General Information:
CIA World Factbook
U.S. Embassy Korea, Seoul
Ambassador
Contact Info
Seoul Tourism
Home
Attractions
Shopping
Transportation
Accommodations: Grand Hyatt Seoul
747-7 Hannam 2-Dong,
Yongsan-Ku,
Seoul, South Korea 140-738
Tel: +82 2 797 1234
Fax: +82 2 798 6953
Day Five, Tuesday, September 14 (continued)
The CalChamber business delegation flew from Tokyo to Seoul on Korean Airlines. After arriving at the Grand Hyatt, the delegation loaded onto the bus once more to attend the U.S. Ambassador's reception. Because the weather was so nice in Korea, the reception, hosted by U.S. Ambassador Kathleen Stephens, was held outside at the residence. Here we were greeted by several friendly faces, such as members of the U.S. military stationed in Korea and Ambassadors from allied countries.
Ambassador Stephens with Governor Schwarzenegger
Photo by Peter Grigsby, Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Day Six, Wednesday, September 15
On the final day of the trade mission, the CalChamber business delegation headed to the Grand Hilton for a breakfast hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in Korea with an introduction by Amy Jackson, President and CEO; David Ruch, Chair; the Korean Trade Minister; and then Governor Schwarzenegger spoke at this event. The topic was the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement. Both parties stressed the importance of trade between the two economies and the many benefits to be gained by U.S. Congressional passage of this free trade agreement. See Also: www.calchamber.com/Korea
Governor Schwarzenegger and the Korean Trade Minister listen to a speaker at the AmCham Korea Breakfast
Photo by Peter Grigsby, Office of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
After the breakfast, the delegation was invited to attend a Special Olympics announcement with Governor Schwarzenegger. Pyeongchang, Korea will be the host site for the 2013 Special Olympics winter games. The delegation received information on this upcoming event and enjoyed entertainment by a young taiko (drum) group.
Performers at the Special Olympics announcement
The CalChamber delegation made its way across town to join the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce in a MOU Signing ceremony. The event, co-hosted by the California Travel and Tourism Commission and the California Food and Agriculture Export Promotion was entitled "Tastes and Sounds of California." It featured exhibits of many of California's fine products from agriculture, tourism and, of course, wine.
California agriculture delegation at one of the tasting stations
Later that afternoon, the CalChamber delegation joined Governor Schwarzenegger on a brief ride on Korea's high speed rail lines.
KTX at Seoul Station
KTX at Seoul Station
Susanne Stirling (CalChamber) and Ismael Ghalimi (Intalio)
Governor Schwarzenegger then left the group to meet with President Lee of Korea. After his meeting, the Governor spoke to the U.S. troops stationed in Korea on his way back to California.
The CalChamber hosted a farewell dinner for all of the business delegates and the government delegation on the hotel balcony overlooking Seoul. It was a wonderful dinner with great food, great California wine, and great conversation.