An art and tourism delegation from Cheongju, the Republic of Korea (ROK), arrived in Weihai, East China's Shandong province, on July 24, marking the opening of a China–ROK photography exhibition. The event brought together 32 guests from Cheongju's art and tourism associations with their Weihai counterparts to deepen cultural exchanges.

Miao Jia, chairman of the Weihai Federation of Literary and Art Circles, said the exhibition showcases the distinct natural beauty and cultural heritage of the two cities, building a solid bridge for collaboration. 

Moon Gil-gon, president of the Cheongju branch of the Korea Federation of Arts and Culture Associations, recalled last year's exhibition in Cheongju featuring 12 Weihai photographers and noted that the growing participation reflects ever-closer ties between the two sides.

Representatives from Weihai and Cheongju show the cooperation agreements at the signing session of the photography exhibition's opening ceremony in Weihai, Shandong province. [Photo/Dazhong News]

Seven pairs of institutions from Weihai and Cheongju signed cooperation agreements, covering tourism, music, dance, literature, fine arts, drama, and television arts. The agreements establish long-term mechanisms for joint exhibitions, artist exchanges, and collaborative creation.

At the exhibition hall, photographs captured the contrasting charms of both cities: Weihai's coastline and traditional fishing villages alongside Cheongju's ancient city walls and folk performances. Cultural exchange has the power to bring people closer, and this event marks a new beginning for deeper, more frequent interactions between the two regions.

The event runs through July 27. The South Korean delegation will visit several districts in Weihai for sightseeing and creative activities, documenting the city's landscapes and culture.

Artists browse some of the works during the exhibition. [Photo/Dazhong News]