Gangtok and Jeonju have signed a declaration to strengthen cooperation on sustainable urban tourism, with the two cities committing to closer dialogue and city-level collaboration. The agreement was signed by Gangtok Mayor Tshering Palden Bhutia and Jeonju Mayor Chi Ji-Hoon during the five-day Jeonju Future Cities Forum, held from September 15 to 19 in South Korea.
Gangtok Mayor Bhutia and Gangtok Municipal Corporation Commissioner Gary Chopel represented the Sikkim capital at the forum. Its 2026 edition, themed “Global Urban Tourism: Evolving the Future,” brought together city leaders and experts to discuss innovative and sustainable urban development. The event was sponsored by the European Union under its International Urban and Regional Cooperation programme and coordinated by the Korea office of CITYNET, an international network of cities.
According to the Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Gangtok was the only South Asian city selected by the programme to participate in the forum. Chopel presented a presentation titled “A Vision for a Wellness City,” outlining Gangtok’s priorities and highlighting achievements made by the Sikkim government.
CITYNET Korea has also expressed interest in making Gangtok its only Indian partner city. Such a partnership could expand the capital’s access to global urban-policy expertise, knowledge networks and collaborative opportunities.
Jeonju, located in Jeonbuk State, is known for its cultural heritage, traditional architecture and cuisine. Its historic Hanok Village, which contains more than 700 traditional Korean houses, is recognised as an International Slow City. The city’s experience in preserving cultural assets while promoting tourism formed an important part of the partnership’s wider significance.
Original Source: https://www.sikkimexpress.com/news-details/gangtok-jeonju-cities-join-hands-for-sustainable-urban-tourism
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