Why Did the President of Costa Rica, with the Highest Happiness Index (HPI) in the World, Visit Mapo-gu?

Planting a Symbolic Pine Tree at 'Costa Rica Square' Established in 2004 to Wish for Mutual Friendship and Cooperation... Yudonggyun, Mayor of Mapo-gu, Hopes for a 'Mapo-gu Square' to Be Created in Costa Rica

Carlos Alvarado, President of Costa Rica (right), and Yoo Dong-gyun, Mayor of Mapo-gu (left), are taking a commemorative photo at 'Costa Rica Square' in Mapo-gu.

Commemorative Tree Planting Ceremony

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Mapo-gu (Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun) announced that Carlos Alvarado, President of Costa Rica, who is visiting South Korea, visited the 'Costa Rica Square' in Mapo-gu at 3 p.m. on the 23rd.

The welcoming event for President Alvarado's visit to Mapo-gu was held at the 'Costa Rica Square' in Sangam-dong with about 50 attendees. To commemorate the occasion, President Alvarado planted a sculptural pine tree symbolizing the friendly cooperation between Costa Rica and Mapo-gu.

The event was attended by Mapo-gu Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun, National Assembly member Jung Cheong-rae, district council members, and from the Costa Rican side, Rodolfo Solano Quir?s, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Costa Rica, Paola Vega Castillo, Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology and Telecommunications of Costa Rica, the Costa Rican ambassador to Korea, and members of the Costa Rican community.

Established in 2004 with an area of 4,377㎡, the 'Costa Rica Square' (Sangam-dong 1178-2) was initiated when Mapo-gu accepted the proposal from the Costa Rican Embassy, which was the only embassy located in Mapo-gu at the time. The square features a monument engraved with its name and flagpoles where the Costa Rican flag can be raised.

Although the Costa Rican Embassy moved to Jung-gu in 2016, the 'Costa Rica Square' remains in Mapo as a symbol of friendship and mutual exchange between Costa Rica and Mapo-gu, serving as an important occasion for President Alvarado's visit to Mapo-gu this time.

In particular, the Costa Rican Minister of Foreign Affairs, who served as the charg? d'affaires at the Costa Rican Embassy in Korea in 2004 and was involved in the creation of the 'Costa Rica Square,' expressed that it was very meaningful to revisit the square and participate in the commemorative tree planting.

This is the second meeting between Mayor Yoo and President Alvarado. In July 2019, Mayor Yoo visited Costa Rica as part of a Korean government delegation to benchmark advanced overseas social innovation cases.

Mayor Yoo said, "I remember the warm hospitality extended by the President and First Lady at that time, and it is an honor and a moving experience to be able to welcome them here at Costa Rica Square."

Costa Rica, meaning 'rich coast,' is located in southern Central America. It is known as the country with the highest Happiness Index (HPI) in the world and for its pristine natural landscapes.

Carlos Alvarado, the youngest president in Costa Rican history, announced the '2020-2050 Inclusive and Decarbonized Economy National Development Strategy' in March. Costa Rica is recognized as a model environmental protection country in Central America and actively participates in the international community's response to climate change.

This aligns with Mapo-gu's various eco-friendly policies and values, which share the same goals. Mapo-gu is a model local government actively responding to climate change, having started a project to plant 5 million trees?the first among Seoul's autonomous districts?a year ahead of the government's carbon neutrality declaration.

Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun of Mapo-gu said, "I hope that this visit by the President of Costa Rica will lead to various mutual cooperation projects between Costa Rica and Mapo-gu," and added, "If possible, I hope to establish a 'Mapo-gu Square' in Costa Rica as well."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.