Ulsan, South Korea – Ulsan City successfully hosted a large-scale "Harmonious Grand Festival" on June 15th at the Taehwagang River 1st and 3rd Levees, in collaboration with the Ulsan Federation of Hometown Associations. The event, which aimed to strengthen community bonds and foster unity among residents and association members, saw an estimated 200,000 citizens attend despite adverse weather conditions, demonstrating strong public engagement.
Established in 2018, the Ulsan Federation of Hometown Associations (재울산연합향우회) is a pivotal organization comprising five regional hometown associations within Ulsan: those from Daejeon/Gyeongbuk, Honam, Chungcheong, Gangwon, and Jeju. This federation was founded with the core objective of promoting harmony and mutual cooperation among its members, ultimately contributing to Ulsan's ongoing development. With approximately 800,000 to 910,000 members, these associations collectively represent about 80% of Ulsan's total population, underscoring their significant influence and role in the city's social fabric.
The festival was graced by the presence of prominent figures, including Ulsan Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom, Ulsan City Council Chairman Lee Seong-ryong, and National Assembly Members Park Seong-min, Kim Ki-hyun, and Yoon Jong-oh. Kim Jong-gil, President of the Ulsan Federation of Hometown Associations, was also a key attendee. Dignitaries warmly welcomed the association members during their entrance ceremony, acknowledging their contributions to the community.
Mayor Kim Doo-gyeom actively engaged with citizens throughout the event, touring the various operational booths, taking commemorative photographs with members, and offering words of encouragement. In a notable moment, President Kim Jong-gil presented Mayor Kim with a plaque of appreciation, expressing the association's gratitude.
City officials highlighted that the "Harmonious Grand Festival" successfully served as a vital platform for enhancing solidarity between long-term residents and those who have made Ulsan their second home, further cultivating a robust sense of community within the city. The event reinforced the federation's commitment to being a "light and salt" for the region, fostering open communication and collectively charting future development directions for Ulsan.
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