SEOUL, KOREA — The official announcement ceremony of the Korea-China Year of Exchange was held in Beijing’s Marriott Hotel on February 23.
Co-hosted by Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the National Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of China, the event aroused much attention from local journalists including the Beijing Evening News and some 40 other press organizations
Bilateral exchange between Korea and China accelerated its expansion upon establishment of a strategic cooperative partnership in May 2008, on the occasion of President Lee Myung-bak’s state visit to China. During President Hu’s visit to Korea in August 2008, the two leaders agreed to designate 2010 as Visit China Year and 2012 as Visit Korea Year to mark the Shanghai and Yeosu expos, respectively.
The two sides have since seen a steady increase in the scope of cultural and civic exchanges. Additionally, this year marks the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
During the congratulatory address, First Vice Culture Minister Kwak Young-jin of China regarded the Korea-China Year of Exchange as a milestone for enhanced cooperation and exchanges between the two countries. Vice Minister Kwak also pledged China’s active participation and support for the upcoming Yeosu Expo slated to kick off this May.
Following the official ceremony was a Korean musical performance known as “Miso,” along with an appearance by Chinese actress Zhang Jingchu, who was appointed last year as a goodwill ambassador for Korea’s cultural tourism.
Meanwhile, the first events marking the Korea-China Year of Exchange were held on February 24 and 25, in Beijing and Shanghai, with participation of local press, power bloggers, and prospective visitors to Korea.
