From left: Korea Tourism Association Chairman Lee Kyung-su, Wooyang Industrial Development Hilton Gyeongju Vice President Kim Nam-chul, and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young. [Hilton Gyeongju]
From left: Korea Tourism Association Chairman Lee Kyung-su, Wooyang Industrial Development Hilton Gyeongju Vice President Kim Nam-chul, and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young. [Hilton Gyeongju]

Kim Nam-chul, vice president of Wooyang Industrial Development's Hilton Gyeongju, received the Silver Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit at the 53rd Tourism Day ceremony Wednesday in recognition of his contributions to the development of South Korea's tourism industry.

Kim entered the hotel industry in 1975 and has spent 51 years working in major domestic hotels and the broader tourism sector.

Over the course of his career, he contributed to national diplomacy by overseeing accommodation and protocol for numerous international events — beginning with the 1993 Korea-Japan summit, followed by the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, 14 rounds of inter-Korean separated-family reunions between 2002 and 2010, and the 2005 Korea-US summit.

Last year, he played a central role in the Gyeongju APEC summit, coordinating official events including a leaders' dinner hosted by the president, a high-level dialogue on cultural industries, a joint ministerial dinner for diplomacy and trade, and a luncheon for the first lady.

The hotel also served as headquarters for the US delegation, including President Donald Trump, providing top-tier accommodation and food and beverage services. The White House sent a letter of appreciation, underscoring the hotel's standing in private diplomacy on the international stage.

Kim currently serves as an adjunct professor at Dongguk University's WISE Campus, where he also mentors the next generation of hospitality professionals.

"This meaningful award came to me thanks to colleagues who have worked alongside me in the field for many years, and to the support of the local community," Kim said. "I will continue to do my best to advance the tourism industry and invigorate tourism in the region."


kbj7653@heraldcorp.com