Start of Friendship City Relationship with Anchorage, Alaska: Inaugural Partnership with Arctic North America
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Start of Friendship City Relationship with Anchorage, Alaska: Inaugural Partnership with Arctic North America
□ On January 5, 2026, at 10:30 local time at Anchorage City Hall, Busan Metropolitan City concluded a friendship city agreement with Anchorage, Alaska’s largest port city.
○ The visit aligned with Busan’s efforts to position itself as a global center by strengthening networks with North America and establishing functional exchange mechanisms with Alaska, a pivotal node for Arctic-based maritime transportation.
□ Mayor Park Hyeong-joon and Mayor Suzanne LaFrance signed the agreement.
○ The two leaders pledged cooperation across multiple fields—logistics, tourism, culture, energy, and workforce—leveraging mutual geographical and industrial advantages.
□ Anchorage is Busan’s first friendship city in the North American Arctic region and is expected to act as a stepping stone for extending its diplomatic and economic footprint in the northern United States.
○ The pact with Anchorage, a flagship cargo and flight base bridging North America and Asia, is significant in bolstering ties between Busan Port and the Don Young Port of Alaska (formerly the Port of Anchorage)*, including prospective Arctic route development.
* Originally the Port of Anchorage, the facility was rebranded as the Port of Alaska in 2020 to underscore its role in Alaska’s supply chain and economy. In 2024, it was renamed the Don Young Port of Alaska to honor Don Young, the state’s longest-serving representative.
□ At the Alaska Government Office, the Busan delegation also met with Governor Mike Dunleavy.
○ Mayor Park shared Busan’s vision as a global hub, and both parties confirmed common interests in areas such as energy, natural resources, and Arctic shipping preparation.
○ Dialogues covered combined endeavors, like organizing Arctic Port forums and promoting policy and private-sector engagements between Busan and Alaska.
□ Mayor Park commented, “Anchorage is North America’s gateway with tremendous potential. This friendship city accord marks a crucial turning point for Busan’s rise as a global hub. We will pursue business-focused interactions that generate tangible returns and employment.”
