Pohang City Participates in Fukuyama Rose Festival, Strengthening International Ties Through Roses

Delegation Dispatched to Fukuyama Rose Festival and Participation in World Rose Convention
Visit to City Hall... Discussion of Cooperation with Deputy Mayor Nakashima Tomoharu

Pohang City dispatched a congratulatory delegation to the 58th Fukuyama Rose Festival held in its Japanese sister city, Fukuyama, further strengthening the friendly cooperation between the two cities.

The delegation, led by Shin Kangsu, Head of the Green City Project Division, was composed of 13 members, including Pohang City officials, a private performance troupe, and members of the Pohang Rose Lovers Association. They participated in the opening ceremony, street parade, and various cultural events held over two days on the 17th and 18th.

Pohang City congratulatory delegation participating in the Fukuyama Rose Festival parade in Japan on the 18th. Provided by Pohang City

Pohang City set up a promotional booth at the event, introducing the city's major tourist attractions and local specialties. The city also engaged with citizens through the "Pohang Quiz Event," creating a lively and energetic atmosphere at the venue.

The Taekkyeon and traditional drum performances by members of the Pohang City Intangible Cultural Heritage Association enriched the rose festival even further. The unique traditional martial arts and the vibrant sound of drums blended with the scent of roses, drawing enthusiastic cheers from local citizens.

Son Haeneul, a performer, said, "I am proud to introduce Korea's traditional culture and the charm of Pohang to the citizens of our sister city," adding, "I hope to continue promoting Pohang's cultural content around the world."

This year, in particular, the World Rose Convention (ROSE EXPO) was held concurrently in Fukuyama, making it a meaningful occasion to expand the global network.

The World Rose Convention is an international event held every three years, with rose associations from about 40 countries participating. Korea officially joined in 2018.

Through this participation, Pohang City and the Pohang Rose Lovers Association further enhanced the brand value of "the city of ten million roses" and expanded their global network.

Since establishing a sister city relationship with Fukuyama in 1979, Pohang City has actively continued exchanges by dispatching public officials, organizing youth sports exchanges, and facilitating private organization exchanges. It has become a model case of Korea-Japan sister city relations.

Shin Kangsu, Head of the Green City Project Division, said, "Based on the long-standing friendship and trust built with Fukuyama City, we will continue to actively promote various private and cultural exchanges. We will also enhance global competitiveness with rose-themed content that embodies Pohang's urban identity."

Before the rose festival, the Pohang City festival delegation visited Fukuyama City Hall on the 16th, met with Deputy Mayor Nakashima Tomoharu, reaffirmed the deep friendship between the two cities, and agreed to continue steady exchanges in culture, tourism, and the private sector.