When asked about Weihai's impression, Lee Ilnam, a representative from Incheon's economic and trade office in Weihai, was full of praise.

Lee Ilnam, a representative from Incheon's economic and trade office in Weihai [Photo/hiweihai]

"Weihai is clean and tidy. The water is clear, the four seasons are distinct, the transportation is convenient, and the people are lively and friendly... I think it is one of the most environmentally friendly cities in China. It has been awarded as one of the most livable cities by the United Nations, which I fully recognize," said Lee, during a recent interview. Lee has been working in Weihai for one year.

"Although I am in a foreign country, I have not felt any inconvenience since I came to Weihai. The city has many Korean restaurants, and life is very comfortable. I also especially like the cuisine and environment in Weihai."

Lee added that his favorite food in Weihai is seafood. During the May Day holiday, his Korean friends came to Weihai, and they went to the seafood market and all agreed that Weihai's seafood is rich in variety, delicious and cheap.

"We also went to Xixiakou, Naxianghai and other scenic spots, and the scenery in those places is very beautiful."

Lee was also impressed by the urban management efficiency in Weihai, and enthusiastically expressed that last winter, Weihai had a lot of heavy snow, but it was cleaned up so quickly, which was amazing!"

Lee suggested that Weihai should promote the internationalization of the city to drive its rapid development. "Surrounded by the sea on three sides and with a superior natural environment, Weihai is well positioned to attract more tourists from all over the world, attract international organizations to settle in, and become a venue for international conferences."

In recent years, a large number of South Korean enterprises have opened operations in Weihai. Lee noted a couple reasons why by saying that Weihai and South Korea boast a unique geographical proximity and cultural affinity.

"Weihai is the closest city to South Korea from the sea. It is only 90 nautical miles away from the Port of Incheon, which facilitates the exchanges between the two sides and saves a lot of costs for the transportation of goods. "

Lee also said that the Weihai government has continuously optimized the business environment, provided good policies and a lot of support to Korean enterprises after they invested in Weihai.

He suggested that Weihai could cooperate with South Korea to develop cross-border e-commerce. "The China-South Korea free trade agreement designated Weihai and the Incheon Free Economic Zone as demonstration areas for local economic cooperation, bringing new opportunities for mutual economic cooperation."

In addition to economic and trade cooperation, Lee suggested that Incheon and Weihai can also expand cultural and sports exchanges in the future.

"The COVID-19 pandemic cannot stop the determination of the Chinese and South Korean people to exchange and cooperate. Many Incheon municipal government staff as well as many experts and citizens of Incheon have told me that they would like to visit Weihai once the epidemic is over."