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- Hosted the Korea–U.S. Shipbuilding Leaders Forum to lay the groundwork for a strategic shipbuilding and maritime alliance
- Private-public sector initiatives for Korea-U.S. shipbuilding collaboration take shape—second forum scheduled in the U.S. this October
- "In awe of the remarkable capability of Korean shipyards. Expanding Korea–U.S. cooperation will be a tremendous opportunity for the U.S. shipbuilding sector"
- Chung Kisun, Executive Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai: "This is the starting point of a maritime alliance—we must move forward together for the advancement of both nations' shipbuilding industries."
SEOUL, South Korea, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HD Hyundai is exploring avenues for mutual cooperation with shipbuilding and maritime experts from Korea and the U.S.
HD Hyundai announced on Tuesday, June 24, that it hosted the Korea–U.S. Leaders Forum on Education and Research on Shipbuilding at its Global R&D Center in Pangyo, Korea. The forum was organized as a follow-up to the trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in July last year between HD Hyundai, Seoul National University (SNU), and the University of Michigan (UM) to promote talent development in the shipbuilding industry.
Previously, HD Hyundai recognized the U.S. government's strong commitment to revitalizing its shipbuilding industry and expressed its support for efforts to strengthen the sector and bolster national security. In line with this, HD Hyundai partnered with SNU and UM to launch a joint initiative to foster future talent in shipbuilding.
Co-hosted by HD Hyundai and Seoul National University, and supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), the forum marks the first since the launch of the new Korean administration in which experts from both countries have gathered to discuss practical avenues for collaboration. As a tangible milestone in public-private cooperation, the event drew considerable attention from industry stakeholders.
The forum was attended by distinguished including Andrew Gately, Commercial Minister-Counselor of the U.S. Embassy in Korea; Lee Seung-ryeol, Industrial Policy Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; and Chung Kisun, Executive Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai. The forum brought together a panel of leading experts: from Korea, professors representing seven top universities, including SNU and KAIST; and from the U.S., professors from six prestigious institutions, such as UM and MIT. In total, more than 40 shipbuilding and marine engineering specialists participated in the event.
The event began with opening remarks by Chung. "This collaboration marks the beginning of a true maritime alliance—one that goes beyond talent exchange to sharing technologies and visions between Korea and the United States," he said. "Let us work together toward the growth and prosperity of both nations' shipbuilding industries."
Keynote speeches from both countries followed. Professor David Singer of the University of Michigan, speaking on behalf of the U.S. delegation, remarked, "I find myself in awe of the remarkable capability of Korean shipyards to produce the world's largest and most intricate vessels in record time. Investing in talent is absolutely crucial for rejuvenating the U.S. shipbuilding industry, and the potential for expanding our collaboration with HD Hyundai is an exceptional opportunity we cannot afford to overlook."
In the afternoon, the forum continued at SNU, where participating universities and institutions presented their respective curricula in shipbuilding and maritime engineering. The session provided a platform for sharing best practices and exploring joint educational strategies, while also highlighting the importance of binational collaboration in cultivating talent. On the final day of the forum, Wednesday, June 25, discussions will focus on joint research themes, including "Smart Yard" technologies, aimed at digital transformation in shipbuilding.
Ahead of the forum, on Monday, June 23, U.S. participants visited HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' headquarters in Ulsan, where they toured both the commercial and naval & special shipyards and were briefed on the company's smart shipyard initiatives and autonomous navigation technologies. The second Korea–U.S. Shipbuilding Leaders Forum is scheduled to take place in the United States in October.
- Hosted the Korea–U.S. Shipbuilding Leaders Forum to lay the groundwork for a strategic shipbuilding and maritime alliance
- Private-public sector initiatives for Korea-U.S. shipbuilding collaboration take shape—second forum scheduled in the U.S. this October
- "In awe of the remarkable capability of Korean shipyards. Expanding Korea–U.S. cooperation will be a tremendous opportunity for the U.S. shipbuilding sector"
- Chung Kisun, Executive Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai: "This is the starting point of a maritime alliance—we must move forward together for the advancement of both nations' shipbuilding industries."
