Korean Language Skills in Vietnam’s IT Industry

With South Korean companies deepening their presence in Vietnam’s technology landscape, Korean language proficiency has become a highly valuable asset in the Information Technology (IT) industry. However, learning Korean, especially for technical purposes, comes with its unique set of challenges. This blog explores the benefits of mastering Korean language skills in Vietnam’s IT industry and the obstacles that learners must overcome.

The Demand for Korean Language Skills in Vietnam’s IT Industry

In recent years, Vietnam has witnessed a substantial increase in the presence of South Korean enterprises in the Information Technology (IT) industry. Major companies like Samsung, LG, and other tech companies have heavily invested in Vietnam, fueling collaboration in technology, digital transformation, and software services. This expanding network of projects has amplified the demand for Vietnamese employees with proficiency in the Korean language, particularly in the IT field. According to a report by the Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in Vietnam, over 9,000 Korean businesses operate across the country, with approximately 20% engaged in tech and digital projects.

IT professionals in Vietnam with Korean language skills are highly sought after, especially for roles like project management, software engineering, IT comtor, and customer service, as these positions often involve direct interaction with Korean customers or stakeholders. As the partnership between Korean and Vietnamese businesses strengthens, Korean language skills have become a competitive advantage in the job market.

Current Landscape of Korean Language Skills in Vietnam’s IT Industry

The number of people learning Korean in Vietnam has surged. Data from the National Institute of Korean Language shows that from 2018 to 2023, the number of Vietnamese learning Korean doubled, with approximately 200,000 students nationwide. 

Several language centers have started to offer specialized Korean language courses tailored to IT and technology. These programs provide essential language skills for professional communication and introduce key tech-related terminology, equipping students and employees with the tools to navigate a Korean-speaking work environment more confidently. This trend reflects a growing recognition of the value of Korean language skills in achieving career advancement in Vietnam’s competitive IT sector.

Benefits and Challenges of Learning Korean in the IT Industry

Benefits

• Expanded Job Opportunities: As the presence of South Korean companies in Vietnam’s IT sector grows, proficiency in Korean opens up diverse job opportunities. Many Korean companies prioritize candidates who can effectively communicate across language barriers, making bilingual candidates more competitive in the job market.
• Competitive Compensation: Korean language skills are highly valued, often resulting in 10-20% higher salary offers for those who are proficient. Employees with Korean language skills can assist with direct communication and coordination with Korean stakeholders, which is a crucial skill in many project management, software development, and client support roles.
• Career Advancement: Knowing Korean can fast-track career progression, especially within companies that partner with or are headquartered in South Korea. Language skills often lead to leadership roles or specialized positions where bilingual communication is essential for international collaborations.
• International Project Opportunities: Proficiency in Korean allows employees to participate in or even lead projects with South Korean teams, enabling them to work on-site in Korea or manage cross-cultural teams remotely. This exposure to innovative technology practices in Korea also enhances technical skills and gives employees a valuable perspective on global tech trends.

Challenges

• Language Complexity: The grammatical structure and vocabulary of Korean are significantly different from Vietnamese. Mastering these aspects requires a dedicated effort, especially for IT professionals balancing language learning with their technical work. Korean’s honorific system, complex syntax, and nuances in business language can be challenging for new learners.
• Limited Technical Resources: While general language resources are available, technical materials in Korean relevant to IT are often limited. This makes it challenging for learners to gain specialized knowledge in Korean. Access to materials like coding guides, programming documentation, and software manuals in Korean remains restricted, leading many to rely on English or Vietnamese resources, which can create gaps in industry-specific language skills.
• Specialized Vocabulary: Many Korean language courses focus on conversational skills or general business Korean, leaving a gap in tech-specific terminology. IT professionals may struggle to find resources or courses that cover the terminology necessary for software development, coding, and digital project management, making it harder to engage fully with Korean colleagues on technical subjects.
• Time Commitment: Balancing language learning with a demanding IT career can be challenging, as mastering Korean requires consistent practice and exposure. Unlike English, which is commonly used in IT, Korean requires more immersive study to achieve proficiency, which can be difficult for professionals with limited time.

The Future of Korean Language Skills in Vietnam’s IT Industry

Given the rapid growth of the IT industry and the deepening Vietnam-Korea collaboration, Korean is set to remain a vital language in the industry. It is predicted that in the next 5-10 years, the number of IT professionals fluent in Korean could triple, especially as universities and vocational institutions increasingly integrate Korean language programs into their technical curricula.

Moreover, technology companies are starting to support their employees’ Korean language development through in-house training or by funding external language courses. Investing in this skill can be beneficial not only for employees’ personal growth but also for the company’s global competitiveness. In an internationalized market, Korean proficiency in IT teams can foster better communication, smoother project execution, and stronger relationships with Korean partners.

Conclusion

Dedicated to driving digital transformation, VTI provides comprehensive IT outsourcing solutions, resource augmentation, and innovative technology services for businesses across Asia. With over 1,200 skilled professionals, VTI supports multinational corporations and local enterprises in implementing cutting-edge solutions tailored to their specific needs. VTI has cultivated a skilled workforce that includes bilingual IT professionals, enhancing collaboration with Korean partners and customers.