"I was really surprised because I spoke Vietnamese and she answered in Korean," Lee told VietNamNet. "She spoke naturally and fluently. During my seven years in Vietnam, I've met many people who know Korean, but this was by far the biggest surprise."

After chatting, Lee learned that the woman regularly sells fruit near Sunwah Pearl, a residential complex that is home to a large Korean community in Ho Chi Minh City.

Although Lee also lives nearby, the two had never met before.

The heartwarming exchange quickly spread across social media.

Many viewers praised the vendor's impressive language skills, while others joked that even street vendors now need foreign-language proficiency in today's competitive job market.

Many also wondered how she had become so fluent in Korean.

Discovering Vietnam through everyday encounters

Beyond Ho Chi Minh City, Lee has traveled extensively across Vietnam, documenting local culture, food and daily life.

He said every destination offers its own unique memories and experiences.

"Every place has its own character," he said. "Wherever I go, I discover something new—from the scenery and the people to the local food."

Among Vietnamese dishes, bun dau mam tom (rice vermicelli with fermented shrimp paste) remains his favorite.

He also enjoys bun bo (spicy beef noodle soup) and banh canh cua (crab thick noodle soup), sometimes eating them four or five times a week without getting tired of them.

For Lee, meeting the Korean-speaking fruit vendor has become another unforgettable memory from his years in Vietnam.

He said it is these unexpected encounters that continue to make life in the country so rewarding and full of surprises.

Linh Trang