Suwon Hwaseong was a new city that King Jeongjo of Korea’s Joseon Dynasty wanted to build.

Hwaseong Haenggung Palace (1796) is regarded as the place where King Jeongjo realized his ideals. When he visited Hwaseong, he worked at Yuyeotaek in Hwaseong Haenggung.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dong Yeon Kim and his wife were joined by Utah State Governor Spencer James Cox and his wife at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace – which is imbued with the spirit of Jeongjo – at 10:00 a.m. on September 30, accompanied by an honor guard in traditional dress. Governor Cox and his wife repeatedly expressed their admiration.

Governor Kim explained, “[Hwaseong Haenggung Palace] was built by King Jeongjo, one of Korea’s most respected kings, who worked to create a strong and forward-looking nation by reforming governance and fostering economic growth.”

He then introduced Hwaseong Haenggung Palace, built in the 18th century, as a place where the latest Eastern and Western technologies of the time came together, and as a symbol of innovation, progress, and a vision for a better tomorrow.

“It is an honor to be here. I was treated like a king when I walked through the gates of this amazing Palace,” exclaimed Governor Cox.

Governor Cox said, “I know that King Jeongjo built Hwaseong Haenggung Palace 300 years ago and honored his mother (Lady Hyegyeong Hong) here. I saw his words written outside: ‘This is my new home… It seems that Gyeonggi Province has become Utah’s new home. I thank the governor for welcoming us like this.

That day, Governor Kim and Governor Cox signed the Gyeonggi-Utah Action Plan at Hwaseong Haenggung Palace.

The Action Plan includes measures for strengthening cooperation between Gyeonggi Province and Utah in the fields of trade and economy, culture, arts and sports, education and people-to-people exchanges.

Gyeonggi Province and Utah became sister regions 41 years ago in 1983.

Since then, through agreements such as the “Agreement on Promotion of Economic Cooperation” (1994), the “Agreement on Promotion of Exchanges and Cooperation” (2000), and the “Agreement on Promotion of Exchanges and Cooperation” (2018), the level of cooperation has been steadily raised.

“The Action Plan signed today takes our cooperation a step further… Our shared commitment to fostering innovation in key industries such as advanced manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace, and information technology will create new opportunities for economic growth in both of our regions,” said Governor Kim.

“I think a sisterhood is similar to a marriage. It’s a relationship in which we can combine our strengths and learn from each other’s differences… I hope that when future generations look back on us, they will remember that we chose to be stronger together and had the humility to learn from each other. I am so proud of our sisterhood relationship with Gyeonggi Province,” said Governor Cox.

After signing the Action Plan, Governor Kim and his wife joined the Utah delegation on a tour of the same place (Bongsudang) where King Jeongjo held the 60th birthday party for his mother, Lady Hyegyeong Hong, as mentioned by Governor Cox.

The Gyeonggi members and Utah delegation (29 people including Governor Cox and his wife as well as Utah State lawmakers, officials, and business representatives) then moved to nearby Dodamso, the residence of the Governor of Gyeonggi Province, for a meeting and lunch.

At the Dodamso meeting, the two governors discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the areas of business start-ups, education and tourism exchanges, and decided to establish working-level contact points to concretize the content of the discussions.

Governor Kim said, “I expect that the Action Plan signed earlier with the governor will create more opportunities for cooperation and synergy in the future.”

“Starting next June, we’re going to have direct flights from Salt Lake City to Korea… I think that’s going to make a big difference,” said Governor Cox.

Governor Kim received his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Michigan in the United States and worked as a senior policy officer at the World Bank (2002-2005), so he is proficient in English. Today, he freely conversed with the Governor of Utah without the aid of an interpreter.

Of particular note, Governor Cox used the expression “game changer” when explaining the direct flight route between Korea and Utah, and when the interpreter paraphrased it as “of great significance,” Governor Kim did not miss it and responded, “You used the word ‘game changer’ earlier when you talked about direct flights. This is very good news and I completely agree [with the expression ‘game changer’].”

At the Dodamso luncheon, a famous line from The Osmonds’ song Utah – “Utah is the place where I want to be” – was used as part of a welcoming banner along with an image of the Wasatch Mountains that run through Utah.

Lunch that day featured traditional Korean dishes such as bibimbap, minari and clam tofu stew, marinated beef ribs, and sweet-and-sour chicken.

Governor Kim received applause and cheers when he said in his English luncheon speech, ” And back in the 90s, although I was studying in Michigan, home of the Detroit Pistons, I was a big fan of the greatest pick-and-roll duo in NBA history, Karl Malone and John Stockton of the Utah Jazz.”

Governor Kim emphasized, ” My friends, just as Malone and Stockton were the dynamic duo on the basketball court, I know that Gyeonggi and Utah will be a power duo in so many ways. Our newly signed Action Plan will help us boost how we work together in important areas like biotech, IT, culture, sports, and education… All the areas that really drive innovation and help our regions move forward.”

Governor Cox expressed his gratitude, saying, “Many people I met in Korea said that the Gyeonggi Governor is the best governor in Korea, and I think that is true. The United States is also experiencing a lot of division during the election season, and we are so happy to have made a new friend in Korea, Governor Kim, a friend who will be with us for decades to come.”

He then noted, “When we look back on this day 10 years from now, we will not remember the economic data we discussed today. But we will remember the moments we shared in the palace, the beautiful music, the great food, and the warmth you have shown us today.”