California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed Korean actor Lee Byung-hun honorary tourism ambassador to South Korea.
According to The Korea Times, Lee received a certificate of appointment directly from Schwarzenegger at the JW Marriott Hotel in Seoul. Schwarzenegger was visiting Seoul to boost collaboration on trade and technology with the Korean government and various companies.
As tourism ambassador, Lee will participate in various campaigns to help promote California as preferred travel destination for Korean tourists.
“California looks forward to welcoming more Korean tourists eager to experience the California life style,” said Caroline Beteta, chief executive officer of the California Travel and Tourism Commission. “Recently, Lee embraced his inner California, inspiring his fellow South Koreans to do the same.”
The Korea Times says that Lee is one of Korea’s most popular film stars. Making his debut in 1991, the 40-year-old has since starred in many films, including his first Hollywood role in the movie “GI Joe.”
The number of Korean travelers to California has increased since 2008, when Korean nationals began benefiting from the U.S. visa waiver program.
