July is an exciting month for Cottonwood Heights! Along with the historic Butlerville Days celebrations and annual summer musical put on by the Cottonwood Heights Arts Council, Cottonwood Heights will gain a sister (city) July 5. 

The Friendship Agreement between Incheon, Yeongsu-gu, South Korea and Cottonwood Heights will be finalized July 5 during a delegation dinner led by Cottonwood Heights Councilmember Matt Holton. 

Holton personally paid to have a gold beehive commissioned (no city money was spent) as a gift to honor and celebrate the friendships between the two cultures. It now sits in Incheon’s City Hall representing Utah and the friendship between the two cities. (Photo courtesy Councilmember Matthew Holton)

“I encourage all residents to join in welcoming our friends…and to take advantage of the cultural experiences during their visit. Let’s come together to celebrate diversity, build lasting relationships, and strengthen the bonds of our community,” wrote Holton in his previous Council Spotlight (Between the Canyons: April ed.). 

Holton has been awaiting the opportunity to formalize this sister city relationship for years. While he is certainly excited about the official signing ceremony, his enthusiasm lies with the opportunity to guide the South Korean delegation through the beauty of the Cottonwood Canyons and showcase the warmth and community spirit of the city residents. 

“This sister city relationship goes beyond a formal agreement—it’s a bridge that connects our communities through culture, education and economic opportunities,” wrote Holton. 

In addition to the formal delegation, 30-40 students from South Korea will be visiting Cottonwood Heights. Their purpose in visiting Cottonwood Heights is to show gratitude toward the last remaining Korean War veterans. 

Formalizing a sister city relationship was one of Holton’s personal goals while serving on the council. In February 2024, he noted in the annual city budget retreat that he would like to begin conversations to gain Incheon as a sister city. 

By September of that year, Holton and Mayor Mike Weichers were packing their bags to travel to South Korea to meet Mayor Jaeho Lee and the elected councilmembers in person. The main purpose of their visit was to sign a letter of intent per the statutory rules in South Korea. 

“Seeing my dad’s world projected into my mom’s world was an overwhelming experience,” said Holton while reflecting on their travels on Oct. 1, 2024.

LOI for Friendly Exchange Agreement between Yeonsu-gu District and Cottonwood Heights. Former Mayor Cullimore was not there to represent the city as he was already in Korean for his own employment and the Governor personally invited him. (Photo courtesy Councilmember Matthew Holton)

Weichers and Holton filled their extra time by learning about the culture and appreciating the knowledge of the leadership. Mayor Lee and his wife showed the Cottonwood Heights councilmembers how to make kimchi from scratch. Weichers and Holton also sat in tea circles and learned how to dye silk. 

“We put a lot of different effort into being there,” said Holton. 

The Korean Delegation Dinner and Friendship Agreement Signing Ceremony will take place at Cottonwood Heights City Hall (2277 Bengal Blvd.) on Saturday, July 5, at 6 p.m. 

The dinner will be sponsored by America First Credit Union in partnership with the Korean American Federation of Utah and the Korean Chamber of Commerce of Utah. Through these partnerships, a new scholarship will be available for Cottonwood Heights high school students through the Canyons School District Foundation to travel to Korea to meet, study and socialize with students in Incheon next summer. All funding is through private donations. 

Holton invites city residents who have “ties to Korea through family, church missions, military service, business or any other connection…” to join him at the table during the Delegation Dinner. 

Residents interested in attending can email Holton at [email protected] to receive an invitation. λ

Visiting the University of Utah Asia campus with their leadership including President Taylor Randall and his wife. (Photo courtesy Councilmember Matthew Holton)