By Diplomacy Journal Lee Jon-young

Gyeongbuk (North Gyeongsang Province) Governor Lee Cheol-woo met with Caroline Kennedy, the honorary president of the JFK Foundation (currently the U.S. ambassador to Australia), who visited Hahoe Village on March 28.

The governor had a luncheon at Hakrokjeongsa with Kennedy and her husband, the eldest grandson of the head family of Hahoe Village, and chairman of Andong Medical Foundation.

"Hahoe Village was visited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999, and I have always wanted to visit it," said Kennedy, who showed a lot of interest in traditional culture such as Korean food and hanbok. She also thanked the residents for their hospitality.

Kennedy's visit to Hahoe Village was at the invitation of Ryu Jin, CEO of Poongsan Group, with whom she has always had a close relationship. Ms. Kennedy is the eldest daughter of former US President John F. Kennedy and was nominated to be the US Ambassador to Australia in 2021.

On March 27, she delivered the trophy to President Yoon Suk-yeol at the Yongsan Presidential Office as the 'Courageous People Award' and visㅁted Hahoe Village the next day.

Gyeongbuk Governor Lee said, "It was a great opportunity to promote the traditional culture of Gyeongbuk," adding, "We will continue to build valuable relationships with prominent foreign dignitaries who visit our region as part of local diplomacy."