Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province – Goyang City recently held an international exchange meeting with a high-level Cambodian delegation, including Leang Monirith, Undersecretary of State for the Cambodian Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning, and Construction. The meeting, held at the Mayor's Office on May 28, focused on sharing Goyang's expertise in urban planning, public space creation policies, and the operational success of its iconic Ilsan Lake Park.

The Cambodian delegation's visit underscores their country's growing interest in leveraging waterfront spaces and developing ecological lake parks, a trend aligned with Cambodia's rapid urbanization and a strategic shift towards sustainable urban development. Ilsan Lake Park, which opened in 1996 and has since become a beloved public space, particularly drew the delegation's attention for its long-standing operational model and maintenance systems. This interest highlights Cambodia's efforts to learn from established urban green space models as it plans its own infrastructure development, potentially for areas like Phnom Penh, which is undergoing significant urban expansion and has identified a need for more green and public recreational spaces.

During the discussion, both parties explored extensive possibilities for collaboration on the ecological creation and sustainable operation of public spaces. This exchange of knowledge is crucial as Cambodia seeks to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability in its urban development initiatives, aiming to enhance the quality of life for its citizens while preserving natural resources.

Following the meeting, the Cambodian delegation visited Ilsan Lake Park to observe its operational framework firsthand and receive on-site explanations from park managers. This direct engagement provided valuable insights into the practical aspects of managing a large-scale urban ecological park, including water quality management, landscape maintenance, and community engagement strategies.

Mayor Lee Dong-hwan emphasized Goyang City's evolving role in international urban development discourse. "Until now, South Korea has primarily focused on technology-centric urban exchanges. However, it is now time to share our experiences in creating and operating ecological urban spaces with the world," Mayor Lee stated. He further added, "We will strive to establish Goyang City as a global standard for public spaces by building partnerships in urban space creation with countries worldwide." This initiative reflects Goyang's commitment to becoming a leader in sustainable urban models and to contributing to global urban development through collaborative learning and shared best practices.

The exchange is expected to foster stronger ties between Goyang City and Cambodia, potentially leading to future collaborations in smart city initiatives, green infrastructure projects, and capacity building for urban planning professionals in Cambodia.