Shared interests, cultural exchanges
Gift exchanges, new experiences and heartfelt thanks were shared with out-of-town guests from Williamson County’s sister city on January 9.
With an estimated 200 attendees at the Wilco Expo Center, the festive atmosphere was warm and welcoming. Some visitors from Yongin Special City, South Korea, marveled at rodeo skills, while Wilco representatives munched on traditional South Korean food.
“Although the distance and our language may separate us, what really gathers and binds us together is our passion for our community,” County Judge Bill Gravell said.
During the January 7 Commissioners Court meeting, officials passed the resolution to make January 9 “Yongin City Day” in Williamson County.
“It's really an honor for me to take part in this very special day,” said Sang il Lee, mayor of Yongin City. “I really appreciate it. Thank you very much. I received unexpected hospitality here, and if the Yonhin citizens know it, they will be so happy.”
According to the document, Yongin City and Williamson County share several commonalities as both are home to new Samsung foundries, similar population sizes, and recreational activities for residents.
By establishing January 9 as “Yongin City Day” for Wilco, the resolution and celebration “encourages all county officials, employees, and the public to learn more about our sister city and their culture.”
The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved a sister city partnership agreement between Williamson County and Yongin City on July 2. In September, Judge Gravell traveled to South Korea to participate in a signing ceremony for the agreement to establish a relationship for stronger, friendly cooperation and mutual prosperity between the two communities.
Williamson County has become a destination for South Korean companies to locate, with several Korean businesses having a presence here including Samsung, Soulbrain, Hanwha, Hironic, iMarket, Hanyang ENG, Seoyon E-hwa, Mars Automotive, and MSS International.
Taylor Mayor Dwayne Ariola said Taylor residents were nervous about Samsung planting roots in the community. However, after he traveled to South Korea, he said he was able to experience South Korean culture and saw the economic opportunities that lie ahead.
“I can tell you, I'm 100 percent confident that inviting the Korean culture was a stroke of genius,” he said. “With all this growth … we now have jobs. We now have training. We now have the University of Texas coming. It’s not because Taylor invited them, but it’s because we invited Samsung.”
Judge Gravell teased that in the days ahead, the county may have some important announcements between the two nations and the Texas State University Round Rock campus.
Mr. Lee said he saw a “great opportunity” for students and professors exchanges in the semiconductor industry and life science.
“The two cities will communicate and work more closely and specify ways to cooperate,” Mr. Lee said. “In the future, we hope that exchanges and cooperation will be made to help each other, and special cities here will actively play the role.”
Jeffrey Go, the executive vice president of public affairs for Samsung and the Taylor Project, said that the agreement is not only symbolic, but fosters collaboration, given the shared Samsung connection.
“Today marks a significant milestone in the relationship between Williams County and Yougin Special City,” he said. “It symbolizes the connecting cultures, values and shared business. Now, as we welcome Mayor Lee and the Union, we take another impressive step in strengthening this bond.”
After the ceremony, Williamson County presented the visiting guests a Cowboy statue made by a Wilco artist. In return, Mr. Lee gave the county a wooden vase as a gift.
The reception at the Wilco Expo Center consisted of food, chatter and rodeo pride. Mayor Lee was also given a pair of Tecovas boots, and learned how to lasso.
“I could feel the hospitality from here, and I could feel that Texas people here are also lovely and friendly,” Mr. Lee said. “It’s a very humbling experience. Just the everyday people’s experience here. I felt warm on this side of Texas.”
Story and Photos by Nalani Nuylan.