The move to shift output of “some premium smartphones” to Vietnam “intends to supply products to consumers in more effective, stable and timely manner,” Samsung said in a statement.

Vietnam is preparing for the repatriation of its citizens if the situation in South Korea, Japan, and Taiwan (China) worsens.

Vietnam said its top priority is to keep the situation under control to protect people's health.

However, as South Korean passengers have now cancelled air bookings to Vietnam, airlines are reducing flight frequency to South Korea.