AUSTIN (KXAN) — A South Korean city now has a little bit of Texas sprinkled on its street after it named one of its streets after Williamson County.
Last week, elected officials and economic development professionals traveled to South Korea to discuss business opportunities in Williamson County, according to a news release from the county.
While in South Korea, Williamson County Pct. 4 Commissioner Russ Boles was presented with a Williamson County Boulevard sign, which is located in Yongin City, the “Sister City” of Williamson County, the release said. This comes after Williamson County named a portion of County Road 404 “Yongin City Boulevard.”
-
Yongin City named a road Williamson County Boulevard to honor their Sister City relationship with Williamson County. (Left to right) Yongin City Mayor Sang Il Lee, Commissioners Russ Boles, Taylor Mayor Dwayne Ariola
-
Representatives from Williamson County had meetings with more than 27 companies from a variety of industries including semiconductor manufacturing, banks and other advanced manufacturing. (Photo: Williamson County) (Left to right): Danielle Morrissey, Cameron Goodman, Ben White, Dave Porter, EC Chi, Mayor Dwayne Ariola, Commissioners Russ Boles and leaders in the South Korean banking industry.
“Nothing to me is greater than being an American; however, the second greatest gift is to be an honorary citizen of South Korea,” said Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell in the release. “I love the Korean people. I love their work ethic and their respect for America. I am very honored to be an honorary Yongin City citizen.”
Williamson County and Yongin City entered that Sister City agreement in September 2024 after the commissioners court approved it in July 2024. The county designated Jan. 9, 2025, as “Yongin City Day.”
“Yongin City Mayor Sang Il Lee presented Taylor Mayor Dwayne Ariola and Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell with identification and plaques as honorary citizens of Yongin City,” the release said.
While Gravell was not in South Korea, the county said he received his identification and plaque when the group returned to Williamson County.
“Our investment in our office in Seoul is paying multiple dividends. Not only the sister city relationship, but we also were able to recruit opportunities with other industries outside of semiconductors,” said Dave Porter, executive director of the WilCo EDP, in the release.
During the South Korea visit, the group from the county “gave a presentation to more than 60 different companies interested in doing business in Texas.”
Abigail Jones contributed to this report
Credit: Source link
