Andong City Council Member Kim Saerom: "Building Preemptive Cultural Diplomacy by Linking World Heritage and Gastronomic Assets"
As Andong is being mentioned as a potential "stage for summit diplomacy," concerns have been raised that the city’s level of preparation could directly translate into the nation’s dignity. The argument is that a strategy is needed that goes beyond merely hosting a one-off event and instead designs what happens afterward as well.
At the 264th extraordinary session, Andong City Council member Kim Saerom, in a 5-minute free speech, addressed the growing talk of a possible Korea-Japan summit being held in Andong and stressed, "We must not remain at the level of expectation, but begin preparations on the premise that it will actually take place."
Kim recalled the regional vision presented by President Lee Jaemyung during his candidacy, interpreting the current discussion as an opportunity to accelerate its realization, given that a K-culture strategy utilizing world heritage sites has already been proposed as a national agenda. He attached significance to this as a potential turning point that could connect campaign pledges to policy, and policy to the field.
He also referred to the symbolism of a meeting between heads of state. Kim defined a summit as a stage on which a country presents its message to the world, and assessed that if it were held in Andong, it could create a scene that breaks away from the Seoul metropolitan area-centered framework of diplomacy. In other words, it would be a declaration that local regions are also capable of welcoming the international community.
As specific assets, he cited Hahoe Village and Bongjeongsa Temple, describing them as spaces where visitors can experience Korea’s historical depth and spiritual culture in a condensed way.
He also presented ways to utilize traditional culinary culture. He emphasized that, through programs based on Suun Japbang, a Joseon-era cookbook, food can become a language of diplomacy that goes beyond simple hospitality.
Kim proposed building a joint public-private system, designing in advance the protocol routes that connect the world heritage sites, and formalizing traditional gastronomy programs. He stated that Andong should leap forward as a city capable of continuously hosting international events.
While a summit itself may end as a one-day event, the preparation process transforms the city’s capabilities. His remarks can be read both as a question of whether Andong is ready to welcome the world and as a proposal that the city begin crafting its answer now.
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