Professor Yun Chung-won (Department of International Trade, College of Business and Economics) was appointed as an Economic and Trade Advisory Member for Qingdao City at the "2012 Qingdao Forum" held at the Shilla Hotel in Seoul on July 16, 2012.

The forum was attended by approximately 300 people, including Ji Yangjun, Deputy Party Secretary of Qingdao; Ma Weigang, Director of the Qingdao Municipal Commerce Bureau; senior officials from the Chinese Embassy in Korea; the leadership of the China International Trade Society; domestic company representatives; and representatives of Korean companies based in Qingdao. Discussions and the advisory committee appointment ceremony were held to expand economic and trade ties between Korea and Qingdao ahead of the signing of the Korea–China FTA.

Professor Yun stated, "If the Korea–China FTA is concluded, the Chinese government is expected to establish a Korean special zone in Qingdao as a pilot area, which will make a groundbreaking contribution not only to expanding Korean companies' trade with China but also to increasing investment." He added, "As an advisory member, I will actively work to promote expanded investment in Qingdao by companies from Jeonbuk and elsewhere in Korea, increased investment in Korea by Qingdao firms, and to support local business activities."