The event saw the attendance of leaders from the State Bank of Vietnam, representatives from Napas, GLN, BIDV, Hana Bank, the Vietnamese Tourism Ambassador to Korea, and various business representatives. This project originated from a cooperation agreement signed at the Vietnam - Korea Economic Forum in 2025. Following a period of system integration, the parties completed the connection, integrated the payment and settlement infrastructure, and officially launched the service.

Representatives from the participating entities take a commemorative photo at the event. Photo: BIDV

This service allows Korean tourists and residents in Vietnam to use their Korean banking applications or e-wallets to make QR payments at acceptance points within the VIETQRGlobal network in Vietnam.

Le Ngoc Lam, General Director of BIDV, stated that BIDV acts as the settlement bank and directly develops the payment acceptance network for this project. He added, "The bank commits to providing a modern payment infrastructure that meets international standards, offering a seamless and reliable experience for customers and partners within the digital payment ecosystem."

Le Ngoc Lam, General Director of BIDV, speaks at the launch ceremony. Photo: BIDV

The service is built upon a collaborative platform involving financial institutions, banks, and payment infrastructures of both nations. Napas connects and operates the payment network via the VIETQRGlobal code in Vietnam, while GLN International, a global financial platform within the Hana Financial Group ecosystem, serves as the hub connecting to Korean banking systems and customer payment applications.

Nguyen Quang Minh, General Director of Napas, emphasized that expanding cross-border QR payment connectivity is a key objective for developing a modern, secure payment infrastructure that serves individuals and businesses. He noted that the company plans to continue expanding QR payment connections with more countries in the future, aiming to build a comprehensive ecosystem.

Nguyen Quang Minh, General Director of Napas, speaks. Photo: BIDV

Lee Suk, General Director of GLN International, expressed his hope that this model will boost economic exchange between the two countries and establish a foundation for service expansion into other Asian markets.

Lee Ho Sung, General Director of Hana Bank, confirmed the bank's continued cooperation with Vietnamese partners to expand digital financial services beyond payments. In the coming period, BIDV and Hana Bank will further refine their two-way connection, aiming to extend payment capabilities for Vietnamese people in Korea, thereby fostering the sustainable development of the digital financial ecosystem between the two nations.

Lee Ho Sung, General Director of Hana Bank, speaks. Photo: BIDV

In 2025, Vietnam welcomed over 21,2 million international visitors, a 20% increase compared to 2024. Korea was the second largest source market, contributing approximately 4,3 million visitors, accounting for 20% of the total international arrivals. Concurrently, the number of Vietnamese tourists traveling to Korea showed sustained growth, reaching approximately 550,000 visitors in 2025, a 9% increase from 2024.

Pham Anh Tuan, Director of the Payment Department at the State Bank of Vietnam, stated at the launch ceremony, "This cross-border payment connection between Vietnam and Korea will offer greater convenience for tourists from both countries when using local currency, while also promoting cashless payments in both nations."

Minh Ngoc