Santa Rosa Vice Mayor Mark Stapp Meets the Mayor of Jeju, South Korea

Santa Rosa City Vice Mayor Mark Stapp recently met with Mayor Byung-sam Kang of Santa Rosa's sister city, Jeju, in South Korea. Jeju is the capital of the Jeju Province in South Korea, located on an island south of the Korean Peninsula. While an impromptu meeting, the gathering strengthens ties between the sister cities.

During this first meeting since 2019, Vice Mayor Stapp conveyed warm greetings from Mayor Rogers, emphasizing the need to reignite the relationship between the cities. Mayor Kang reciprocated the greetings and appreciated the visit, noting Santa Rosa's unique status as Jeju's only U.S. sister city.

Cultural exchanges included Mayor Kang offering fresh carrot juice, as Jeju grows 60% of the carrots used by Korea, and a book on Jeju's history. Vice Mayor Stapp presented a Peanuts sculpture and two bottles of world-class Sonoma County wine, which Mayor Kang appreciated.

Discussions touched on past student exchanges and potential reinstatement of the practice. The meeting concluded with Mayor Kang expressing interest in visiting Sonoma County, reciprocating an invitation extended by Councilmember Stapp.

Both parties expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations, indicating a promising future for the strong relationship between Santa Rosa and Jeju.