A Korean enjoying life in ancient Xi'an
Lee Hae-young (이해영), vice-president of the China-ROK business association of the three provinces in Northwest China, has lived in Xi'an for eight years and has become part of the city.
Born in Seoul, South Korea, Lee majored in computer engineering at Sogang University. After graduation, he worked as a computer engineer for renowned companies, such as Hewlett-Packard (HP), Dell, and Hyundai. Business trips took him all over China, including Lanzhou, Shanghai, and Suzhou. During this time, he not only achieved professional success but also met a Chinese woman and found love.
Lee delivers a speech. [Photo/Xi'an news network]
Reflecting on his meeting with his wife, Lee considers himself very fortunate. His wife, who was born in Northeast China, studied abroad in South Korea in 2010, where they met by chance in 2014. "There are many similarities between Chinese and South Korean cultures. I am deeply fond of Chinese culture and have a good understanding of Chinese customs and traditions, so we hit it off immediately when we met," Lee said.
In 2018, Lee resigned from his job in South Korea and settled in Xi'an with his wife. Now, the family of three lives in Xixian New Area, and their seven-year-old son is in elementary school. "He gets along well with his Chinese classmates and speaks Chinese better than I do," Lee added.
Established in 2019, the China-ROK business association serves as a platform for cooperation across Shaanxi, Gansu, and Qinghai provinces. Supported by local governments, it is dedicated to promoting exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and South Korean enterprises.
Lee noted that South Korean businesses in Xi'an now span a wide range of sectors, including electronics, construction, furniture, cosmetics, paper, and agricultural products. When these enterprises need assistance with visa processing, talent recruitment, investment promotion, tax policies, or legal consultation, the association coordinates with local government agencies and related organizations to ensure their smooth operation.
The association regularly holds China-ROK business meetings, connecting Xi'an-based enterprises with Korean companies to foster mutual exchange and cooperation. It also introduces Xi'an's local specialties to the South Korean market, expanding overseas sales.
Lee is also the principal of a Korean language school in Xi'an. The school provides a place for children from South Korean families to learn about their own culture, and serves as a window for Xi'an residents to better understand South Korean culture. Over the years, the school has collaborated with universities such as Xi'an International Studies University, Xi'an International University, and Xi'an Conservatory of Music. Some students studied Korean in Xi'an and then pursued higher education in South Korea. After they graduate and return to Xi'an, Lee and the school's faculty recommend outstanding graduates to South Korean enterprises, Korean language schools, or the association for employment.
"We aim to promote talent exchanges between China and South Korea and cultivate international talent. Here, language is a tool and culture is the bridge," Lee said.
Lee's parents have also visited Xi'an multiple times and praised the city's convenient lifestyle and its friendly atmosphere. "There are many Xi'an-style delicacies in South Korea, and Xi'an also offers South Korean cuisine. Over the years, I have come to regard Xi'an as my home and have formed deep friendships with the Chinese people."
Lee shows Chinese calligraphy work. [Photo/Xi'an news network]
In Lee's view, the cultures of China and South Korea are similar, with frequent and friendly exchanges. Over the years, a number of South Korean enterprises have steadily developed in Xi'an, and many South Koreans have settled in this ancient city, contributing to economic development and talent exchange in various ways.
The association will organize a series of activities in 2026, including business negotiations, China-South Korea art exhibitions, and tourism promotion events, to help advance mutual development between the two countries.
