Kuching Establishes Korea’s Guro Street — Malaysia’s First Street Named After a Korean City

(Kuching, 31st) Kuching today officially established “Guro Street,” becoming Malaysia’s first street named after a Korean city, marking a new milestone in the deepening relationship between Sarawak and Korea.

Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr. Sim Kui Hian, who officiated the launch event, stated that this historic move reflects that Sarawak-Korea relations have developed from friendly interactions into economic cooperation, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections.

He said: “This is not only the official naming of a street in Kuching South, nor is it merely a recognition of a friendship built on mutual trust, commitment, and support.”

“More importantly, this is the first time a street in Kuching South has been named after a foreign city, and Korea is the first country to have a city named street in Kuching South.”

Sim Kui Hian pointed out that the naming of Guro Street also reflects Korea’s growing influence in Sarawak, with increasing numbers of investments, businesses, students, and professionals from Korea over the years.

He cited Korean chemical enterprise OCI as an example, noting that since 2019 the company has invested over USD 2 billion in Sarawak and set up its headquarters in Kuching.

He said Guro Street will serve as a permanent symbol, reminding people that although Kuching and Seoul’s Guro District are far apart, both sides share a common vision and are committed to working together.

“As the minister in charge of local government affairs, I have always believed that today’s cities must look beyond their own boundaries. Successful cities don’t develop in isolation; they proactively learn from others, share experiences, and establish partnerships that create opportunities for their people.”

“This is exactly what Kuching South has been doing.”

Sim Kui Hian stated that since the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) established cooperation with Guro District in 2013, their relationship has long surpassed ceremonial exchanges and produced tangible results through knowledge sharing, cultural exchanges, youth development, tourism promotion, business connections, and urban management cooperation.

He pointed out that the relationship is reciprocal, as there is already a 'Kuching South-ro' in Seoul’s Guro District, and now Guro Street has become the newest symbol of this long-standing partnership between the two cities.

He described Guro District, with a population of about 400,000, as Korea’s hub for digital and high-tech industries, and as Sarawak actively promotes its Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) centered on digitalization and digital economy, Guro District naturally becomes an important partner for Sarawak.

He added that Korean interest in Sarawak continues to rise, particularly in renewable energy, the hydrogen economy, carbon capture and storage, and the future development of natural gas in southern Sarawak.

Besides business and investment, Sim Kui Hian also called for strengthened youth and cultural exchanges, suggesting that the winners of Sarawak’s K-pop competition be invited to perform at festivals in Guro District to foster closer ties among the younger generation.

He also mentioned longstanding cooperation between the two sides in emergency services, noting that Seoul’s fire department had donated two fire engines to Kuching, and Sarawak’s fire officers had attended management and training courses in Seoul.

Sim Kui Hian emphasized that Guro Street is not just a street name, but also demonstrates how city-to-city diplomacy can strengthen bilateral relationships.

He said: “Don’t underestimate the naming of a street. It represents national identity, friendship, and culture.”

He also suggested that whenever Kuching South City Council holds events on Guro Street in the future, the flags of Korea, Malaysia, and Sarawak should all be displayed, since the street symbolizes not just Guro District but also the enduring friendship between Korea and Sarawak.

Attendees at the launch event included Guro District Head Jang Inhong, Guro District Council Chairman Kim Chulsoo, Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, Deputy Mayor Datuk Zaidi Suhaili, and Kota Samarahan Council Chairman Abang Ismawi Abang Ali.