Why Lee chose Andong to host Japan PM

The decision to hold Tuesday's Korea-Japan summit outside of Seoul and instead in the southeastern city of Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, was no logistical coincidence. From the venue and cultural program to the menu and gifts exchanged, nearly every element of the summit was designed to showcase Korea’s traditional heritage and frame the meeting through culture as much as diplomacy. Andong, President Lee Jae Myung’s hometown, is widely regarded as one of Korea’s most traditional cities. Home to the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Hahoe Folk Village, Confucian academies and centuries-old clan houses, it has long been considered a custodian of Korea's cultural spirit. That symbolism was central to this week’s summit with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The visit also carried personal significance. It came as a return visit after Lee traveled to Nara Prefecture — Takaichi’s hometown and political base — in January. The presidential office described the exchange as the first realization of “mutual hometown visits” between the two leaders, adding a personal dime

Original source: Korea Times