Hong Taeyong, the mayor of Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, has taken the initiative to strengthen exchanges with China and attract tourists in celebration of the 2024 Year of Visiting Gimhae.
On the 25th, Mayor Hong visited the Consulate General of China in Busan, located in Haeundae-gu, Busan, and requested Consul General Jin Ilpyo for cooperation in exchanges with China.
According to the city, Consul General Jin, who was appointed as the 9th Consul General of China in Busan in October 2022, is responsible for supporting Korea-China exchanges and cooperation in five regions of the Yeongnam area: Gyeongsangnam-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Busan, Daegu, and Ulsan.
Hong Taeyong, Mayor of Gimhae, Gyeongnam (left), and Jin Ilpyo, Consul General of China in Busan, are shaking hands. Photo by Gimhae City Hall
On this day, Mayor Hong said, "Thank you for attending the opening ceremony of the East Asia Culture City held in Gimhae last April," and added, "I hope you will continue to cooperate so that Gimhae can have more active exchanges with China in various fields such as culture, tourism, and economy."
In addition, he introduced Gimhae Gaya Theme Park, Gimhae Nakdonggang Leisurpark, and other tourist attractions in Gimhae, and suggested that the consul general and consulate staff experience these tours themselves.
In response, Consul General Jin expressed his gratitude for the proposal and replied, "I will do my best to serve as a bridge so that exchanges between Gimhae and China can proceed smoothly."
Gimhae City has maintained relationships with Wuxi and Leshan in China through sister and friendship city agreements. This year, through the East Asia Culture City project, Gimhae has also established ties with Dalian and Weifang, expanding exchanges, and is set to sign a friendship exchange agreement with Dalian at the end of this year.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
