PM calls for efforts to ensure Korean biz people's smooth US entry in meeting with Oregon gov.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, right, poses with Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek during their meeting in Seoul, Monday. Yonhap

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Monday called for efforts to ensure that Korean businesspeople investing in the United States can enter the country without hassle in a meeting with a visiting U.S. governor, his office said.

Kim made the call during his meeting with Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, asking her state to consider establishing a "Korean Desk" to handle matters related to Korean businesses.

"The prime minister said in order to deepen economic cooperation between our two countries, it is vital to ensure smooth entry and operations for businesspeople," his office said in a release.

Kim's remarks came after more than 300 Korean workers were arrested and detained for a week following a U.S. immigration raid in Georgia in early September.

The incident sent shock waves across Korea, as the arrests and detention took place under harsh conditions without clear grounds, prompting Seoul to address the issue to Washington to improve the U.S. visa system for Korean businesses.

"He called on the governor to show interest and take measures, within her capacity, and at the state level, possibly including the establishment of a Korean Desk dedicated to matters related to Korea," it said.

Kotek called Korea one of Oregon's largest agricultural export markets, saying the state values its relationship with Korea and that she hopes to further diversify cooperation in sectors like semiconductors and green energy.

She noted that people-to-people and cultural exchanges, such as tourism, are important in expanding cooperation, and requested Seoul's support in reopening direct flights between Korea and Oregon, according to Kim's office.