Seongnam Mayor Shin Sangjin Sets Milestones for K-Defense and Culture with "On-the-Ground Diplomacy" in Poland

Seongnam Expands Defense and Cultural Exchanges in Poland
Wroclaw Mayor: "Trust Comes From Meeting in Person, Not Paperwork"
Sister-City Agreement to Support Defense Firms' Entry Into Polish Market
Joins First "Korea Day" Festival, Expanding Local Diplomacy Across the Board

"A true partner is not formed through paperwork alone. It is when we meet in person and look each other in the eye that we build solid trust as partners."

Seongnam Mayor Shin Sangjin embraces Jacek Sutryk, mayor of Wroclaw, Poland, at the 2026 Korean Day Festival in Wroclaw on the 10th (local time). Provided by Seongnam City.

That is what Jacek Sutryk, mayor of Wroclaw, Poland, told Seongnam Mayor Shin Sang-jin during his visit to the city. The two cities agreed to expand exchanges, from helping defense companies enter the market to cooperation in culture, the arts and sports, following their sister-city agreement.

Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province said on October 13 that Mayor Shin had visited Wroclaw from October 8 to 11 (local time), signed a sister-city agreement, and discussed ways to help local businesses enter the Polish market and cooperate across various sectors.

During the visit, the Seongnam Industry Promotion Agency and the Polish Defense Association signed a memorandum of understanding, laying the groundwork for industrial cooperation. Officials from across Poland attended a briefing on defense exports held locally. According to the city, inquiries continued even after the briefing ended.

With interest in Poland's defense capabilities rising amid the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, the parties discussed introducing systems and technologies from Seongnam defense companies for school shooting training at local educational institutions.

Kim Deokgeun, chairman of the Seongnam Defense Industry Association, said, "Seongnam City acted as a buffer, bridging the gap between the government and the private sector. Polish counterparts treated Seongnam's defense companies as true partners, so we look forward to even more active exchanges."

Seongnam Mayor Shin Sangjin greets local Korean residents at the K-Food Festival during “2026 Korea Day” in Wroclaw, Poland, on the 10th (local time). Provided by Seongnam City.

Mayor Shin said, "If diplomacy between nations has paved the way for security and economic cooperation, it is up to local governments, which are close to the ground, to work hands-on to deliver results."

Cultural exchanges also continued. On October 10, Seongnam City was the only local government in South Korea to participate in the "First 2026 Korea Day Festival," held at the Centennial Hall Convention Center in Wroclaw.

Nearly 10,000 visitors, by the city's estimate, attended the event organized by the Korean Association in Poland. Outside the 1,000-seat venue, a long line of spectators waited to enter. The Seongnam City Traditional Music Orchestra showcased traditional Korean music, performing seven pieces, including the folk instrumental ensemble piece "Sinawi" and the percussion solo "Seoljanggu."

At the K-Food event held alongside the festival, tteokbokki and ramen sold out. A "random play dance" was also held, with local spectators dancing to K-pop. The visiting delegation also shared its experience running a citizens' soccer club and discussed how to operate one.

Mayor Shin said, "I was impressed that so many residents came to the first Korea Day event held in Poland and showed such passionate interest in our culture. Culture and the arts are important ways for people from different cities to connect and build friendships."

The Seongnam City Korean Traditional Music Orchestra performs at the 2026 Korea Day Festival in Wroclaw, Poland, on the 10th local time. Provided by Seongnam City.

He added, "Taking the sister-city agreement with Wroclaw as an opportunity, we will expand practical exchanges not only in the economy and industry but also across various fields, including culture, the arts and sports."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.