On July 10–11, 2025, South Korea-based global business leaders, company CEOs, diplomats, influencers, and government officials met in Andong for the GBA Andong business and culture tour 2026. The business matching day, held at the city’s International Convention Center, was jointly organized by the Global Business Alliance (GBA) and the City of Andong, North Gyeongsang Province.
An official press release indicated that a total of 55 Korean and global representatives from 50 GBA member companies participated in the event, engaging in an efficiently organized 1:1 business matching session with 52 sellers from Gyeongbuk and Andong, which facilitated the discovery of new business partners and opportunities. In addition, six GBA member companies and local businesses signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs), which aimed to create new opportunities for international business cooperation.
The Global Business Alliance is a unique non-governmental association founded in 2019 that brings together Koreans and foreigners from over 65 countries, representing a wide range of business sectors. It serves as a dynamic platform for members to share innovative ideas, collaborate across borders, and work toward the mutual growth of businesses and their respective national economies.
Andong is home to several cultural properties of Korea that have been officially recognized under distinct UNESCO World Heritage designations, namely the Andong Hahoe Folk Village, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies, and the Sansa Buddhist Mountain Monasteries, as well as other significant national historical landmarks.
During a cultural tour at the Hahoe Folk Village, Mr. Oh Sinan, Chairman of the Global Business Alliance, reminded participants that the 600-year-old village is a precious treasure that shaped today’s Korean history and identity.
“Today, we are standing in one of Korea’s most precious cultural treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more than 600 years, this village has preserved its traditional way of life, making it a remarkable symbol of Korea’s history and identity. Hahoe Village reminds us of an important truth: a nation’s true strength is not measured only by its economy or technology, but also by its ability to preserve its culture, traditions, and values.”
He further highlighted that Korea has become one of the world’s leading economies while protecting its rich cultural heritage. Hahoe Village is a perfect example of how tradition and innovation can grow together.
“At GBA, we believe that business is about much more than buying and selling. Our mission is to build bridges between countries, cultures, and people. Successful business begins with trust, and trust begins with understanding one another. That is why this trip is much more than a cultural visit. It is an opportunity to strengthen our friendships, expand our global network, and create new business partnerships that will benefit all of us. In the coming years, GBA will continue to connect Korea with the world by promoting cooperation in trade, investment, food industries, technology, medical tourism, and many other sectors,” he said.
The chairman sincerely hopes that the memories created in Andong during the two-day events will become the foundation of lasting friendships and successful international partnerships.
The historical city of Andong, widely known as the “spiritual capital” of Korea, has long been considered the heart of Korean Confucianism, traditional culture, and spiritual heritage. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, notably the Nakdong River, the city still represents the Confucian ideal of living in harmony with nature.
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Photos by Bereket Alemayehu.