Lao and Korean officials and business operators attend the opening of the Korea Lifestyle Festival in Vientiane on Friday.

Korea Lifestyle Festival 2026 strengthens business, cultural ties

KOTRA Vientiane brought Korean businesses, products, and culture together at the Korea Lifestyle Festival 2026, which took place from October 22-24, connecting Korean exporters with Lao buyers and consumers through business meetings and a two-day public festival in Vientiane.
The opening ceremony at the Parkson Mall on Friday included a speech by the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Laos, Mr Lee Jeong Hyop. Also present were Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Dr Manothong Vongsay and the Director General of KOTRA Vientiane, Mr Park Jungwe.
Lao and Korean officials, business representatives, and university students attended the event, which was hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea Co-hosted by the Incheon Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI)and organised by KOTRA Vientiane.

Returning for its second consecutive year, the festival brought together three main elements: business matching, Korean product promotion, and food and cultural experiences. By combining meetings with potential importers and distributors with direct consumer engagement, the programme helped Korean companies explore partnerships and gain a better understanding of market demand in Laos.
The business matching programme took place on October 22 at the Holiday Inn Vientiane. Eighteen Korean companies from the Incheon Trade Delegation and the K-Agri-Food Trade Delegation met for talks with approximately 42 Lao companies, holding more than 122 one-to-one business meetings. Discussions focused on import, distribution, and other opportunities for entering the Lao market.

A key achievement was the signing of one Memorandum of Understanding  between C&P Co., Ltd. of Korea and AK Im-Ex Co., Ltd. of Laos for the import and distribution of Red Ginseng Juice for Kids, with an estimated annual import value of US$ 120,000.
The 18 participating Korean companies were Younglim Industry Co., Ltd.; UBS INC Co., Ltd.; WHAT A SKIN; People’s Co., Ltd.; BEAUTYINSIDE Co., Ltd.; C&P Co., Ltd.; COREINTERNATIONAL Co., Ltd.; AURACELL Co., Ltd.; DK Cosmetic Co., Ltd.; Skindom Co., Ltd.; MJB; AMOREVE, Inc.; CELLVIO COSMETIC Co., Ltd.; TNAHEAL Co., Ltd.; llonyscent; AF Solution Co., Ltd.; SGS Factory Corp; and Park Haeyoung Lural Jandae Agricultural Co., Ltd.
The festival at the Parkson Mall on Friday and Saturday gave visitors opportunities to discover Korean brands, sample selected products, and meet participating businesses.
The Showcase Zone featured 115 products from 35 Korean companies, including health supplements, noodles, tteokbokki, snacks, and beverages. Dedicated booths for the 15 Incheon companies presented approximately 75 products, including cosmetics, beauty items, everyday consumer goods, and interior accessories.
These showcases brought exporters closer to their potential customers. While business discussions helped identify sales channels, direct feedback from visitors allowed companies to gauge local preferences on products, pricing, and packaging, establishing a foundation for future market development.
During the event, Korean food tasting formed a central part of the cultural experience. Korean exporters and Lao importers promoted agricultural and food products alongside stalls offering popular items such as tteokbokki, gimbap, and ramen. A Lao-Korean fusion cooking show combined local culinary creativity with Korean ingredients and flavours.
The entertainment programme featured K-pop singing and dance contests, performances by university students, a mini concert by the Lao band Clozer, and interactive audience dance activities. Together, the culinary and stage programmes provided a lively setting for visitors to explore Korean culture and products.
Director General of KOTRA Vientiane, Mr Park Jungwe, expressed his appreciation to Korean companies, Lao business partners, and visitors for their active participation in the Korea Lifestyle Festival 2026.
He said the event was a valuable opportunity to connect Korean suppliers with Lao buyers, understand local market demand, and strengthen commercial partnerships. He reaffirmed KOTRA Vientiane’s commitment to expanding market access for Korean products and promoting sustainable trade cooperation between Korea and Laos.
By linking trade promotion with public participation, KOTRA Vientiane aims to turn interest in Korean products into lasting business relationships. The festival connected exporters, local partners, and consumers while strengthening cultural ties between the Korean and Lao people through food, music, and shared experiences.
The festival took place on the first floor of the Parkson Mall in Vientiane from 10am-6pm on October 23 and 24.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update October 26, 2026)