Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea – In a strategic move to deepen bilateral relations and foster broader collaboration, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province hosted a two-day "Invitation Training for Japanese Officials in Korea" from June 19 to 20. The program welcomed 25 delegates, including officials from the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) Seoul Office and various Japanese prefectural governments.

This initiative is designed to introduce Japanese public servants to Gyeongsangbuk-do's key policies and its rich cultural and tourism assets. The ultimate goal is to expand human exchange and diverse cooperation, particularly in tourism, between South Korea and Japan.

Gyeongsangbuk-do's commitment to this program comes as human exchanges between the two nations surged past 10 million individuals last year, signaling a rapid increase in cross-border interactions. The province plans to continue these invitation programs to enhance Gyeongsangbuk-do's brand value and solidify the foundation of friendly cooperation.

The delegation, led by Fujita Etsuo, Director of CLAIR's Seoul Office, comprised staff from the Seoul office and officials dispatched from 16 local governments across Japan, including Miyagi Prefecture. Gyeongsangbuk-do has consistently organized these invitation programs since 2019, even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which hampered international exchange activities. To date, 32 Japanese officials have visited Gyeongsangbuk-do through this initiative.

The training commenced on June 19 with a welcoming ceremony at the Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Office. The event included presentations on Gyeongsangbuk-do and promotional videos highlighting its tourism attractions, followed by a luncheon and an exchange session between Korean and Japanese officials. The delegates then embarked on a cultural immersion experience, visiting Andong's Hahoe Folk Village and Byeongsan Seowon, where they experienced the essence of traditional Korean culture. These UNESCO World Heritage sites offered the Japanese officials a glimpse into Korea's rich historical tapestry and architectural prowess, deepening their appreciation for the country's heritage.

On the second day, the itinerary featured explorations of significant historical and cultural sites in Gyeongju and Pohang. The delegates visited Bulguksa Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exquisite Buddhist architecture and serene surroundings. Following this, they explored the Guryongpo Japanese Modern Street in Pohang, a unique area that preserves the architecture and atmosphere of Japanese residential and commercial buildings from the colonial era. This visit provided a nuanced perspective on the shared history and cultural interactions between the two nations, sparking insightful discussions among the participants.

A key component of the program was the in-depth discussion held between Korean and Japanese officials. The Gyeongsangbuk-do representatives elaborated on key provincial policies, including efforts to overcome the low birth rate, revitalize the local economy through tourism and culture, and the ongoing push for a new airport construction. This was followed by a dynamic question-and-answer session, fostering a candid exchange of ideas. Beyond these specific policy discussions, both sides engaged in a comprehensive dialogue on various regional issues and shared current affairs affecting their respective areas.

Participants collectively expressed their intention to continue sharing policy information and further solidify their cooperative relationships, leveraging this visit as a crucial stepping stone.

Kang Seok-hee, Ambassador for International Relations of Gyeongsangbuk-do, extended a warm welcome in his address, stating, "This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Japan, a truly meaningful year. We sincerely welcome all of you to Gyeongsangbuk-do." He expressed his hope that "this training will not just be a simple visit but will serve as an opportunity to expand substantive partnerships between Korea and Japan."

CLAIR (Council of Local Authorities for International Relations), the partner organization for this exchange, was established in July 1988. Its mission is to support the internationalization activities of Japan's local governments and promote regional internationalization. Headquartered in Tokyo, CLAIR operates seven overseas offices, including the Seoul office, actively working to expand its global network and foster international cooperation at the local government level. Through such dedicated efforts, CLAIR plays a vital role in facilitating exchanges and strengthening bonds between Japanese local authorities and their international counterparts. This collaborative spirit between Gyeongsangbuk-do and CLAIR underscores a mutual commitment to fostering enduring friendships and productive partnerships, paving the way for a future of enhanced understanding and collaboration across various sectors.