Seoul Created Bilingual Guide for Vietnam Heritage Site
The city designed a Korean-Vietnamese guidebook for the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Language Learning
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The Seoul Metropolitan Government has developed a new bilingual guide for the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi. This project coincides with the celebration of Hangeul Day.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to strengthen the 30-year friendship-city relationship between Seoul and Hanoi through deeper cultural exchange. It also marks a continued effort by Seoul to expand its global partnership programs.
The bilingual guide documents nine historic sites and nine artifacts located at the 11th-century UNESCO World Heritage site. It features custom Seoul city fonts and branding colors.
The players
Seoul Metropolitan Government
The administrative body responsible for the governance of Seoul and the designer of the bilingual guidebook.
Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
A UNESCO World Heritage site in Hanoi that was originally built in the 11th century.
The details
Developed with professional translation and local institutional review, the guide utilizes Seoul Namsan and Seoul Alrim typefaces. This collaboration represents the third overseas project of its kind launched by the city of Seoul.
Timeline
11th century: Construction of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long.
October 8, 2026: Official announcement of the guide distribution.
October 9, 2026: Hangeul Day celebration.
Culture Shift
This project reflects a broader trend of cities utilizing design-led diplomacy and language tools to strengthen ties with international sister cities. It highlights how metropolitan branding is increasingly used to facilitate cross-border cultural education.
Tourists and visitors to the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long can now access historic information in both Korean and Vietnamese. The implementation of specific Seoul-branded typography and layouts provides a standardized reference tool for travelers.
The takeaway
Cultural exchange programs continue to evolve through the export of local design standards and language tools. Travelers can benefit from these targeted guides to gain deeper insights into historical artifacts when visiting foreign landmarks.
Further reading
Learn more about global educational collaborations in our Language Learning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Korea Times.
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