#50 Daegu and Gyeongbuk: Lasting Connections

[스티븐스 대사]

One of the best parts of my job is visiting regions of Korea outside of Seoul.  In October I had an opportunity to visit Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province.  I first visited this area in the 1970s when I was a Peace Corps Volunteer living in Yesan and would come to Daegu to visit friends.   Then in the 1980s, I was posted to the U.S. Consulate in Busan and was responsible for covering the entire region of Gyeongbuk and Gyeongnam. 

Daegu and Gyeongbuk are located in Korea's industrial heartland, and led its development into a global economic power.  But many of the old industries, like textiles, have struggled in the era of global competition and the recent economic downturn.   The area is now undergoing a transition as the economy changes and it makes plans to attract foreign investment.   

I met with Gyeongbuk Governor Kim Kwan-yong and Daegu Mayor Kim Bum-il, and heard their plans to promote economic development in the region.  Gyeongbuk aims to be a global leader in the development of green technologies and renewable energy.  In recognition of this leadership, Daegu will host the 2013 World Energy Conference.  Daegu has also embarked on a plan to become a center of cutting-edge medical research and high-tech medical equipment development. Like much of Korea, changes are occurring rapidly, spurred by the latest in technological innovations. 

Meeting with North Gyeongsang Province Governor Kim Kwan-yong

Even while so much is changing, I was pleased to see that Daegu and Gyeongbuk remain a place where Koreans and Americans enjoy excellent relations.   As an example of this special relationship, during my visit to Kyungpook National University (KNU) I learned that the university has partnered with the U.S. Army Garrison in Daegu to offer a formal program of internships and teaching – a real collaborative education.  This makes it possible for students to have an English language and American work experience right in Daegu.  It also provides the soldiers an opportunity to give something back to the community and to learn more about Korea.

While I was at the university, I gave a talk to the students about U.S. and Korean Relations for the 21^st Century.  Afterwards I met with some of the international students, including an American who was currently studying there.  The university’s appeal to international students is an indication of the growing globalization of the province.

Walking on campus with Ava Doyle, an American student at Kyungpook National University

Speaking at KNU on “U.S.-ROK Relations for the 21^st Century”

In addition to the international students who enjoy campus life, other foreigners I've met there find Daegu a very congenial place to live.  I saw a little bit of that myself when Mayor Kim Bum-il and I took a walk through a thriving, newly-renovated section of downtown, filled with students and young people. I wish I had carried my camera to record the lively street scenes that evening.  It had all the buzz of some of the great streets in Seoul, but with a bit less traffic and noise. 

The international sporting world has noticed Daegu as well.  The city beat out Barcelona and Brisbane to host the 2011 World Athletic Championships.  This will make Korea one of only seven nations that have hosted all three top international sporting events – the Summer Olympics, the World Cup and the World Championships in Athletics. 

The historic connections between the U.S. and Daegu were brought home to me again at the close of the busy day when we had dinner with war veterans from the area.  It was an honor to meet members of this generation who had experienced such suffering and sacrificed so much.

As we ate a special soup called  따로국밥(ddaro gukbap) and toasted with 막걸리(Makgeolli), we talked about the upcoming 60^th anniversary of the Korean War and the special bond between our countries.  

Having dinner with Korean War veterans, toasting with Makgeolli! (Photo provided by Daegu Ilbo)