Hallyu star and top Korean TV actress, Choi Ji-woo has been named the tourism public relations ambassador for Busan, as part of the city’s beefed up efforts to promote itself to the world. Choi recently acted in the TV series “Star Lover,” an SBS drama in which Busan figured prominently as the hometown of the main characters.
Choi became a Hallyu (Korean wave) star several years ago, alongside Bae Yong-jun, when she starred in the internationally famous TV series, “Winter Sonata.”
By bringing in Choi, the hope is that Busan can expand its international presence with a pretty face beckoning tourist to Korea's second largest city. Considering that 71% of the well over 2 million tourist that visit Korea each year from Japan are women, perhaps a pretty face might not be such a bad idea.
Although Choi was born in Paju, Gyeonggi province, the actress maintains a deep connection with Busan, having spent her childhood here. But like so many of Busan's youth in recent years, Choi left for Seoul. Her parents still reside here in Busan --showing that with age there does indeed come wisdom.
In related news, the Seoul Central Government announced the placement of stricter safety rules for tourist locations following the tragic death of 15 people at an indoor firing range in Busan. Several of those killed were Japanese tourists.
