The Republic of Korea (ROK) has become the biggest tourism source nation for China last year, surpassing Japan for the first time. The bilateral tourism cooperation has huge potential, said Shao Qiwei, director of China National Tourism Administration Friday.  

Shao said China will provide quality service and comfortable experience for Korean tourists, who are already familiar with famous Chinese scenic spots, such as the Great Wall, the Summer Palace, the Silk Road and the Three Gorges.  

He said China is a safe and attractive tourism destination recognized by the whole world. The year 2007 is the China-ROK tourism exchange year. And Beijing will host Olympic Games in 2008, Shanghai will host World Expo in 2010. China welcomes more Korean friends to visit China.  

Last year over four million Koreans visited China, Shao hoped the number will double in the near future. He said the two neighboring nations have similar culture and close exchanges in trade, education.  

China is the second largest source nation for ROK. Last year the number of Chinese citizens to ROK increased 21 percent compared with the previous year. In the first quarter of this year, the growth reached 29 percent.
 
(Xinhua News Agency July 15, 2006)