Becoming Chinese – Yichang’s Korean daughter‑in‑law highlights Chinese New Year traditions

By Yang Sichen

Jin Yeongeun, a South Korean social media influencer with over one million followers, married a Chinese man and settled in Yichang after studying in China. In 2021, she was appointed a Yichang City Tourism Ambassador, and today she is widely known as Yichang’s Korean daughter‑in‑law.

Just before the Spring Festival, she welcomed her younger brother, Jin Dowon, from South Korea. Together, they shopped for New Year goods, enjoyed local cuisine, visited Yeongeun’s in‑laws in Zhijiang for a family reunion, and toured the snowy landscapes of Zhangjiajie. The cross‑cultural Spring Festival journey allowed them to experience the festive atmosphere and cultural charm of the Chinese New Year.

“This trip was to show my younger brother around and to explore travel routes,” Yeongeun said. “I plan to launch a Korea-Zhangjiajie-Yichang-Chongqing itinerary this year, so more Korean friends can come and experience China’s nature and culture.”

Yichang receives about 70,000 foreign visitors each year, with South Korea consistently ranking among the city’s top three sources of overseas tourists.