Mayor Joo Kwangdeok: "Cultural Exchange Linking Jeong Yak-yong and Li Bai Marks the Beginning of Vibrant Cooperation"

Namyangju City Signs MOU for Cultural Exchange and Cooperation with Mianyang, China
Humanities and Cultural Exchange Linking Jeong Yak-yong and Li Bai
A New Chapter in Friendly Cooperation Between Local Governments of Korea and China

Namyangju City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Joo Kwangdeok) held an official meeting in Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, China, on November 6, and signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for cultural exchange and cooperation between the two cities. This agreement marks the first substantial exchange based on the letter of intent (LOI) for friendly cooperation signed in 2021, setting a new milestone for cultural collaboration between local governments in Korea and China.

Joo Kwangdeok, Mayor of Namyangju City (left), is presenting a souvenir to Li Won, Mayor of Mianyang City. Provided by Namyangju City

Mianyang City is recognized as "China's only science and technology city" with approval from the Chinese authorities. It has established an advanced industrial ecosystem centered on electronics, information technology, and smart manufacturing, based on an industrial structure that integrates both defense and civilian technologies. As the central hub of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic zone in northern Sichuan Province, Mianyang boasts well-developed transportation and logistics infrastructure, making it a key industrial base in western inland China.

The meeting was presided over by Li Won, Mayor of Mianyang City, and attended by delegations from both cities. Following welcoming remarks from both mayors, the directors of the cultural and tourism departments signed the MOU and exchanged commemorative gifts.

The newly signed memorandum of understanding focuses on humanities and cultural exchange, using Dasan Jeong Yak-yong and Li Bai (widely known in Korea by his pen name, "Yi Taebaek")-representative figures of each city-as mediators. The agreement covers a wide range of cooperation areas, including expanding exchanges utilizing cultural heritage and tourism resources, jointly developing classical literature content, and promoting academic and research exchanges.

Mayor Joo Kwangdeok stated, "Cultural exchange connecting Jeong Yak-yong and poet Li Bai is a valuable journey in which our two cities communicate through the spirit of humanity, transcending time and borders. I hope this agreement will serve as the starting point for a vibrant, living cultural exchange."

Hyungsook Lee, Director of Culture and Education Bureau (left), and Guangzhen, Party Secretary of the Culture, Broadcasting, and Tourism Bureau, are signing a memorandum of understanding for cultural exchange cooperation. Provided by Namyangju City

On this occasion, Namyangju City presented Mianyang City with a handcrafted lamp called "The Lantern Illuminating Chrysanthemums," embodying the spirit of Jeong Yak-yong. This traditional lantern, decorated with chrysanthemum patterns, symbolizes the integrity of a scholar and expresses the hope for a lasting and warm friendship between the two cities.

The Namyangju delegation returned to Korea on November 7 after completing their five-day, four-night visit. The city plans to continue building a sustainable foundation for exchange by expanding practical cooperation in culture, tourism, and industry between the two cities.

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