Renewed Street Brings Fresh Vitality to Korean-American Friendship

USAG DAEGU, South Korea -- United States Army Garrison Daegu held the Korean-American Friendship Street Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Oct. 16, in front of Camp Walker Gate #4. USAG Daegu Commander Col. Robert P. Mann, Command Sgt. Maj. Juan A. Abreu, Mr. William C. Butcher, USAG Daegu Deputy to the Garrison Commander, and the garrison directorates attended the ceremony to represent the U.S. Army. Representatives of the Korean local community included Mr. Lim, Byong-hoen, Nam-gu Mayor, Mr. Suh, Sok-man, Nam-gu Council chairman, Pak, Il-hwan, Daegu city councilman, and Pak, Woo-geun, Chairperson, U.S. Army Counter-measure committee, Nam-gu Council.

"We are happy to introduce this friendship street," said chairman Suh. "I have a great hope not only concerning the Korean-American Friendship Street but this ribbon cutting itself becoming an another big moment that will stimulate the local community to improve our relationship with the U.S."

The project goal of Korean-American Friendship Street is to contribute to activation of local economy with improving urban infrastructures around the U.S. Army installation and promote a communication foothold between the local and U.S. communities.

"This is a really unique opportunity to get all the U.S. and Korean sides together, including the Army, Council, and shop owners. I am looking forward from this day that we continue this harmonious relationship and develop this gathering into a regular social event," added Suh.

The project began March 24 and was completed September 21 costing 1.2 billion Won (approximately One Million Dollars). The project changed the gray and old-fashioned Sam-jung road into a bright and themed street to create a culture, communication and animated area for the U.S. Army family members, visitors and local residents.

"Korea and U.S. share a strong and special alliance which goes back to 1950 when the Korean War started," said Mayor Lim. "Along with our allies, we work together to strengthen our friendship even more solidly, and this street represents our tight bond."

"Our motto at USAG Daegu is 'Make A Difference,'" said Mann. "As I stand here looking at the new Korean American Friendship Street, I recognize how much you have committed to improving the quality of life for everyone. This street is a symbol of our friendship and alliance, and your community truly has made a difference."

The street is 470 meters long, 11 meters wide and replacing drainpipes, establishing sidewalks, replacing 21 LED street lights, creating five green zones, developing wall paintings on the Singhung mansion, six foot copperplate engravings, 152 Korean and English written sign boards and a landscape board that explains the Korean-American friendship street.