On November 5, Paju City signed a ‘sister city relationship’ with Gloucester City, England. The purpose of this signing ceremony is to promote mutual cooperation in areas such as educational exchange, economic exchange, and sports exchange.
The signing ceremony, which was held in the conference room at Gloucester City Hall in the UK, was attended by Paju Mayor Kim Kyung-il, Gloucester Mayor Lorraine Campbell, and Gloucester City Council Chairman Jeremy Hilton.
Since the two cities signed a ‘Sisterhood Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)’ in Paju City in April 2014, exchanges between schools and representatives have continued. In 2016, support was provided to build a Korean War Museum at the Gloucestershire Military Museum, and 1,000 sets of personal protective clothing were provided in early 2020 when the number of confirmed cases and deaths due to COVID-19 rapidly increased.
In addition, ‘Seolmari Memorial Park’ was created in Seolmari, Jeokseong-myeon, Paju-si to commemorate the souls of British soldiers who died in the Battle of Seolmari during the Korean War, and has been commemorating the Battle of the Imjin River every year.
The Paju City delegation, who visited Gloucester City at the invitation of Gloucester Mayor Lorraine Campbell, visited Paju-related facilities in Gloucester City, including the Military Museum, Imjin Garrison, and Paju Road, confirming the strong friendship between the two cities that have maintained exchanges for a long time.
The Paju City delegation presented a copper plate engraved with the ‘Gamaksan Suspension Bridge’, nicknamed ‘Gloucester Hero’s Bridge’, as a souvenir to commemorate the achievements of the British soldiers who died in the Battle of Seolmari, and promised to continue friendly relations between the two cities in the future. did it
Paju Mayor Kim Kyung-il said, “The relationship between Paju City and Gloucester City continues to this day since the Korean War. In 2014, Paju City signed a ‘Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for sisterhood,’ and this sisterhood relationship was signed by Gloucester City.” He said, “Through this sister city agreement, we will promote exchange and cooperation in various fields such as education, sports, and economy to promote joint development of the two cities.”
Gloucester City, boasting 2,000 years of history, is the capital of Gloucester County in South West England, England, and is home to the Gloucestershire Regiment, famous for its bloody battle against three divisions of the Chinese army during the Battle of the Imjin River during the Korean War. It’s a place.
Meanwhile, Paju City conducted urban design capacity building training for 80 working-level civil servants on November 4th and 5th.
This training was prepared to reflect the recently increasing importance of ‘universal design’. ‘Universal design’ refers to designing a city so that anyone can use architecture, environment, and services more conveniently and safely, regardless of disability or age.
This lecture included theoretical education and field trips under the theme of ‘Creating a walkable city.’
On the first day of training, experts were invited to provide urban design theory training on ‘Street space design for sustainable cities.’ The instructor explained various design strategies based on actual cases at home and abroad.
On the second day, a field study was conducted to enable students to apply the urban design concepts and advanced cases learned in theoretical education to the field. We visited Yeouido Roll Stadium, Yangcheon-gu Omok Park (awarded the 2024 Korea Public Design Award), and Magok District to look at cases where universal design was reflected in public buildings and public spaces, and analyze areas for improvement.
An official from Paju City said, “We will continue to promote education to strengthen the design capabilities of working public officials and lay the foundation for creating a barrier-free urban environment that anyone can access without discrimination.”
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Hong-mi / Photo Paju City
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Sister City Cooperation Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Dr. Harrison! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent sister city agreement between Paju City, South Korea, and Gloucester City, England. This is vital in terms of international relations and cultural exchange.
Dr. Emily Harrison (EH): Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share insights on this significant partnership.
TNE: To start, could you provide some context on why sister city relationships are important in today’s global landscape?
EH: Absolutely. Sister city relationships foster international cooperation and understanding. They provide avenues for cultural exchange, educational partnerships, and economic collaborations. In a world that often feels divided, these relationships can help build bridges and promote goodwill.
TNE: That makes a lot of sense. The agreement signed on November 5th marks a continuation of an already established connection. Can you tell us about the history of the relationship between Paju City and Gloucester City?
EH: Yes! Their bond dates back to April 2014 when they first signed a Memorandum of Understanding. Over the years, they have exchanged support and cultural initiatives, such as the establishment of a Korean War Museum in Gloucester and providing essential COVID-19 protective equipment. These actions not only solidify their friendship but also show a commitment to mutual support in times of need.
TNE: It’s touching to see how historical events, such as the Battle of Imjin River, have shaped this relationship. How do such historical legacies impact contemporary international collaborations?
EH: Historical events can profoundly influence contemporary partnerships. They serve as a reminder of shared experiences and sacrifices. In this case, Paju’s creation of Seolmari Memorial Park signifies a deep respect and remembrance for British soldiers who fought in Korea. This acknowledgment fosters empathy and strengthens ties as both cities reflect on their intertwined histories.
TNE: During the recent ceremony, Paju Mayor Kim Kyung-il emphasized future cooperation in education, economy, and sports. Why are these specific areas chosen for collaboration?
EH: Education, economy, and sports are pillars of community development. Educational exchanges enhance cultural understanding and provide learning opportunities for students from both cities. Economic cooperation can lead to joint ventures that bolster local economies. Meanwhile, sports facilitate grassroots engagement and promote healthy competition, bringing communities together in a fun and spirited way.
TNE: Paju presented a unique copper plate as a souvenir during the signing ceremony. What significance does this gesture hold?
EH: The copper plate represents more than just a gift; it symbolizes the deep-seated esteem both cities have for each other. The ‘Gamaksan Suspension Bridge’ is a reminder of bravery and sacrifice, reflecting a commitment to honoring past relationships while looking forward to a bright future together.
TNE: How do you envision this sister city relationship evolving in the coming years?
EH: I expect this relationship to expand significantly. As both cities implement projects in education and economic exchanges, we’ll likely see increased cultural programs, perhaps joint festivals or student exchanges. With technology and globalization, the possibility for collaboration is endless, and I believe they’ll harness these tools effectively.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Harrison, for sharing your expertise on this topic. It’s clear that Paju City and Gloucester City are not just building a partnership; they are nurturing a friendship that honors history while paving the way for a fruitful future.
EH: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how this relationship develops and the positive impact it can have on both communities.