Sligo BID Hosts South Korean Delegation for Night-Time Economy Visit

Sligo, Ireland – Sligo BID (Business Improvement District) was delighted to host a delegation of 28 representatives from 11 South Korean cities on Sunday, 15th December, to explore Sligo’s vibrant Night-Time Economy. The distinguished group, which included Professor Gan Hoan Jeong, President of IDEA Asia and Director of the Korean Night-Time Economy and Tourism Research Center, was eager to learn from Sligo’s unique success in fostering a thriving night-time culture.

The delegation also featured notable figures such as the former Korean Ambassador to Atlanta, USA, the Director of the Department of Cultural Tourism for Yesan, and even the designer of Hanbok costumes for the K-Pop group BTS. These leaders, from diverse backgrounds, were particularly interested in how a town with a smaller population like Sligo could cultivate such a robust Night-Time Economy that serves both locals and visitors alike.

Sligo was one of only four European locations selected for the delegation’s tour, and the visitors were impressed by the community and business efforts that have led to a flourishing schedule of high-quality events, festivals and initiatives.

The delegation’s visit began with a warm welcome at Sligo City Hall from Cathaoirleach Declan Bree, who praised the wide range of Sligo-based organisations and projects contributing to the Night-Time Economy.

Sligo BID CEO Gail McGibbon provided an overview of Ireland’s approach to the Night-Time Economy, including the Purple Flag structure that recognizes excellence in managing evening and night-time activities. Tuhin Batra from the ATU Sligo shared key findings from his ongoing research into the economic value and employment opportunities linked to the Night-Time Economy, while Edel Doran, Sligo Town’s Night-Time Economy Advisor, presented Sligo’s Night-Time Economy Action Plan and the town’s innovative pilot projects.

The delegation also had the opportunity to visit the Yeats Society Sligo, where they were introduced to the town’s literary heritage. Despite a minor translation challenge for their translator involving “clay and wattles made” from W.B. Yeats’ The Lake Isle of Innisfree, the visitors thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Upon arrival in Queen Maeve Square, the delegation was greeted by the festive sight of the Sligo Town Christmas Tree, displaying both the Irish and South Korean flags. The visit concluded with an evening at Thomas Connolly’s Pub, where they enjoyed traditional Irish music and Guinness, celebrating the rich cultural exchange between Sligo and South Korea.

Over the last ten years having worked with so many voluntary and community groups, the Local Authority, the Gardaí, the many festivals and events and local businesses, Sligo BID is delighted that international researchers and cities see Sligo town as a case study to follow.