Sokcho: A friendship that crosses the sea

Gresham recently welcomed city leaders from Sokcho, South Korea, to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of our sister city partnership.

With plenty of smiles and laughter, Mayor Travis Stovall and the City Council hosted Sokcho Mayor Le Byeone-seon and his delegation, showcasing Gresham’s local businesses and tourism highlights.

The group explored the Rockwood Market Hall and experienced the art, music and magic of Gresham’s Festival of the Arts.

They also toured Onsemi, a local semiconductor manufacturer, where they learned the company made about 40 billion chips last year – and that cars and appliances in Sokcho undoubtedly include chips made in Gresham!

It was a beautiful time for the two cities to share ideas, talk about common challenges, and have a local beer together at Migration Brewing.

Above: City employees welcome an excited Mayor Le and the sister city delegation from Sokcho, South Korea, to Gresham City Hall on July 18.

Fun at the festival! Mayor Travis Stovall, center, joins City Councilors Cathy Keathley and Sue Piazza in sharing one of Gresham’s biggest tourism highlights – the annual Festival of Arts in Gresham – with visitors from Sokcho on July 19.

Mayor Travis Stovall tours Migration Brewing’s production facility in Gresham with city leaders from Sokcho as they explore local economics and tourism.

What is a sister city?

“A sister city is a living, breathing connection,” said Council President Jerry Hinton.

Gresham is lucky to have three sister cities: Ebetsu, Japan, since 1977; Sokcho, South Korea, since 1985; and Owerri, Nigeria, since 1991.

Councilor Sue Piazza called the sister city bond a chance to learn from one another and share traditions.

“Whether we are exchanging ideas in education, arts, business or simply sharing stories, every interaction helps build understanding across the borders,” she said.

In 2023, Mayor Stovall and Councilors Piazza, Hinton and Eddy Morales visited Sokcho.

Sister city selfie! City Council President Jerry Hinton captures the moment on top of Hogan Butte with members of Gresham's sister city, Sokcho.

Reflecting on 40 years of friendship

At a special joint City Council meeting on July 18, Councilor Hinton expressed gratitude for 40 years of shared history and respect.

“This relationship is not a passing one,” Councilor Hinton said.  “We believe that cities can lead the way in fostering peace and understanding. That students are the best diplomats. That food, art, language and laughter are more powerful than division or distance.

“We believe that relationships like this one are rare. And that they must be preserved, nurtured and passed on.”

Through an interpreter, Sokcho Mayor Le called their visit “truly a pleasure and an honor to meet you here in this beautiful city of Gresham.

“Over the years, what we built is no longer just a symbolic relationship. It’s become a real model of international economic exchange and mutual understanding of the two local governments,” Mayor Le said.

Guests from Sokcho watch a drone demonstration by Gresham Police during their visit to City Hall on July 18,

Looking ahead: student exchanges

Gresham and Sokcho hope to restart their student exchange program in 2026 after a pause during the pandemic.

Councilor Hinton, who has hosted several students, said, “They truly become family.”

The two-week exchange is run by the Gresham Sokcho Sister City Association, led by longtime President H.J. Yu.

Get involved

The Gresham Sokcho Sister City Association is welcoming new board members. Anyone interested in learning and building connections is encouraged to reach out.

Want to visit Sokcho?

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