster deeper mutual understanding and connection. Hoan Kiem Lake is a central Hanoi landmark and a popular spot where residents gather to relax and spend their leisure time. According to Ahn, locals greeted the presidential couple in Korean, and the couple responded in Vietnamese with “xin chào,” maintaining a warm and friendly exchange. While on the street, the couple sampled grilled pork skewers and sugarcane juice from vendors, purchased durian to share with aides, and enjoyed the local atmosphere. They later moved to a nearby restaurant for dinner, where they ate pho and fried rice, and then took a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake. Ahn said the impromptu visit was intended to step away from formal protocol and bring the presidential couple closer to everyday Vietnamese life, serving to deepen the emotional ties between the peoples of the two countries. For Yonhap News TV inquiries and tips: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23; Lee Da-hyun (ok@yna.co.kr).