Georgia seeks sister city status with Incheon South Korea through new legislation

The Georgia State Legislature's meeting on February 25, 2025, featured a significant proposal aimed at strengthening ties between Georgia and South Korea. Floor leader Hong presented House Bill 486 and House Resolution 273, which seek to establish Incheon, a major port city in South Korea, as a sister city to Georgia.

Hong, who immigrated from South Korea and represents a district with a substantial Korean population, emphasized the importance of this partnership. He noted that Georgia is home to the third-largest Korean community in the United States and highlighted the numerous South Korean businesses operating in the state. The proposed sister city relationship is seen as a way to acknowledge and enhance these existing connections.

Incheon is recognized for its advanced international airport and significant business activities, making it a strategic partner for Georgia. Hong mentioned that both the mayor of Incheon and the consul general of South Korea support the initiative, underscoring its potential benefits.

The dual approach of introducing both a bill and a resolution aims to ensure progress on this initiative, even if the legislative process encounters delays. Hong expressed hope that the committee would vote favorably on the proposal, which reflects Georgia's commitment to fostering international relationships and economic collaboration.

The meeting concluded with a call for support, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and strengthening the partnership with South Korea through this sister city designation.