Republic of Korea (RoK) notables got better acquainted with “ Vietnam , a country of opportunities,” at a select gathering in the capital Seoul on Nov. 29.

At a banquet coorganised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Seoul and the La Spera Club, members, foreign ambassadors and representatives from the Seoul diplomatic corps were treated to updated information on the land, the people, and their culture, as well as to a sampler of the music and cuisine of Vietnam .

The Seoul-based La Spera Club, with a membership of high-level RoK businessmen and scholars, holds two such banquets each year, with one foreign country featured at each. Vietnam is the first Asian country to be chosen.

At the event, La Spera’s President Man Young-ro spoke of the similarities in culture and customs between the two countries. He stressed that Vietnam, with its strong economic development, has risen to an important position in the Southeast Asian region.

Vietnamese Ambassador Pham Tien Van spoke to attendees about Vietnam’s culture, as well as its renovation, industrialisation and modernisation process.

Guests were treated to food and special drinks from Vietnam such as Trung Nguyen coffee, wine made from a new type of sticky rice, and tea scented with jasmine, to the tune of traditional songs and dances accompanied by music played on traditional instruments.

On the occasion, Vietnam Airlines gave away two round-trip tickets to La Spera Club members for a visit to Vietnam./.