About 250 members from the US, Canada and beyond attend homecoming event
The Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City co-hosted the 2026 World Honam Association Hometown Visit event with the World Honam Association General Federation and North Jeolla Province from Friday through Sunday, the city announced Monday.
About 250 members of the Honam diaspora from the United States, Canada, Japan, China, Australia and other countries took part in the event.
Participants toured sites including Gwanghallu Garden in Namwon, the National May 18th Democratic Cemetery, the Gwangju Biennale, the Yeosu World Island Expo venue and the Namdo Righteous Army History Museum, experiencing the history and culture of their home region.
At a "World Honam Day" ceremony held in Seo-gu, Gwangju, 10 members received commendation plaques for their contributions to local communities and the association.
The World Honam Association General Federation also donated 42 million won ($30,900) in scholarships for local students.
"I am grateful to the members who have lived out the spirit of unity under the name of Honam and worked hard for the development of their hometown and for the next generation," Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City Mayor Min Hyeong-bae said. "We will continue to stand in solidarity with Honam people around the world."
sij@heraldcorp.com
