Pyeongtaek City has taken a major step in expanding its international partnerships by signing a virtual friendship agreement with Pula-Pola, a coastal city in Croatia known for its rich Roman heritage and vibrant tourism sector. The announcement was made on May 14 by Mayor Jung Jang-sun.
Talks leading to the agreement began in early 2023, with Pyeongtaek’s official endorsement and council approval. While the process experienced a delay due to additional review by Pula-Pola's city council in mid-2024, both sides finalized the agreement in May 2025, marking a key milestone in bilateral relations.
The agreement calls for cooperation in a wide range of areas including tourism, cultural exchange, education, science, and sports. It also sets out to establish an inter-city liaison structure to ensure practical and continuous joint initiatives.
Pula-Pola, located along the Adriatic Sea, is a city renowned not only for its ancient Roman architecture but also for its marine and shipbuilding industries. In recent years, it has also become a hub for IT and startups, offering opportunities for Pyeongtaek to explore diverse models of collaboration.
Prior to this official agreement, the two cities had already engaged in cultural and civic exchanges, such as Pula-Pola’s participation in Pyeongtaek’s Citizens’ Day, World Culture Week, international children’s art exhibitions, and environmental photography contests. The formal agreement now opens the door to deeper and more structured cooperation.
Looking ahead, the cities plan to hold regular virtual meetings to explore sector-specific initiatives and are working toward a face-to-face visit in the first half of 2026 as part of a broader exchange roadmap.
This development aligns with Pyeongtaek’s 30th anniversary as an integrated city, during which the city is actively advancing its goal of becoming a more globally connected community. The local government is also pursuing expanded multilateral relations with cities across Europe, Asia, and Central Asia.
📸 Pyeongtaek City Official Website
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