VIDEO: Maui Signs Sister City Agreement with South Korea’s Seo-gu

By Wendy Osher

[flashvideo file=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYQSuEOLtmg /] Maui will be marketed as a future leisure and business travel destination for the people of South Korea, under a sister-city relationship formalized today.

Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa and Seo-gu Mayor Hwan Yong Park exchanged gifts and letters of intent during a morning ceremony at the Kalana O Maui building.

“As the United States and Korea come closer in finalizing the free-trade agreement, it will improve opportunities for our next generation,” said Mayor Arakawa.

Photo by Wendy Osher. Seo-gu / Maui sister city signing ceremony.

Arakawa  initiated discussion on the relationship during a recent trip to Seo-gu in July.  He said that by signing the letter of intent, the county would be “setting the building blocks for the future.”

Mayor Park’s delegation from South Korea officially accepted the invitation to begin the sister-city process saying, “Anyone can make an appointment but to execute that appointment is not an easy task.”

“Since we made an appointment today to build stronger cooperation, we must now show how we keep that promise with a strong will and constant endeavor,” said Park.

Mayor Arakawa and Mayor Park signing letters of intent to enter into a sister city relationship. Photo courtesy County of Maui.

Seo-gu is a district of Daejeon, South Korea’s fifth largest metropolitan area. It is known as the culture and art hub of Daejeon, a green city that once initiated a five-year, one million tree planting project.

The district is also dedicated to its youth, with many cultural, academic and sports facilities located throughout the city.

*** Supporting information courtesy County of Maui.