Illinois treasurer makes trips to South Korea

Illinois’ state treasurer is on an economic development trip to South Korea.

Treasurer Dan Rutherford’s (ROOTH’-er-furdz) office said Monday the six-day trip isn’t funded with taxpayer money.

Rutherford has meetings with several government and business leaders. He’ll also work to help expand a South Korean energy-solutions company to central Illinois.

Rutherford’s office says he hopes to encourage Korean leaders to buy more Illinois imports. Illinois exports more than $800 million a year to South Korea.

Rutherford will also visit with Illinois troops stationed in South Korea and visit the Korean Demilitarized Zone.

Rutherford’s schedule also includes meeting alumni from various Illinois universities in Seoul and meetings about Smart Grid technology with the Korean Smart Grid Institute.