Bucheon City, in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of its sisterhood ties with Gangneung City, will co-host the 'I LOVE Gangneung' themed event with Hyundai Department Store Jungdong Branch for ten days, from July 18th to 27th. This event aims to reflect on the deep friendship that has lasted between the two cities for 20 years and to provide Bucheon citizens with an opportunity to directly experience Gangneung's diverse charms. Planned through public-private cooperation, this event is especially anticipated to be a rich festival where visitors can experience Gangneung's culture, tourism, and gastronomy all in one place.
The Spirit of Gangneung Permeates Hyundai Department Store Jungdong Branch
During the event period, Hyundai Department Store Jungdong Branch will be filled with the ambiance of Gangneung. Cafe H on the 9th floor will be decorated as a stylish resting area and a beautiful photo zone reminiscent of Gangneung's beaches, offering visitors special memories. Additionally, Gallery H will host a photo exhibition featuring Gangneung's beautiful natural landscapes and daily life, allowing visitors to feel as if they are right in Gangneung.
A Feast of Flavors: Gangneung's Famous Eateries Gather
One of the highlights of this event is undoubtedly the pop-up stores of Gangneung's renowned eateries. At Hyundai Food Hall, visitors can find a collection of Gangneung's representative popular foods, including Bohemian Park Yi Chu Coffee, the pride of Gangneung coffee; Umjinae Pocha, famous for its spicy taste; Jeongnammi Myeonggwa, recognized as a master of traditional Korean confectionary; Gangneung Dal Sand, a dessert utilizing Gangneung's local specialties; and Gangneung Makgeolli Sulppang, known for its soft texture. A direct-from-the-farm sale of seasonal sweet corn will also be held, offering an opportunity to purchase fresh and delicious agricultural products from Gangneung.
Gangneung Danoje Traditional Performance and a Comparison of the Two Cities' Charms
To provide citizens with diverse sights and entertainment, traditional performances of the Gangneung Danoje Festival, inscribed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, will be held in the outdoor central plaza. The Gangneung Danoje Festival is an important event showcasing the essence of traditional Korean culture, and through these performances, Bucheon citizens will be able to directly experience Gangneung's profound history and culture.
Furthermore, a city administration public relations hall introducing Bucheon City and Gangneung City will be set up in the connecting passage between the 4th-floor main building and U-PLEX. Visitors can compare and examine the characteristics and charms of the two cities at a glance, which is expected to deepen their understanding of the bond and significance of cooperation between sister cities.
Envisioning a Future of Mutually Beneficial Cooperation
Bucheon Mayor Cho Yong-ik emphasized the significance of the event, stating, "I hope the friendship between our two cities, which has lasted for 20 years, will continue to expand into various fields such as culture, tourism, and economy." He added, "I hope citizens enjoy Gangneung's charms through this themed event and also feel the meaning of cooperation between sister cities."
Bucheon City has actively pursued exchanges, including operating direct trade markets for agricultural and special products with exchange cities, reciprocal discounts on tourist facility usage fees, mutual visits by delegations, and dispatching performance groups. Through this 'I LOVE Gangneung' event, Bucheon City plans to further strengthen practical cooperation with its sister city and continuously expand mutually beneficial exchanges that citizens can feel. This is expected to greatly contribute not only to local economic revitalization but also to improving the quality of life for citizens through cultural exchange. This event is anticipated to be a meaningful occasion to reconfirm the strong friendship between Bucheon City and Gangneung City and to promise a bright future for both cities.
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