S. Gyeongsang governor meets Chinese consul general in Busan

South Gyeongsang Province Governor Park Wan-su met Chen Ribiao, the Chinese consul general in Busan, at the provincial government office on Monday to discuss ways to expand cooperation between South Gyeongsang Province and China in tourism, industry, investment and people-to-people exchange.

Chen visited the provincial office to congratulate Park on his reelection as governor. The two exchanged views on boosting tourism and broadening exchanges between local governments and businesses, in line with the positive trajectory of South Korea-China relations.

"China is an important partner with whom we have maintained close ties for a long time in economic, cultural and people-to-people exchange," Park said. "We will continue to expand cooperation across a wide range of areas." Park also mentioned the Hangzhou–Gimhae direct flight scheduled to launch this month, and asked the consulate general to serve as a bridge to further promote tourism and people-to-people exchange.

The number of Chinese tourists visiting South Gyeongsang Province has grown steadily, rising from 800,000 in 2023 to about 1.03 million in 2024 and about 1.07 million in 2025.

"I will actively support more vibrant exchanges between local governments, businesses, and cultural and people-to-people ties between South Gyeongsang Province and China," Chen said. Monday's visit was Chen's second to the provincial office, following a courtesy call in February 2023 when he took up his post.

South Gyeongsang Province maintains friendly ties with six Chinese provincial governments, including Shandong and Liaoning provinces, and operates overseas offices in Qingdao and Shanghai.