Vietnam-South Korea Education and Training Cooperation: A Study from Normalization Relations to a Strategic Cooperative Partnership

On December 22, 1992, Vietnam and South Korea (ROK) formally established diplomatic relations. This important milestone in the development process of the bilateral relations were enhanced to a Comprehensive Partnership, and eventually upgraded to a Strategic Cooperative Partnership in 2009. From being “the former enemy” participated in the Vietnam War on the side of South Vietnam, South Korea has been strategic cooperative partners with extensive cooperation in all areas including cooperation in education and training. By briefing the historical background of the normalization process to understand about the radical changes in the relations, the article will firstly identify the fundamental premises for Vietnam-ROK educational cooperation. At the same time, the article will examine the Vietnam-South Korea education cooperation for the period 1992 - 2009. Finally, the article is to analyse some achievements, challenges and solutions to improve educational cooperation between Vietnam and ROK.