By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Goryeong County, North Gyeongsang Province, discussed cultural, tourism, and arts cooperation with the Italian city of Cremona at the Seoul residence of Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto.

Cremona, located in Lombardy, Italy, is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and is renowned as the home of the world-renowned Stradivarius violin.

Goryeong County has signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) on mutual exchange and cooperation with Cremona, in 2014 and 2023.

This meeting was attended by approximately ten officials from both countries, including Goryeong County Gov. Lee Nam-cheol, Cremona Mayor Andrea Virgilio, and Italian Ambassador to Korea Emilia Gatto. They discussed in-depth cultural and arts exchanges and tourism cooperation between the two cities, focusing on the gayageum and violin.

Following the meeting, a dinner was held with representatives of the "Stradivarius Violin Exhibition," held at Dondeokjeon Hall in Deoksugung Palace from November 1st to 21st. The event also highlighted the historical significance and cultural potential of Goryeong County, designated as a former capital of Daegaya.

Goryeong County Governor Lee Nam-cheol stated, "This meeting with Cremona will be a cultural solidarity between UNESCO World Heritage cities and a new starting point for future-oriented exchanges. We will continue this exchange so that Goryeong County can further develop its cultural and artistic endeavors and achieve tangible results for its residents."