Cho Hong-lai, vice-president of the Korea-China Business Association Northwest Regional Branch, talked of the natural affinity between the two cities.

"Xi'an and Gyeongju are both proud of their cultural history. They are interested in and curious about other people who share similar qualities, and they foster friendships easily. Because of this, people from Gyeongju and broader North Gyeongsang Province are interested in Xi'an, and many of its residents will come to Xi'an to study or do business," Cho said.

"Gyeongju's cultural tourism industry is well-developed, and Xi'an has many cultural tourism industries and historical sites. Connecting these two points to create a cultural tourism project would be a promising avenue."