Ulleung, Guardian of the East Sea, and Yongin, City of the Future,
Embark on a Strong Journey Toward Mutual Growth and Prosperity
Ulleung County (Governor Nam Han-gwon) and Yongin Special City (Mayor Lee Sang-il) held a sister city agreement ceremony between the two local governments at 5 p.m. on September 15 at the Hanmaeum Hall in Ulleung County.
Ulleung County and Yongin Special City signed a sister city agreement between the two local governments on the 15th in Ulleung County. Photo by Ulleung County
More than 20 people, including Yongin Special City Mayor Lee Sang-il and related officials, visited Ulleung County for the signing ceremony. From Ulleung County, Governor Nam Han-gwon, the deputy governor, and all department heads attended to celebrate the new beginning between the two local governments and reaffirm their commitment to expanding exchanges.
Before the ceremony, Yongin Mayor Lee Sang-il visited the Dokdo Coast Guard, who protect the territory of Dokdo, and expressed his gratitude.
The ceremony proceeded in the following order: signing of the sister city agreement, presentation of exchange and cooperation plans, congratulatory remarks from the heads of both organizations, presentation of honorary Dokdo resident certificates, and commemorative photography. At the subsequent welcome dinner, both parties reaffirmed their intention for mutual cooperation while fostering warm friendship.
Governor Nam Han-gwon stated, "It is deeply meaningful for Ulleung County, the island that embodies the pride and territorial integrity of Korea and embraces Dokdo, to form a sister city relationship with Yongin Special City, a city of the future. With this agreement, as we prepare for the construction of Ulleung Airport, we will achieve mutual development in various fields including the metropolitan area, culture, tourism, and the economy, and create opportunities for residents of both local governments to interact and grow together."
Mayor Lee Sang-il remarked, "It is highly symbolic for Ulleung County, a treasure trove of tradition and nature, to join hands with Yongin Special City, a dynamic city of the future. We will do our utmost to ensure that, through continuous and practical cooperation, residents of both regions can share in the achievements of improved quality of life and enhanced regional competitiveness."
This sister city agreement is significant in that it allows Ulleung County and Yongin Special City to leverage their respective strengths and pursue mutually complementary cooperation.
Ulleung County, as a tourism and maritime city with pristine natural environments and the symbolic presence of Dokdo, has strengths in developing its tourism industry by utilizing its clean resources. In contrast, Yongin Special City is a rapidly growing city at the heart of the metropolitan area, based on its infrastructure for tourism, culture, education, and advanced industries.
Going forward, the two local governments plan to develop various joint projects, including youth exchange programs, co-hosting of cultural and artistic events, cooperation in tourism promotion, exchange of agricultural, marine, and specialty products, and mutual participation in local festivals. Through these initiatives, they aim to achieve tangible results that residents can directly experience.
An Ulleung County official stated, "This sister city agreement goes beyond a mere formal arrangement and will serve as a foundation for concrete cooperation for regional development. We will develop it into a model case of collaboration between an island and a major city."
Through this agreement, Ulleung County and Yongin Special City are expected to serve as a bridge connecting island and inland, tradition and future, nature and advanced technology, presenting a model of exemplary exchange for local governments in Korea.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
