Bhubaneswar: South Korea has evinced keen interest to invest in the hospitality sector, manufacturing equipment for hydro power plants and construction activities in the State.

This was discussed between South Korean ambassador Han Chang Aung and Tourism and Excise Minister Debi Prasad Mishra at the Secretariat here on Tuesday. Korean food will also be promoted in the State as it has gained popularity in different food festivals.

The Ambassador said soon teams from the South Korean Government and public sector undertakings (PSUs) will meet to discuss the proposals. In the first phase a hotel will be set up in the Capital city followed by those in Paradip and Konark in the second phase.

Cultural exchange between South Korea and Orissa was also discussed. Aung was of the opinion that a cultural troupe from Orissa should attend the spring festival in South Korea.

Assuring full cooperation from the State Government, the Minister said the team from South Korea would have detailed talks with various departments to finalise their projects. The number of tourists from South Korea to Orissa has also increased over the years. While the number of tourists visiting the State was 545 in 2004, it rose to over 6,000 last year.