This chapter presents a case study on teaching Vietnamese as a foreign language, aiming to enhance students' deep understanding of both their native language and the target language while addressing individual language preferences and complexities. It focuses on teaching Vietnamese compliments and responses to Korean students in a higher education setting in Vietnam, employing an explicit pragmatic and intercultural approach. Bridging the gap between cultural norms and learners' language, this study emphasizes the importance of cultural understanding for effective communication and interpersonal relations. The lesson plan, informed by pragmatic investigation, fosters intercultural competence, encourages self-expression, and boosts learners' confidence in social interactions. Overall, it offers a practical pedagogical framework for empowering learners in the classroom.