A meeting was held in Irkutsk between city leaders and a delegation from the Republic of Korea, where it was decided to open a consulate general and appoint Choi Seok In as consul general. The sides also discussed Mayor Vladimir Yakubovsky's upcoming visit to Korea, signing an agreement on friendship and cooperation, and developing economic and cultural ties. Special attention was given to the possible launch of direct air service between Irkutsk and Seoul, which could make travel easier and support tourism.
A bilateral meeting between the city administration and a delegation from the Republic of Korea was held at the Irkutsk City Hall. Its purpose was to establish mutually beneficial cooperation. At the meeting, the issue of opening a consulate general of the Republic of Korea in our city was resolved. Mr. Choi Seok In has been appointed Consul General.Already in April of this year, Irkutsk Mayor Vladimir Yakubovsky will make a return visit to Korea and sign an agreement on friendship and cooperation there.
Choi Seok In commented on this decision as follows: "The main purpose of opening the consulate general in Irkutsk is to build relations. Not only political, but also economic and cultural ties. Geographically, Irkutsk is very close to the Asian side. This is a good opportunity for political, cultural, and business figures from Korea to visit Irkutsk. And in this regard, our relations will develop much faster".
Consulates general of a country are opened in those cities where a large number of its citizens live. Only in Irkutsk universities, about 100 Korean students are studying. In addition, Irkutsk was chosen for the opening of the consulate because of the active development of the Kovykta field.
In addition, the meeting discussed the possibility of opening air service between Irkutsk and Seoul. At a meeting with representatives of the Republic of Korea, Irkutsk Mayor Vladimir Yakubovsky noted that the "Irkutsk-Seoul" route has bilateral prospects. At present, from the Angara region to the Republic of Korea one can get only with a transfer in Khabarovsk. This causes a great deal of inconvenience, Vladimir Yakubovsky emphasized. In addition, the lack of direct air service affects the flow of foreign tourists to the Angara region, experts say. As a reminder, Korean Air operated charter flights from Seoul to Irkutsk for several years. Later they were discontinued. It is possible that the "Seoul-Irkutsk" charter flight may be resumed as early as July of this year.