House committee approves bill, resolution recognizing Incheon, South Korea as sister city

During a Georgia House committee meeting, members voted to pass House Bill 486 and adopted House Resolution 273 to recognize Incheon, South Korea, as a sister-city partner with the state, Representative Hong told the committee.

The measure, sponsored by Floor Leader Hong, asks the legislature to formally acknowledge a sister‑city relationship with Incheon, a major South Korean port city with an international airport. Hong said he included a letter from the mayor of Incheon and that the South Korean consul general supports the effort. "I would ask the committee to vote favorably for the bill and the resolution," Hong said.

Sponsor remarks noted economic ties between Georgia and South Korea, including a substantial Korean business presence in the state; Hong mentioned he was born in South Korea and described Incheon as a major port and airport hub. Chairman Wortheiser was identified in the discussion as supporting the effort.

Committee members moved and seconded the motions. Representative McLean is recorded as having moved passage of the bill; a second was heard and the committee approved the bill and then the resolution by voice votes. No roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript; the committee record indicates voice approval and that copies of the resolution would be distributed to members.

The resolution was offered partly as a backup in case the house bill encountered delay in the Senate, Representative Hong said. The transcript did not specify next steps for any formal delegation or exchange with Incheon beyond the recognition language.