Vietnamese youth are attracting attention from Korea and around the world by producing a newspaper written entirely in Hangeul, the Korean alphabet. First launched online in January, the “Vietnam Hangeul Newspaper” is a regular publication created by students from six Vietnamese universities. While it is common for non-English-speaking countries to publish newspapers in English, this marks the world’s first instance of local students voluntarily producing a newspaper in Hangeul.
Currently, articles for the Vietnam Hangeul Newspaper are first published on its official website (http://vietnamshinmun.com), then compiled into a monthly PDF file, and finally printed as a physical newspaper. The Monday Times oversees article review, editing, and platform operations such as website management, while Korean university students also participate, fostering a natural system of cooperation between young people from both countries.
Professor Do Phuong Thuy of Hanoi University of Foreign Studies said, “It is a very meaningful experience for Korean Studies students to independently select topics and write articles in their major language, Hangeul.” Professor Pham Trinh of the KDI School of Public Policy and Management added, “Writing articles and being exposed to diverse news about both countries is a positive development for Korea and Vietnam alike.”
Student reporters also shared their thoughts. A Hyun Nhi from Dalat University said, “I am happy to play a role in introducing Vietnamese culture in an engaging way, sharing the cultural values of both countries, and helping foster deeper understanding.” Ain Hong from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City commented, “Through the Vietnam Hangeul Newspaper, I can not only improve my Korean skills but also contribute to strengthening friendly relations between the two countries.”
The Monday Times and the Globalization Committee of Hangeul Newspapers plan to expand this initiative worldwide, starting with Vietnam. The “UK Hangeul Newspaper” is scheduled to launch early next year, with similar projects actively underway in the United States and Japan.
The enthusiasm of Vietnamese students for producing a Hangeul newspaper is fueled by the global wave of K-culture, including K-pop, Korean dramas, and films. Worldwide, the number of Korean Studies programs and Korean language majors continues to grow, and interest in Hangeul is expected to increase even further. For many local students, Hangeul is not just an academic subject but also a new language and cultural medium through which they can communicate with peers around the world.
It is also noteworthy that students are using KakaoTalk—a Korean-developed messaging app—as their main communication tool during the production process. This goes beyond language learning, offering them a unique opportunity to experience Korean digital culture and daily life firsthand.
Through this project, participating students are expected to gain opportunities for studying abroad in Korea, employment, and various educational programs. Shin In-ho, CEO of The Monday Times and Chairman of the Global Hangeul Newspaper Initiative, said, “Hangeul Newspapers are living platforms of communication where young people in each country can express their stories directly in Hangeul. This small challenge will soon grow into a new arena for cultural exchange and mutual understanding among youth worldwide.”
What began as an experimental initiative in Vietnam is expected to grow beyond the simple act of publishing a newspaper, evolving into a global movement in which young people introduce their own cultures and foster deeper mutual understanding through Hangeul Newspapers.
Media Contact
Company Name: Vietnam Hanguel Newspaper
Contact Person: Huynh Tieu Phuong
Email: Send Email
Country: Vietnam
Website: http://vietnamshinmun.com/
