Williamson County & Yongin City: A Match Made in Samsung Heaven

In a world where global friendships are as rare as a Nancy Pelosi compliment, Williamson County and Yongin City in South Korea have decided to buck the trend and become BFFs, officials announced.

"The agreement, inked by the Commissioners Court on July 2, promises a beautiful relationship of cooperation and prosperity between the two communities," gushed a Williamson County news release.

County Judge Bill Gravell even jetted off to South Korea to sign the sister city agreement on September 28. He beamed, "This partnership opens up many avenues for exchanging ideas... Imagine our students swapping backpacks with Yongin’s finest and sipping on some real kimchi. We can learn much from each other" – like how to properly use metal chopsticks, perhaps.

For those not in the know, "Special" cities in South Korea are basically the big daddies with a population of at least a million. Yongin just got named the Next Generation Semiconductor hub, with a whopping $460 billion in investments from the government, Samsung Electronics, and SK Hynix. Cha-ching!

Yongin’s Mayor Lee Sang-il will even grace Williamson County with his presence in January. It’s like the royal visit we’ve all been waiting for, minus the corgis.

Ever since Samsung decided to bring its newest semiconductor manufacturing plant to Taylor, Williamson County has become the hot new Korean hangout spot, boasting over seven Korean businesses. Gravell and the Williamson County Economic Development Partnership crew schmoozed with 36 companies and agencies in South Korea, including the U.S. Embassy in Seoul. The result? Thirteen solid leads on companies eyeing Williamson County.

Dave Porter, the EDP’s executive director, couldn't contain his excitement: "We’ve got an office in Seoul now, helping Korean businesses find their way to Williamson. This means more good-paying jobs for the county. Win-win!"

So there you have it, folks. Williamson County is on its way to becoming the Texas of the East, with a side of kimchi and a lot of high-tech friends.