SEOUL, South Korea, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- HD Hyundai is exploring avenues for mutual cooperation with shipbuilding and maritime experts from Korea and the U.S.
HD Hyundai announced on Tuesday, June 24, that it hosted the Korea–U.S. Leaders Forum on Education and Research on Shipbuilding at its Global R&D Center in Pangyo, Korea. The forum was organized as a follow-up to the trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in July last year between HD Hyundai, Seoul National University (SNU), and the University of Michigan (UM) to promote talent development in the shipbuilding industry.
Previously, HD Hyundai recognized the U.S. government's strong commitment to revitalizing its shipbuilding industry and expressed its support for efforts to strengthen the sector and bolster national security. In line with this, HD Hyundai partnered with SNU and UM to launch a joint initiative to foster future talent in shipbuilding.
Co-hosted by HD Hyundai and Seoul National University, and supported by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), the forum marks the first since the launch of the new Korean administration in which experts from both countries have gathered to discuss practical avenues for collaboration. As a tangible milestone in public-private cooperation, the event drew considerable attention from industry stakeholders.
The forum was attended by distinguished including Andrew Gately, Commercial Minister-Counselor of the U.S. Embassy in Korea; Lee Seung-ryeol, Industrial Policy Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; and Chung Kisun, Executive Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai. The forum brought together a panel of leading experts: from Korea, professors representing seven top universities, including SNU and KAIST; and from the U.S., professors from six prestigious institutions, such as UM and MIT. In total, more than 40 shipbuilding and marine engineering specialists participated in the event.
The event began with opening remarks by Chung. "This collaboration marks the beginning of a true maritime alliance—one that goes beyond talent exchange to sharing technologies and visions between Korea and the United States," he said. "Let us work together toward the growth and prosperity of both nations' shipbuilding industries."
Keynote speeches from both countries followed. Professor David Singer of the University of Michigan, speaking on behalf of the U.S. delegation, remarked, "I find myself in awe of the remarkable capability of Korean shipyards to produce the world's largest and most intricate vessels in record time. Investing in talent is absolutely crucial for rejuvenating the U.S. shipbuilding industry, and the potential for expanding our collaboration with HD Hyundai is an exceptional opportunity we cannot afford to overlook."
In the afternoon, the forum continued at SNU, where participating universities and institutions presented their respective curricula in shipbuilding and maritime engineering. The session provided a platform for sharing best practices and exploring joint educational strategies, while also highlighting the importance of binational collaboration in cultivating talent. On the final day of the forum, Wednesday, June 25, discussions will focus on joint research themes, including "Smart Yard" technologies, aimed at digital transformation in shipbuilding.
Ahead of the forum, on Monday, June 23, U.S. participants visited HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' headquarters in Ulsan, where they toured both the commercial and naval & special shipyards and were briefed on the company's smart shipyard initiatives and autonomous navigation technologies. The second Korea–U.S. Shipbuilding Leaders Forum is scheduled to take place in the United States in October.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
HD Hyundai to Spearhead Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding and Maritime Alliance
HD Hyundai to Spearhead Korea-U.S. Shipbuilding and Maritime Alliance
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HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular year-end travel choice for families in the region and beyond. Based on searches made between September and November 2025 for stays during December 2025 and January 2026, Agoda recorded a 30% increase in family travel interest to Vietnam compared with the same period the previous year.
Agoda data shows that Vietnam is attracting more international families than ever this winter holiday season. South Koreans take the lead as the top market interested in traveling to Vietnam in December and January, with families from India, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia rounding out the top five. Notably, Agoda reported that Indian families showcased the highest growth in travel interest to Vietnam during this period, with a 186% increase in searches. Malaysians also, are expressing strong growth in interest, with a 74% increase in searches, highlighting Vietnam's appeal as a family destination in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Families are choosing Vietnam for its storied culture and cuisine, diverse landscapes, and abundance of family-friendly resorts and attractions.
