By Lee Hyo-won
Ha Hyunjung, 2010 Miss Korea second runner-up, became the first Korean to be crowned the main title at an international beauty pageant, Saturday in China.
The 23-year-old topped 75 other beauties at the 2010 Miss Tourism Queen International
competition held in Qingzhou.
"I feel great pride as Miss Korea to win the top title at an international event and will take
on the role with great humility. I plan to participate actively in hands-on charity work such as
environmental protection and helping needy children,” Ha said.
Miss Tourism Queen International was launched in 1993 for the purpose of revamping the tourism industry and advancing international cultural exchange.
It has been held in China annually for the past seven years.
“Miss Tourism Queen International is more than about promoting tourism but it aims to
encourage cultural relations among different countries. I wish to become an ambassador for
cultural exchange in our global community,” said the beauty queen.
The Seoul native is reported to have drawn the judges’ interest at the Q&A session, during which she responded to questions in fluent English. Ha will return home on Oct. 2 after touring several cities in China.