Racalmas is a central Hungarian town, located on the right hand side of the river Danube, and is home to some 4,500 people. 
It’s also home to Hankook Tire’s lone European factory, and the tiremaker’s contribution to the region was formally acknowledged on Aug. 20 when company vice chairman and global CEO Seung-Hwa Suh was made an honorary citizen of RÁcalmÁs.
During his visit to Racalmas on St. Stephen Day, the day on which the founding of the Hungarian state is celebrated, Suh inaugurated a Hankook-sponsored playground at a local kindergarten. The honorary citizenship certification was then presented to Suh by RÁcalmÁs mayor IstvÁn Schrick during an inauguration ceremony for a new wing at the town’s elementary and art school.
“I am deeply honoured to having been awarded by the city of RÁcalmÁs and am proud to be here. RÁcalmÁs is a very cooperative partner since the very beginning of our investments here. In those few years our company and the city have grown and will grow together, both benefiting from this exemplary partnership” said Suh.
In the past two and a half years RÁcalmÁs has received around 5.4 million euros in financing, mostly from the European Union, for development projects. The local tax paid by Hankook provided the financial background needed for participating in the EU tenders. “RÁcalmÁs received the ‘township’ title just a year ago,” commented mayor Schrick. “On the occasion of the first RÁcalmÁs days we look back on the developments of the past years with pride and pleasure. In the recognition of Hankook Tire’s vital role in it and to express our appreciation, we are pleased to bestow honorary citizenship to Suh.” (Tyres & Accessories)
