New rural development is the right direction for Vietnam in developing agriculture and improving the living standard of rural people. After 10 years of implementation, the results of new rural development in Thai Nguyen province have prospered and exceeded the setting targets. Many lessons have been learned by the province during the implementation process, including practical experience from the Saemaul Undong project, which has brought positive effects for Thai Nguyen in economic and social development in rural areas. This article try to compare the new rural development in Vietnam and the Saemaul Undong project in South Korea to point out the similarity and differences in rural development process of the two countries and give the learning experience for Vietnam.