Community leaders in Williamson County warmly welcomed a distinguished visitor from Yongin City, South Korea, as officials from both regions came together to celebrate a new sister city partnership. This pivotal event took place at the Taylor Expo Center in Central Texas, where Williamson County Judge, Bill Gravell, expressed the county’s hospitality to Yongin City's Mayor, Sang Il Lee. "Today is your day in Williamson County, Texas," Gravell announced, as reported by FOX 7 Austin.
Pivotal to this partnership between the two cities is the semiconductor industry, where both host major Samsung manufacturing sites. South Korea is now ramping up to possibly turn Yongin into a significant hub for semiconductor chips. "What they're building in Yongin City in the semiconductor industry is unprecedented in the world," Gravell was quoted saying, highlighting the city's ambitious $460 billion expansion in the field, according to the interview with FOX 7 Austin. In contrast, the Samsung facility in Taylor represents a significant $17 billion investment.
This agreement is not solely a business transaction; it paves the way to foster cultural and educational exchanges. "We're no longer just business partners," Taylor's Mayor Dwayne Ariola was quoted by Yahoo News. "We're family. We're going to help you grow and learn about American culture and you'll help us grow and learn about semiconductors, learn about life sciences, whatever the industries are." Prospects include collaborations involving students and teachers with Texas State University in Round Rock.
In a heartfelt exchange, both cities presented gifts to solidify the newly formed ties. While Gravell bestowed a cowboy statue upon Mayor Lee, the Korean mayor reciprocated with a wood vase from South Korea and a plaque for the city of Taylor. Embracing local traditions, Lee received a Texas-sized welcome, including his first pair of cowboy boots, an experience he admitted to only having previously encountered through the movies. "It's humbling," Lee told Yahoo News, reflecting on the hospitality extended his way.
On a symbolic note, Williamson County commissioners recently signed a proclamation to officially make January 9 "Yongin City Day" in Williamson County. The celebration was capped off with Mayor Lee learning to rope and enjoying dinner at the Kalahari Resorts, as detailed by FOX 7 Austin.
