Mayor Norton Visits Rochester’s Sister City in South Korea
Mayor Norton Visits Rochester’s Sister City in South Korea
July 2, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – Mayor Kim Norton recently returned from a visit to Siheung City, South Korea, Rochester’s Sister City since 2008. She joined Winona State University Professor Joel Traver and a group of students during the final days of their educational visit aimed at strengthening international partnerships and exploring shared opportunities in technology, sustainability and culture.
Mayor Norton was welcomed by staff from Siheung’s International Relations Department and spent two and a half days touring the city. Her visit included stops at historic sites, universities, business districts and energy facilities offering valuable insight into both the similarities and differences between Rochester and Siheung City.
“This visit allowed us to explore ways our cities can continue learning from each other,” said Mayor Norton. “Whether it is workforce training, renewable energy or cultural understanding, we all benefit from strong global relationships like the one we share with Siheung.”
To gain cultural and historical context, the group visited Gyeongbokgung Palace built in 1395 along with Bukchon Hanok Village and the National Museum of Korea.
On Thursday students and Mayor Norton participated in a formal meeting at Siheung City Hall with Mayor Lim, the Council President and department heads. The delegation was warmly welcomed with traditional music and dance performances by professional artists followed by a luncheon at a local environmental park.
Later that day the group toured the Siheung Global Bio Campus and the Tech University of Korea where they observed hands-on training in robotics, virtual learning and clean lab environments. The day concluded at Wavepark, a major economic development site on Turtle Island, where students enjoyed a surfing experience and learned about tourism development since 2018.
Before returning home Mayor Norton visited the Sihwa Lake Tidal Power Plant, one of the world’s largest tidal energy sites, and its interactive museum which showcases renewable energy technology in a family-friendly hands-on format.
The Sister City relationship between Rochester and Siheung City promotes cultural exchange, education and collaboration on shared challenges and opportunities. It is anticipated that a delegation from Siheung City will visit Rochester in 2026.