It is a great pleasure to host the Korea Travel Conference 2008 in Chungcheongbuk-do Province. Let me extend my heartfelt welcome to all of you involved in the tourism industry for your earnest efforts in developing tourism in Korea.
The province of Chungcheongbuk-do can indeed be called "a land of fresh wind and bright moonlight," an expression often bestowed upon the most scenic areas of Korea. With its three spectacular national parks and two scenic lakes, it is a region blessed by Nature; it also celebrates a tradition of warm hospitality and a history that dates back thousands of years. During Korea's Three Kingdom period, this area served as the border between the states of Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla. This fact makes Chungcheongbuk-do a cradle of ancient culture, and the aura of its deep-rooted history still resounds throughout the region.
Located in the heart of the Korean peninsula, Chungcheongbuk-do is connected to the rest of the country by seven major express highways and Osong Express Train Station. Owing to this fabulous web of transportation infrastructure, the province is within two hours' reach from anywhere in the nation. Cheongju, the province's capital, boasts a large international airport, which now receives more than 1 million annual visitors.
Furthermore, Chungcheongbuk-do was recently recognized for receiving more business investments than anywhere in the country. Last year, a total of 13.192 trillion won was invested into science and industrial parks in Ochang and Osong alone. The province is indeed gearing up to position itself as a "province of economy."
With the year 2008 being called "The Year of the Great Leap Forward for Tourism in Chungcheongbuk-do," this conference marks the beginning of a series of international conferences and events to be hosted in Chungcheongbuk-do; others include the Third Korea-China-Japan Ministerial Conference on Tourism, Bio Korea 2008 and the 2010 International Oriental Medicine Expo.
The provincial government will continue to pursue major tourism development projects to leverage the area's rich natural resources and to encourage development of Chungcheongbuk-do's tourism industry.
I sincerely hope that, in order to advance the country's travel industry, this conference will serve as an opportunity for participants to build a solid network and lead to further business success.
Thank you.
Governor of Chungcheongbuk-do Province
Chung, Woo-Taik
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