Korea’s Culture Ministry and the Korea Tourism Organization have appointed Zhang Jingchu, an award-winning actress, as a goodwill ambassador for promoting Korea’s cultural tourism.

The proportion of Chinese visitors to Korea has risen sharply in recent years. Zhang is widely known for her talent in acting out elegant characters, as well as for her bamboo-slender physique. 

Having studied the language at Beijing New Oriental Institute, Zhang is also fluent in English.

Zhang attended the appointment event held at a hotel in Seoul on Wednesday for the position, which will be for two years.

The Korean agencies said Zhang will participate in various tourism-related events. A number of promotional events are being prepared to mark the 20th anniversary of Korea-China relations in 2012.

Zhang, born in 1980, starred in some minor roles before graduating from the Central Academy of Drama in Beijing. It was “Peacock” that catapulted her to the spotlight both in China and elsewhere as the film won the Silver Bear at the 2005 Berlin International Film Festival .

Also in 2005, Zhang played a role in the box-office hit “Seven Swords,” which opened the Venice Film Festival. She went on to star in a host of well-received movies including “Aftershock,” “Rush Hour 3” and “Night and Fog.” Thanks to her international fame, Zhang is now often compared to popular Chinese-Hollywood actress Zhang Ziyi.

(insight@heraldcorp.com)