Im Soon Kim listens as Gunpo, South Korea, Mayor Yoon Joo Kim addresses the welcoming ceremony at Belleville city hall, July 6, 2016. (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
The twentieth year of Belleville’s exchange with its Twin City, Gunpo South Korea, was marked at Belleville city hall Wednesday.
Councillor Jackie Denyes, who heads the Belleville’s Gunpo committee, welcomed the eight-member delegation led by Gunpo Mayor Yoon Joo Kim.
Councillor Denyes says the 20 years have been a benefit to both cities through cultural, economic, and education exchanges.
Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis welcomed the group to Canada and made them honourary citizens of the Bay of Quinte.
Prince Edward Hastings MPP Todd Smith welcomed the members of the Korean delegation to Ontario and presented them with Ontario Trillium pins.
Councillor Denyes read a welcome message from Mayor Taso Christopher who was unable to attend the ceremony.
Mayor Kim referred to the 20 years of exchanges and said he “feels like coming to an old friend when he comes to Belleville.”
The delegation is in Belleville throughout the Waterfront Festival.
The members will tour the three Belleville schools where Korean students will study English for 10 days later this month.
Mayor Kim will be cooking in the Korean Food Tent at Zwicks Park on Friday.
