Mokpo-si (Jeollanam-do, The Republic of Korea)

Sister City Agreement / signed on1 October 1984 in Mokpo
■　Population/ Approximately　247,000
■　Area/ 50.03 ㎢
http://eng.mokpo.go.kr/(English)

Geography

The urban district stretches along the saw-toothed coastline facing the Yellow Sea. It is a scenic port town with many small parks and picnic areas where you can commune with the nature, behind which holds Mt. Yudal.

Climate

Affected by the monsoon, Mokpo's spring and fall are very short, with winter being cold and dry, and summer warm and humid. The rainfall through the year reaches 1,126mm on average. Facing the sea, it is very windy and foggy especially in spring and fall. As it does not receive frost for 223 days a year, it is suitable for rice farming. However, being affected by the continental climate the temperature could change frequently in a year or even in a day.

History

The Mokpo Port carries 100 years of history. Under the Imperialism of Japan, Mokpo has become a target of Japanese colonial policy. However, in 1945, after the Korean Liberation Movement, the international developmental policy was established only in the metropolitan area and the east, which consequently kept Mokpo away from the development.

Industry

Since 2000 it has been holding the World Pottery Exposition every other year. The ceramic industry and the net fishing are prosperous. Mokpo is the terminus for a number of ferry routes serving islands in the adjacent sea. Honam prospers in the industry of fiber and commodities. Holding the granary of Honam behind, it is making progress as a trading port.

Process of making agreement

Just when they were thinking of making the first sister city agreement with a liberal nation, they found out that the brother-in-law of ex-President of Busan Lions Club, which was a sister club of Beppu Central Lions Club, was the ex-President of Mokpo. That was a good opportunity to make an arrangement. We both signed up in Mokpo for the Sister City Agreement on 1 October, the Citizens' Day of Mokpo.

お問い合わせ

文化国際課　

〒874-8511 別府市上野口町1番15号（市庁舎4F）

電話：0977-21-1131

Eメール：int-ma@city.beppu.lg.jp