Chuncheon, Italy’s Parma Expand Sister-City Cooperation Beyond Gastronomy and Education

【Financial News, Chuncheon = Reporter Kim Ki-seop】A Chuncheon delegation is strengthening cooperation with its sister city Parma through a packed schedule in the Italian city that included a dakgalbi tasting event and a fresh-pasta-making experience.
According to Chuncheon on the 20th, the delegation met with Parma Mayor Michele Guerra at Parma City Hall on the 18th local time. They reviewed exchanges carried out since the two cities established sister-city ties last September and agreed to develop cooperation projects in various areas, including gastronomy, education, culture and tourism.
The delegation then visited ALMA International School of Italian Cuisine, a world-renowned culinary education institution, to discuss ways to nurture young culinary talent. Students from Gangwon Life Science High School have received training in pastry and baking as well as Italian cuisine there over the past two years.
An event was also held to introduce Chuncheon to Parma residents. At the San Paolo cultural complex, Chuncheon promotional ambassador Alberto Mondi gave a special lecture, followed by a dakgalbi tasting event. Chuncheon chefs prepared the dish themselves, while students from Liceo Romagnosi High School performed music. On the 19th, local chefs accompanying the delegation made fresh pasta with Parma chefs and visited the Salumi and Cheese Academy to learn about the production and aging processes for Parma’s cured meats and cheeses.
On the 20th local time, the delegation will tour a Parmigiano Reggiano production facility before taking part in the ‘Four Hands Dinner (Cena a Quattro Mani)’ at the Al Vedel restaurant. Parma executive chef Enrico Bergonzi and the chefs of Chuncheon Tongnamujip Dakgalbi will present dishes that combine ingredients and cooking techniques from the two cities.
On the 21st, the delegation will hold a working-level international exchange meeting to discuss future projects, including cooperation under ‘CIAO ITALIA’ in 2027 and participation in the Chuncheon Makguksu & Dakgalbi Festival. It also plans to visit Liceo Romagnosi High School and global food company BARILLA to explore student exchanges and the culinary industry.
Deputy Mayor Hyun Jun-tae said, "By spending time with Parma residents through the dakgalbi tasting event and fresh-pasta-making experience, we were able to envision the future the two cities will create together." He added, "We will carry out the projects discussed this time without overlooking any details and create results that residents of both cities can genuinely experience."

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