Phu Quoc Island leads as the most sought-after destination among international family travelers with a 47% increase in searches, popular for its sandy beaches, calm waters, and nature parks ideal for multi-generation vacations. Da Nang follows with 42% growth in travel interest, noted for its beaches, soft adventure activities, and access to Ba Na Hills theme park. Nha Trang comes in third place, remaining a favorite for its long coastline, family-oriented resorts, and island experiences. In fourth place, Ho Chi Minh City appeals with its vibrant food scene, entertainment complexes, and day trips to the Mekong Delta. In the north, Hanoi continues to draw families with its cultural landmarks, museums, and festive atmosphere, rounding out the top five most family-friendly year-end destinations in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, although Vietnamese families traditionally travel less internationally at the end of the year – typically preferring to wait for the Lunar New Year - China is becoming a noticeable exception. Among the top 20 outbound destinations preferred by Vietnamese families during the December-January period, searches for Shanghai increased 58%, while Beijing increased 59%. This shift is supported by the launch of new direct routes between Hanoi and selected Chinese cities earlier this year, making end-of-year overseas trips more accessible than ever.
Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director at Agoda, said: "It is wonderful to see Vietnam increasingly chosen as an end-of-year holiday destination for families from across Asia and beyond. Agoda's data shows that travelers are recognizing Vietnam's family-friendly appeal, which further strengthen its position on the global travel map. As more families plan their festive-season or year-end getaways, we are delighted to support them through Agoda's simple, intuitive platform and our wide range of stays, flights, and activities."
With over 6 million properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all bookable in one seamless itinerary, Agoda helps families plan memorable year-end holidays, whether they choose a peaceful beach break, a cultural city escape, or an international exploration to mark the close of the year.
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda reveals that Vietnam is becoming an increasingly popular year-end travel choice for families in the region and beyond. Based on searches made between September and November 2025 for stays during December 2025 and January 2026, Agoda recorded a 30% increase in family travel interest to Vietnam compared with the same period the previous year.
Agoda data shows that Vietnam is attracting more international families than ever this winter holiday season. South Koreans take the lead as the top market interested in traveling to Vietnam in December and January, with families from India, Singapore, Australia, and Malaysia rounding out the top five. Notably, Agoda reported that Indian families showcased the highest growth in travel interest to Vietnam during this period, with a 186% increase in searches. Malaysians also, are expressing strong growth in interest, with a 74% increase in searches, highlighting Vietnam's appeal as a family destination in Southeast Asia and beyond.
Families are choosing Vietnam for its storied culture and cuisine, diverse landscapes, and abundance of family-friendly resorts and attractions.
Phu Quoc Island leads as the most sought-after destination among international family travelers with a 47% increase in searches, popular for its sandy beaches, calm waters, and nature parks ideal for multi-generation vacations. Da Nang follows with 42% growth in travel interest, noted for its beaches, soft adventure activities, and access to Ba Na Hills theme park. Nha Trang comes in third place, remaining a favorite for its long coastline, family-oriented resorts, and island experiences. In fourth place, Ho Chi Minh City appeals with its vibrant food scene, entertainment complexes, and day trips to the Mekong Delta. In the north, Hanoi continues to draw families with its cultural landmarks, museums, and festive atmosphere, rounding out the top five most family-friendly year-end destinations in Vietnam.
Meanwhile, although Vietnamese families traditionally travel less internationally at the end of the year – typically preferring to wait for the Lunar New Year - China is becoming a noticeable exception. Among the top 20 outbound destinations preferred by Vietnamese families during the December-January period, searches for Shanghai increased 58%, while Beijing increased 59%. This shift is supported by the launch of new direct routes between Hanoi and selected Chinese cities earlier this year, making end-of-year overseas trips more accessible than ever.
Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director at Agoda, said: "It is wonderful to see Vietnam increasingly chosen as an end-of-year holiday destination for families from across Asia and beyond. Agoda's data shows that travelers are recognizing Vietnam's family-friendly appeal, which further strengthen its position on the global travel map. As more families plan their festive-season or year-end getaways, we are delighted to support them through Agoda's simple, intuitive platform and our wide range of stays, flights, and activities."
With over 6 million properties, 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000 activities, all bookable in one seamless itinerary, Agoda helps families plan memorable year-end holidays, whether they choose a peaceful beach break, a cultural city escape, or an international exploration to mark the close of the year.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Agoda Data Shows Vietnam Rising as a Favorite End-of-Year Destination for Families Across Asia and Beyond
