AUSTIN, Texas — The economic partnership between Williamson County and the Republic of South Korea continues to strengthen.
Last week, a delegation of elected officials and economic development professionals from Williamson County traveled to South Korea to discuss business opportunities in the county with Korean-based companies, as well as meet with officials with the U.S. Embassy in Seoul.
The delegation met with 27 companies, and gave presentations to 60 different companies that have expressed interest in doing business in Texas. The group also attended Semicon Korea, a conference for the semiconductor industry that focuses on the latest semiconductor advancements.
While there, Williamson County Precinct 4 Commissioner Russ Boles was invited to Yongin City, Williamson County’s “Sister City,” where he was presented with a Williamson County Boulevard sign. The city, located in the northeastern quadrant of the country, named a street “Williamson County Boulevard,” a seeming sign of gratitude after Williamson County named a portion of CR 404 near the Samsung Plant in Taylor “Yongin CIty Boulevard” in November 2024.
Sang Il Lee, the mayor of Yongin City, presented Taylor Mayor Dwayne Ariola and Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell with identification and plaques as honorary citizens of Yongin City. Gravell did not participate in the trip to Korea, but county officials said he received his I.D. and plaque when the delegation returned to the U.S.
“Williamson County is the most desired location in Texas for Korean-based companies to locate,” said Boles. “These economic development trips are essential to raising Williamson County’s profile on an international level. Having advanced manufacturing and related industries in our borders is critical to our national security.”
“Nothing to me is greater than being an American; however, the second greatest gift is to be an honorary citizen of South Korea,” said Judge Gravell. “I love the Korean people. I love their work ethic and their respect for America. I am very honored to be an honorary Yongin City citizen.”
“Our investment in our office in Seoul is paying multiple dividends. Not only the sister city relationship, but we also were able to recruit opportunities with other industries outside of semiconductors,” said Dave Porter, executive director of the WilCo EDP.
The trip was organized by the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership, with representatives from Williamson County, the city of Taylor, the city of Georgetown and the Round Rock Chamber also present.