SOOTHED RELATIONS BETWEEN S. KOREA-CHINA

[Anchor Lead]

Some five thousand Chinese tourists have arrived in Korea at once, the most since the diplomatic conflict between Korea and China in 2017 over the deployment of a U.S. missile defense system. This has led many to presume that China's ban on Korean culture may soon be lifted.

[Pkg]

A conference hall is packed with five thousand Chinese visitors. This business meeting, taking place in Korea, was organized by a Chinese company that specializes in healthy food products. The company hopes to establish a presence in the Korean market.

[Soundbite] (CHAIRMAN OF YIYONGTANG GROUP) : "We consider the Korean market to be an important and attractive one."

When lunchtime begins, five thousand hamburgers and fried chicken orders are delivered to the meeting venue. At the same time, the kitchen staff are busy cooking dinner for five thousand guests.

[Soundbite] (CHEF) : "Make sure to use a lot of sauce."

The menu consists of 22 dishes including beef, chicken and seafood. The ingredients' combined weight exceeds five tons. Once the day's agenda is complete, the employees embark on a shopping spree in the downtown area. They visit regular local stores instead of duty-free shops.

[Soundbite] (YIYONGTANG GROUP EMPLOYEE) : "I want to enjoy my stay in Korea and try delicious Korean food."

The Incheon City government has put up a banner with the Chinese company's name. Placed in a prime location in front of the shopping town, the effort is in a bid to attract more corporate tourists.

[Soundbite] PARK NAM-CHUN(INCHEON MAYOR) : "The amount to be spent by the Yiyongtang Group employees during their six-day stay is estimated at 21 billion won."

Korea's tourism sector expects China to lift its ban on Korean cultural and tourism products after Chinese President Xi Jinping visits the country early this year.