Park Heong-joon sits beside Nome Mayor Kenny Hughes at a roundtable discussion at Old St. Joe's Church in Nome, Jan. 6, 2026. Ben Townsend/ KNOM

Korean Delegation Visits Nome, Tours Port Facilities

Nome Port Director, Joy Baker, gives a tour of the Port of Nome to Park Heong-joon, mayor of the South Korean port city of Busan. Ben Townsend/ KNOM.

The mayor of Busan, South Korea’s second‑largest city, visited Nome early January to explore potential cooperation centered on Arctic infrastructure and trade, including the future of the Port of Nome.

Mayor Park Heong‑joon and his delegation, which included representatives from the Korean Consulate in Anchorage and South Korean media, met with local leaders and toured key facilities. Port Director Joy Baker led a walk through the port, highlighting areas planned for deepening and expansion – part of a long‑anticipated project to allow larger vessels to dock.

Before coming to Nome, Heong-joon signed a “Friendship City” agreement and met with Governor Mike Dunleavy. He described his Alaska visits as “a good opportunity” to promote cooperation on new projects.

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