Yu-na Named Tourism Ambassador

South Korea's top figure skater Kim Yu-na was appointed a tourism promotion ambassador Wednesday as part of the government's three-year program aimed at attracting more foreign visitors, according to Yonhap News Agency.

The 19-year-old was appointed in a ceremony held at the presidential office of Cheong Wa Dae by first lady Kim Yoon-ok, who is serving as an honorary chairman for Visit Korea Year 2010-12.

"First lady Kim said the best way for Kim Yu-na to boost promotion of Visit Korea Year was to do well at the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games that will be held next February," Cheong Wa Dae was quoted as saying in a press release.

The South Korean skater became a global sensation after grabbing her first world championship gold last month and is one of the strongest candidates to win gold in the women's singles in the upcoming 2010 Winter Games.