By Honorary Reporter Ing Yeen Oh from Malaysia
Photos = Peter Bint

Peter Bint has lived over 15 years in Seoul. As the host of the Arirang Radio Daily K, which introduces Korean culture to international audiences, the British expat is one of this year's 17 honorary citizens of the capital named by the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Nov. 26.

The designation goes to foreign residents who have helped connect Seoul with the world as well as contribute to the city's development and daily life there.

Bint was cited for promoting Seoul and Korean culture and sharing everyday life in the capital through his show and his YouTube channel.

The following are excerpts from an Instagram interview with him from Dec. 8-11.

Peter Bint on Nov. 26 poses with his certificate of appointment and bouquet at Seoul City Hall.

Briefly introduce yourself.

My mom's Korean and my dad's British but I grew up in London. I first came here as a kid on family trips, but I've lived in Seoul for over 15 years now. Now, Seoul feels just as much like home as the U.K.

What first brought you to Seoul and what made you stay?

I'd visited countless times growing up thanks to my mom, but moving here in my early 20s was a different experience. I loved the fast-paced lifestyle, energy and feeling as the city reinvented itself every year. That rapid development pulled me in, and I just never left.

How would you describe your radio show?

Daily K covers all aspects of Korean culture but when it comes to events, travel and experiences, Seoul naturally dominates the conversation. For nine years, we've been introducing foreign listeners to everything Seoul has to offer like festivals, museums, neighborhoods, traditions and new trends.

What other contributions or activities do you think helped your nomination?

I've been involved in Seoul-related events, cultural programs, museum collaborations and English–Korean content projects that help bridge the cultural gap. Hosting public programs, participating in tourism campaigns and doing bilingual work across media probably all helped.

What does being a Seoul honorary citizen mean to you?

Receiving the title means the world — or should I say the city. Seoul isn't just where I work and live, it's where I built my career, family and community. To be recognized by the city is a huge privilege and sign that my efforts to introduce Seoul to the world have mattered.

What aspects of Seoul are you most passionate about promoting?

I love showcasing Seoul's mix of old and new, traditional markets next to futuristic architecture, neighborhood cultures, food trends, parks, riverside life and warmth of its people. I enjoy helping foreigners understand the city beyond K-pop and dramas and showing the everyday beauty of living here.

What challenges did you face in living in Seoul and how did you overcome them?

Language was a challenge at first. I spoke it a bit but certain administrative systems and documents were incredibly difficult to navigate. But the more I immersed myself through work, friendships and family, the easier it became. In Korea, if you show genuine interest and respect, people respond warmly.

What do you love most about living in Seoul?

The convenience is unbeatable, from transportation to food delivery to safety. But more than that, it's the sense of community I've built here. My colleagues, listeners and friends have made Seoul feel truly like home.

Peter Bint poses with the city's official mascot Haechi.

What advice do you have for expats who want to join the Seoul community?

Try to participate actively. Learn Korean, explore neighborhoods, join city events and be open to cultural differences. Seoul embraces people who embrace it back.

Any upcoming projects or goals?

I'm working on new bilingual cultural content, expanding several of my English-learning projects and exploring more storytelling formats highlighting both Seoul and Korea as a whole. And I'll continue my journey on Daily K, hopefully for many more years.

This year's winners of Seoul honorary citizenship pose for a group photo.

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.