TWO DECADES OF SUBNATIONAL COOPERATION BETWEEN THAI NGUYEN (VIETNAM) AND GYEONGSANGBUK (SOUTH KOREA): ACHIEVEMENTS AND DEVELOPMENT ORIENTATION

Abstract

Over the past two decades, Thai Nguyen province (Vietnam) and Gyeongsangbuk province (South Korea) have established a comprehensive subnational partnership across multiple sectors. This study examines the evolution, outcomes, and implications of the cooperation, with particular emphasis on the Saemaul model village project as a rural development initiative. Based on document analysis and secondary data, the research demonstrates that the partnership has generated concrete socio-economic benefits, including rapid industrial growth, rural poverty reduction, and expanded educational exchange. The cooperation has also strengthened institutional capacity, improved governance practices, and fostered community empowerment. The findings highlight that the Thai Nguyen - Gyeongsangbuk model exemplifies the growing role of subnational diplomacy in multi-level governance and sustainable development. Importantly, the study suggests that localized adaptation of international models can create lasting impacts and provide replicable lessons for other localities in Vietnam and beyond. The results contribute both empirical evidence and theoretical insights to the study of subnational cooperation.