The "Vietnamese Pho Festival 2024" concluded its two-day run in Seoul, Sunday, achieving resounding success by attracting thousands of visitors eager to experience the rich culinary and cultural heritage of the Southeast Asian country.

Under the theme "Seoul Embraces Pho," the festival was organized to promote cultural exchange and strengthen diplomatic relations between Korea and Vietnam. The event was highlighted by a variety of activities centered around Vietnam's iconic dish, pho, along with other traditional Vietnamese food.

Vietnamese Pho Festival 2024 poster / Courtesy of Saigon Tourist Group

Saigon Tourist Group organized the festival with key Vietnamese government institutions, including the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul, the Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ho Chi Minh City Trade Promotion Agency.

"The festival promises to be an exciting showcase of Vietnamese cuisine, featuring 80 booths highlighting the diverse culinary offerings of Vietnam. Renowned master chefs from Vietnam will be on-site to serve the best pho, along with various other attractions," the Embassy of Vietnam in Seoul said in a statement.

Attendees had the opportunity to taste authentic Vietnamese pho and a wide array of other Vietnamese dishes, enhancing the culinary experience with an understanding of the culture behind the cuisine.

The event also featured cooking classes and Korea-Vietnam cultural exchange programs, allowing visitors to engage more deeply with both cultures.

The festival was not only a cultural feast but also a platform for business cooperation between the two countries, significantly contributing to promoting Vietnam's charm through its cuisine, fostering tourism and enhancing cultural ties.

"The Vietnamese Pho Festival 2024 exceeded our expectations in terms of participation and the positive reception from the public," said an event spokesperson. "We were thrilled to see such a warm response and look forward to more opportunities to bring our cultures together."

In 2023, Korea led the list of countries with the highest number of tourist arrivals in Vietnam, welcoming 3.6 million visitors, which accounted for 28 percent of the country's tourism market. Conversely, Vietnam ranked fifth among the countries sending tourists to Korea, with 420,000 Vietnamese visitors.