Paying Tribute at the Lee Taejun Memorial Hall Honoring the Independence Activist
The Gyeongnam delegation, led by Governor Park Wansu, began its official visit to three Central Asian countries-Mongolia, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan-on September 18.
As the first stop of the tour, the Gyeongnam delegation held the "Gyeongnam Consumer Goods Export Consultation" at the Chinggis Khaan Hotel in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
At the consumer goods export consultation meeting held in Mongolia, local company representatives who signed the letter of intent for export and Mongolian company representatives are taking a commemorative photo. Provided by Gyeongnam Province
Ten small and medium-sized enterprises from Gyeongnam showcased more than five products each, including food, cosmetics, and anti-aging items, to 31 Mongolian buyers.
Among them, eight companies signed letters of intent for exports worth a total of 7 million dollars with eight local companies.
More than 50 people attended the consultation, including the head of the KOTRA Ulaanbaatar Trade Center and local buyers.
According to Gyeongnam Province, over 60% of Mongolia's total population is aged 34 or younger, resulting in a high receptiveness to global culture and trends, and a marked growth in Korean-related consumer culture such as the franchise industry.
However, due to a weak manufacturing base, Mongolia has a high dependence on imports of industrial goods, and its steady preference for Korean culture makes it a market with significant potential for future export expansion by Gyeongnam companies.
Currently, Korean franchises hold a market share of over 50% in Mongolia, and as of 2024, Korea's exports to Mongolia amount to 580 million dollars, with Gyeongnam accounting for 10 million dollars of that total.
Through this event, Gyeongnam Province aims to promote the excellence and competitiveness of its consumer goods in Mongolia and seek diversification of export items.
Park Wansu, governor of Gyeongnam Province, is delivering a greeting at the Gyeongnam Province Consumer Goods Export Consultation held in Mongolia. Provided by Gyeongnam Province
Governor Park emphasized, "In the face of an uncertain external trade environment, such as the high tariffs imposed by the United States, this contract is a very meaningful achievement. The global interest in Korean products, including agricultural and food products and cosmetics, fueled by the popularity of K-Content, is significant because it can lead to actual purchases."
He added, "Mongolia is a strategic hub adjacent to Russia and China, with a vast hinterland and great growth potential. As Korea's exports to Mongolia continue to increase each year, Gyeongnam Province will maintain consistent interest and administrative support to ensure ongoing expansion of exchanges across various products."
The Gyeongnam delegation led by Governor Park Wansu is paying silent tribute at the 'Lee Taejun Memorial Hall' in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Provided by Gyeongnam Province
Prior to the consultation, the Gyeongnam delegation visited the "Lee Taejun Memorial Hall," which opened in Ulaanbaatar on September 4, to pay tribute and honor the spirit of the independence movement.
Born in 1883 in Haman, Gyeongnam, Lee Taejun graduated from Severance Medical School and established Dongui Medical Bureau in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where he practiced medicine. He supported the independence movement by communicating with patriots across the region and providing financial assistance, but was arrested by Russian forces in 1921 and died in martyrdom.
He served as the royal physician to Mongolia's last emperor and was awarded the "Erdniin Ochir," Mongolia's highest national order given to foreigners at the time. In 1990, he was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation by the Republic of Korea.
Governor Park stated, "Establishing a memorial hall in the heart of Ulaanbaatar is highly significant. I am grateful for the active cooperation of the Mongolian government and expect this place to become an important space for deepening relations between Korea and Mongolia."
On September 19, Governor Park plans to officially visit Ulaanbaatar, meet with the mayor, and discuss ways to expand cooperation between the two regions in industry, tourism, and human exchanges.
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