A small delegation from a South Korean island has spent the last few days in Lexington. They came from Jeju City and could be characterized as a sister city candidate. Kay Sargent is the director of Lexington’s Sister Cities program.
“They wanted to talk to us about future friendships, future partnerships. Things we can do together,” said Sargent.
Sargent said the South Korean island, like Fayette County, carries a strong equine emphasis.
Kang byongsam is mayor of the island community of half a million people. Speaking through an interpreter, he said his town and Lexington have an equine connection.
“We have a very long history about the horse, but it was not about the racing horses. It’s been a very short time for the racing horses history,” said byongsam.
In fact, the mayor says horse racing on the South Korean island started only about 30 years ago. The number one industry is tourism with upwards of 50 million visitors last year. Kay Sargent said the delegation met with the mayor Wednesday after a busy schedule Monday and Tuesday. Lexington currently has four sister cities in Ireland, France, Japan, and England.
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