Sokcho and Hakodate Take First Step Toward Exchange
Cruise Visit Sparks Cooperation in Tourism and Port Sectors
Both Cities Explore Practical Collaboration and Shared Growth
On September 10, Sokcho City in Gangwon Province announced that it had taken its first step toward exchange and cooperation by paying a courtesy visit to Jun Ooizumi, Vice Mayor of Hakodate City, in the mayor's office at Hakodate City Hall, Japan.
Baesangyo, Vice Mayor of Sokcho City (right), is visiting Jun Ooizumi, Mayor of Hakodate City, in the mayor's office on the 10th. Provided by Sokcho City
This visit marked the final schedule in Japan for the cruise inspection team that departed from Sokcho Port on the 6th. The delegation included the Vice Mayor of Sokcho City, the Director of Tourism, inspection team members, and members of the press.
From Hakodate City, the Mayor, the Director of International and Regional Exchange, the Director of Tourism Promotion, and the Director of Port and Airport Promotion were present to extend their welcome.
The event proceeded with a welcoming address from the Mayor of Hakodate, a return greeting from the Vice Mayor of Sokcho, and a session where both cities watched videos introducing their respective cities to share their unique charms and strengths.
Sokcho City attracted local interest by presenting a video highlighting its beauty throughout all four seasons.
During the subsequent discussion, the two cities explored ways to cooperate in tourism and port sectors, as well as shared benchmarking cases.
The meeting concluded in a warm atmosphere with an exchange of commemorative gifts.
Sokcho City emphasized that this visit was highly symbolic, as it represented more than just a formal meeting; it marked a direct connection between the two cities through the cruise that departed from Sokcho.
Vice Mayor Baesangyo and the inspection team of Sokcho City took a commemorative photo after visiting Vice Mayor Jun Ooizumi in the Mayor's Office at Hakodate City Hall, Japan, on the 10th. Provided by Sokcho City
In particular, Hakodate City is a city where ports and tourism are major industries, sharing many similarities with Sokcho, which suggests strong potential for practical cooperation in the future.
Sokcho City expects that this meeting will open the door to collaboration in various fields, including expanded tourism exchange, economic cooperation utilizing the ports, and citizen exchange programs.
An official from Sokcho City stated, "This visit to Hakodate is especially meaningful as it involved crossing the sea via cruise to establish a direct platform for exchange. We hope that both cities will continue to expand practical cooperation, focusing on tourism and port development."
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