The Dalbit Alliance

Daegu–Gwangju Exchange Tours

By Diariatou Gaye

Background of the Dalbit Alliance

the Gyeongsang and Jeolla provinces of South Korea have had historical and political conflicts. In particular, Daegu and Gwangju, as major cities representing the Gyeongsang and Jeolla areas, respectively, they show strong regional sentiments. These conflicts and emotions are clearly reflected in election results.

To resolve these long-festering regional conflicts, Daegu and Gwangju signed in March 2013 a joint cooperation agreement called the Dalbit Alliance. The name “Dalbit” comes from the first syllable of the old name for Daegu (Dalgubeol) and the first syllable of the old name for Gwangju (Bitgoeul). In addition, dalbit is a Korean word meaning “moonlight.” This Dalbit Alliance of exchange and cooperation aims to not only resolve the historical conflict between the Gyeongsang and Jeolla areas but also develop the two cities together, and this year, this alliance is expanding to various fields such as economy, art, education, sports, and finance.

Introduction of the Dalbit Alliance Project in 2024

Earlier this year, a special law for the construction of the Dalbit Railway, connecting Daegu and Gwangju, was passed. The railway is planned to open by 2030 and is expected to play a significant role in creating a large economic zone between the two cities. Additionally, this summer saw the Dalbit Alliance in action in the fields of sports, culture, and the arts. A football match between Gwangju FC and Daegu FC was held in Daegu, while baseball games between the Daegu Samsung Lions and the Kia Tigers took place in both Daegu and Gwangju. In e-sports, a friendly match between Daegu’s Suseong University and Gwangju’s Chosun Institute of Science and Technology was held at the Gwangju e-Sports Arena.

In September, the Daegu City Symphony Orchestra performed in Gwangju, and in November, the Gwangju City Opera is scheduled to perform at an opera festival in Daegu. Last month, iM Bank (formerly DGB Daegu Bank) and Gwangju Bank also signed a financial support agreement to promote regional financial institutions. Furthermore, the Dalbit Alliance has been realized in various forms this year, including mutual donations between Daegu and Gwangju, women’s associations from both cities holding joint meetings, cross-participation in food fairs, and tourism photo exchange exhibitions.

Dalbit Tour of Historical Site

As part of the Dalbit Alliance, the Gwangju International Center, in collaboration with the Gwangju Regional Office of Patriots and Veterans Affairs, organized a field trip program to sites of historical significance in August, September, and October. The purpose of these trips was to promote a correct understanding of history and foster a spirit of patriotism by visiting historical sites in each region.

In August, seven families from Gwangju participated in a two-day visit to Daegu, where they explored such sites as the 2.28 Democratic Movement Memorial Hall, the Daegu Modern History Museum, and the National Debt Repayment Movement Memorial Hall. In October, middle and high school students from Gwangju visited Daegu following the same itinerary. In September, a day trip was organized for 15 Gwangju elementary school students to explore significant historical sites in their own city, including Jeonnam Girls’ High School, the birthplace of the Gwangju Student Movement; the April 19 Democratic Revolution Memorial Hall; and the Student Independence Movement Memorial Hall. By visiting key locations of democratic movements in their city and then in Daegu, the students were able to deepen their understanding of the historical significance of the Dalbit Alliance.

Dalbit Alliance for the Future

The Dalbit Alliance is not stopping at this; it is expected to expand more steadily and extensively in the future. The Dalbit Alliance has now become a brand beyond simple cooperation. With the Dalbit Alliance as a stepping stone, it is worth looking forward to respect and win-win development of local culture in Daegu and Gwangju, and also the surrounding Gyeongsang and Jeolla areas.