On the morning of October 3, the Vietnam-Korea Character and Licensing Fair 2024 officially kicked off at the WTC Expo in Binh Duong. Organized by KOCCA Vietnam (the Korea Creative Content Agency) in collaboration with the World Trade Center Binh Duong New City, the event features the introduction of iconic characters and prominent Korean companies, showcasing the latest characters debuting in the Vietnamese market.

The opening ceremony was attended by Ms. Truong Hai Thanh, Deputy Director of Binh Duong Department of Education and Training, Mr. Tran Trong Tuyen, Deputy Director of Binh Duong Department of Science and Technology; Ms. Huynh Dinh Thai Linh, Director of WTC Binh Duong Mr. Seong Im Kyeong, Director of KOCCA Vietnam, along with representatives from Becamex IDC, local government officials, and a large number of attendees.

The festival marks a significant milestone in promoting cultural cooperation and the development of the content industry between Vietnam and Korea. It offers a platform for Vietnamese and Korean businesses and content creators to strengthen connections, expand market opportunities, and explore potential partnerships in Vietnam’s emerging character industry. The event also serves as an exciting destination for culture and creativity enthusiasts, immersing visitors in a colorful world of iconic characters and Korean culture.

In his opening speech, Mr. Seong Im Kyeong expressed optimism about the event, noting its growing impact: “With modern infrastructure and a strong commitment to advancing the character industry in Binh Duong, last year’s event attracted over 9,000 visitors, 40 Vietnamese companies, and facilitated more than 300 successful business meetings, far exceeding expectations. This year, we are confident the event will achieve even greater success.”

Building on the momentum of past events, KOCCA Vietnam and WTC Binh Duong aim to make this festival an annual cultural highlight. The program offers visitors engaging and interactive experiences such as exploring exhibition booths, meeting Korean iconic characters, trying on wearing Hanbok, sampling Korean cuisine, participating in B2B networking sessions with over 100 Vietnamese and Korean companies, attending seminars on Korean characters and animation, and enjoying K-pop-themed activities like quizzes and random dance performances.

Simultaneously, the “Learn & Play Festival 2024” is also taking place, offering a vibrant shopping and entertainment space with over 100 booths. Highlights include a magical planet-themed play area, stage performances, meet-and-greets with famous children’s authors, and lucky draws with exciting prizes.

Notably, on the afternoon of the opening day, nearly 15 leading Korean companies presented and shared unique product videos, introducing creative and innovative content to both character enthusiasts and industry experts. The diverse range of products, including animation, branded merchandise, virtual world games, and 3D animation, showcased distinct creativity and style, offering significant commercial potential and readiness to capture international markets, particularly in Vietnam.

The festival not only fosters cultural collaboration and strengthens partnerships but also creates opportunities for Vietnamese and Korean businesses to expand their reach in global markets. It serves as a platform for resource sharing, generating new value, and driving sustainable development in Vietnam’s creative industry. Moreover, the event emphasizes the essential role of culture in connecting people and unlocking future growth opportunities.