The trip to Hanoi in 2024 left Jeong Jonghyeok (40 years old, Korea) with an unforgettable impression of a country worth living in. That was the first time the male tourist came to Vietnam.
However, in early 2025, he decided to sell his assets in Korea and leave to live in an S-shaped strip of land. Although he only lived in Vietnam for 6 months, Jonghyeok's love for Vietnam became increasingly intense.
A new journey is not alone
Having worked in the business field in Korea, after a period of thinking, the male tourist temporarily put aside the old pace of life in his hometown and chose a new start in Bac Ninh province according to a friend. In March 2025, Mr. Jonghyeok brought small packages to Vietnam, starting a new journey.
In early April, he rushed back to Korea to sell the car he previously used to use. Because he has planned a new life in Vietnam with many upcoming plans.
In June, Jonghyeok also returned to the land of kimchi once again to request an extension of his tourism visa. Every time he is away from Vietnam like that, the male tourist expresses his nostalgia for his new "home".
He expressed: I decided to move to Vietnam because I love your country so much, not for work or any other reason. My brother also loves Vietnam very much and has traveled many times. Last year was the first time I came to Vietnam only as a tourist and now, I love this place so much that I want to become a local resident of Vietnam.
Because Im an adult, my family didnt interfere with my decision. Although this was a rather difficult decision, I think that right now, I am living a very happy life and have nothing to regret.
My new life in Bac Ninh has received a lot of help from local friends; so I do not feel strange or lonely when living in a new country, Jonghyeok added.
Unforgettable moments
Mr. Jonghyeok's current life is quite slow but not lacking in excitement and novelty. Every day, he spends time exercising and especially making friends, talking, and learning about Vietnamese culture.
The male tourist did not hesitate to reveal that he is learning about Vietnamese history and intends to learn Vietnamese in the near future. When he moved to Bac Ninh, he bought a motorbike to facilitate his travel and exploration of Vietnamese streets.
Jonghyeok especially loves eating pho and drinking milk coffee. Sometimes, he ate up to 2 bowls of pho to satisfy his love of Vietnamese cuisine.
The male tourist even quickly found a popular "favorite" restaurant near his home. Although he only eats daily dishes such as stir-fried water spinach, fried tofu, fried eggs, sweet and sour stir-fried ribs... the male tourist constantly praises Vietnamese cuisine.
During his short time in Vietnam, he visited many provinces and cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ha Giang, Dien Bien. In particular, at the time when flash floods and landslides occurred in some areas of Dien Bien province after many days in early August, Mr. Jonghyeok also participated in supporting the transportation of food to local people.
The image of a Korean guy wearing a red flag with a yellow star, wearing a hood, a beehive, and "always carrying" food bins, supporting the push of cars on muddy roads... moved many people following him on social networks because of his kind heart.
In both major parties this year, the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification Day held in Ho Chi Minh City and the 80th Anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day September 2 held in Hanoi, he was present and fully prepared with provisions such as shirts printed with the image of the Vietnamese national flag, red flags with yellow stars in hand or conical hats like a local "commissioned" person.
At the time of the rehearsal for the 80th Anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on September 2, although the weather in Hanoi was quite hot at that time, Mr. Jonghyeok did not hesitate to join in the joyful atmosphere with the Vietnamese people. He was even touched by a small action when he witnessed people sharing each fan with each other.
According to Jonghyeok, people often take time to rest on National Day in Korea. In Vietnam, he was surprised because people continuously participate in national events but are still excited and enthusiastic.
Without mentioning the A80 event, right after watching A50, I felt the love of homeland and country of the Vietnamese people. That is why I was very surprised and increasingly loved Vietnam, he confided.
Vietnam is a truly beautiful country in my eyes, with a modern, developed city, and places that still preserve pristine nature. The Vietnamese people are kind and generous. Therefore, I want to film more videos about your country to " comprehen" more about the beauty of Vietnam on social networks. I also hope to do many good things when I live here in the future, said Jeong Jonghyeok.
