Maryland Seeks To Strengthen Business Ties With South Korea

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland officials have taken another step to help strengthen business ties with South Korea.

Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford signed a memorandum of understanding Wednesday with Gov. Nam Kyung-pil, of the Gyeonggi Province of South Korea.

They are agreeing to work to maximize business opportunities and boost economic opportunities in both places.

The South Korean province is the country's most populated. It surrounds Seoul and accounts for about one-third of South Korea's companies, workforce and manufacturing. It's home to firms like Samsung, Hyandai and Kia.

Gov. Larry Hogan went on a trade trip to Asia in May to help boost economic ties. The 12-day trip included stops in Korea, China and Japan.

Hogan's wife, Yumi, was born in South Korea and is the first Korean-born first lady in the United States.

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