Vice Seoul Mayor I for Administrative Affairs Kim Eui Seung (fifth from right in front row) on Dec. 9 last year poses for a group photo with 18 expats receiving honorary citizenship from the city government at a ceremony held at Seoul City Hall. (Seoul Metropolitan Government)
By Yoo Yeon Gyeong
The Seoul Metropolitan Government through early July will accept nominations of expats in the capital for honorary citizenship.
The city on May 24 said the nomination period is from May 25 to July 6 and requested nominations of people who have contributed to municipal development with a "special affection."
Open to expats who have lived in Seoul for three consecutive years or at least a combined five, the honor recognizes those who significantly raised the city's status both at home and abroad or greatly contributed to better living and cultural activities for residents, municipal economic development, and adoption of advanced technologies in fields such as science and technology.
Nominations can be made through recommendations from the heads of public or social organizations or at least 30 signatures of city residents.
The city will confirm the candidates' merits and conduct a rigorous review through a committee of experts in urban affairs and international exchange. The winning candidates will be selected with the consent of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, with the awarding of the certificates slated for November or December.
Since 1958, the city has granted honorary citizenship to 915 expats from 100 countries.
Last year's honorees included Mexican Secretary of Foreign Affairs Marcelo Luis Ebrard Casaubon, Hungarian Ambassador to Korea Mozes Csoma and Mexican Ambassador to Korea Bruno Figueroa Fischer. Eighteen expats from 16 countries also received the designation for raising the capital's status through contributions in fields like culture, economy, and science and technology.
The city's official website (www.seoul.go.kr) will introduce the latest honorary citizens, who will also receive invitations to events hosted by the municipal government and opportunities to participate in urban affairs. They will also get free admission to Seoul Grand Park and Seoul Botanic Park and discounts to see exhibitions at Seoul Museum of Art.
"Seoul has many great expats who call the city their second home and act as role models for both Koreans and non-nationals in a range of fields," Deputy Seoul Mayor for Economic Policy Kim Tae-kyoon said. "Please actively recommend these people as candidates to encourage them as granting them honorary citizenship will further enhance Seoul's appeal and global standing."
dusrud21@korea.kr