Zhangjiajie Mayor Zhao Xiaoming met a delegation led by Pak Chong-ryul, president of the Association of Korean Journalists on the evening of June 29, 2012.
Mayor Zhao jubilantly shared with the South Korean journalists the exchanges and funny stories between Zhangjiajie and South Korea in the past decade.
Pak Chong-ryul remarked that Zhangjiajie is very popular in Korea and there is no one but knows it. Former President of the Korean Tourism Organization got the "Special Contribution Award for Zhangjiajie's Development" for his efforts in promoting the city.
The Name Card Room of Korea, which is called the China-Korea Friendship Pavilion, is a must-see place for any Korean tourist who comes to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. The pavilion was designed by Yang Yongjun, a native of Zhangjiajie. A couple from Chaoxian (Korean) nationality of China have been invited to the pavilion to introduce Zhangjiajie's natural scenery to tourists. Korean tourists often initiatively leave their name cards and take photos as commemoration.
Two languages--Chinese and Korean are used everywhere in Zhangjiajie's scenic spots. It was here that the earliest direct exchange of RMB and KRW was carried out. Guides, hotel attendants, and the locals all can speak Korean.
Mayor Zhao said that since 2002 Zhangjiajie has sent the government delegation to visit South Korea each year. Friendly ties have been established between Zhangjiajie and Hadong County. Korean art groups have performed many times in Zhangjiajie, and many Koreans have settled here.
Translator: Lv Xuefen
Source: Hunan Official Web Portal