Yangpyeong County Accelerates Exchange and Cooperation with Chevreuse, France

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Um In-yong] Yangpyeong County made an official visit to Chevreuse, France on the 1st (local time), carrying out various schedules and further solidifying cooperation between the two cities.

During this visit, activities included △signing a friendly exchange agreement △laying flowers at the memorial tower for war dead and the Korean Centennial Monument in front of city hall △visiting the Chevreuse War Memorial Museum △discussing student exchange through visits to middle and elementary schools.

The Yangpyeong delegation signed a friendly exchange agreement between Yangpyeong County and Chevreuse at city hall with the city council chairman, agreeing to expand cooperation in the fields of history, culture, and education. Chevreuse is the city where independence activist Hong Jae-ha first settled in France before and after World War I, making it a place with deep historical connections.

After signing the agreement, the Yangpyeong delegation visited the memorial tower for war dead in front of city hall and the Korean Centennial Monument located behind city hall to hold a flower-laying ceremony.

Hong Jae-ha participated in France's post-war reconstruction projects following World War I, raising independence movement funds through labor. He organized the 'Korean National Association in France,' the first Korean organization in Europe, and led independence activities. His contributions were recognized with the posthumous award of the Order of Merit for National Foundation in 2019, and his remains were repatriated to Korea in 2019 through the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

Yangpyeong County plans to use this visit as an opportunity to widely publicize the life and achievements of Hong Jae-ha and review ways to create a space honoring him within the International Peace Park.

The Yangpyeong delegation subsequently visited the Chevreuse War Memorial Museum to share the war history of both cities and reflect on the significance of the French military's participation in the Korean War in 1951 and the Battle of Chipyeongni. In particular, Chevreuse is located near the Battle of Verdun, which was France's largest battlefield during World War I, making it a place of deep significance where not only the Korean War but also the pains of the world wars are remembered together.

Additionally, the delegation visited middle and elementary schools in Chevreuse to discuss ways to activate student exchange. Yangpyeong County plans to provide opportunities for young people to learn each other's history and broaden cultural understanding through student exchange programs between the two cities.

Meanwhile, on the occasion of this visit, Yangpyeong County and Chevreuse plan to further strengthen their cooperative relationship within their historical bonds and continue to expand future-oriented exchanges.

County Governor Jeon Jin-seon stated, "Chevreuse is a city with deep historical connections to Yangpyeong, and I hope this visit will be an opportunity to further expand exchange and cooperation between the two cities," adding "Yangpyeong County will pursue various projects including the creation of an International Peace Park, historical research cooperation, and student exchange based on our solidarity with France to create tangible results."