In the run-up to the G20 Seoul Summit, Korea IT Times interviewed Oh Se-hoon, Mayor of Seoul, to learn about Seoul's preparations for the G20 Summit and the expected outcome of the international gathering. Since the G20 Seoul Summit is the first to be held in an emerging market economy, there is no denying that it is of great significance to Korea, especially Seoul.
The G20 Summit is expected to serve as a forum for striking consensus on thorny issues as well as a golden opportunity for large-scale city marketing. Mayer Oh pinned high hopes on the G20 Summit and is anticipating each and every bead of sweat shed by those involved in the preparatory process will be appreciated and recognized as their efforts are brought to fruition, resulting in the G20 participants' having a favorable impression of Seoul.
Q: First of all, we would like to hear your personal thoughts about hosting the G20 Seoul Summit, which will be the first G20 Summit held in Asia.
A: For starters, I would like to offer a heart-felt welcome to the G20 heads of state and delegations who have visited Seoul in the run-up to the G20 Summit.
Hosting the G20 Summit itself has made us tremendously proud, but at the same time we feel that a great amount of responsibility has fallen on our shoulders. As you know, Seoul hasn't been seen as being at the center of world history. At best, Seoul has been perceived as the capital of an emerging market economy and a promising city that strenuously plays catch-up to stay abreast of other global cities' economies and cultural trends.
However, with the hosting of the G20 Summit, Seoul will be remembered as the first Asian city that pulled off the G20 Summit and as the first G20 Summit venue outside the G7 member nations.
This is indeed an epoch-making event that will enhance Korea' position on the international stage. As a matter of fact, if the G20 Summit ends successfully, the international standing of Seoul, not to mention that of Korea, will be appreciably elevated to a member of the developed world from one of the emerging market economies.
Yet the G20 Summit doesn't last long. We have made all-out efforts to demonstrate as many features as possible that Seoul has to offer in the short time provided. So, I hope you attain substantial results during the G20 Summit and your stay here; enjoy the unique beauty of Seoul and leave with a lasting impression.
Q: Is holding the G20 Summit of great significance to Seoul
A: The G20 Seoul Summit will serve as a golden opportunity for massive city marketing: the unique beauty of Seoul will be introduced to the world, an increase in the number of foreign visitors, the creation of jobs in line with huge economic value and reinforced national competitiveness are among the expected results.
This is because the G20 Summit participants are global heavyweights who set global economic trends and grab the headlines of international media. In fact, when the guests return to their nations after the G20 Summit, they will have the opportunity to talk about Seoul through various mediums, thereby spreading by word of mouth Seoul's' many attributes. By leaving certain impressions on first-time visitors of Seoul, in the end, comments made by the world's highest-ranking figures will determine the image and impression that is disseminated. Their memories of Seoul will have negative or positive effects on Seoul-bound investments and the number of foreign visitors to Seoul.
In that sense, to introduce Seoul's unique appeal, Seoul Metropolitan Government and the central government have joined forces to craft a variety of programs.
If G20 participants leave Seoul with the impression that Seoul is a kind, clean city that loves art and culture and lets the rest of the world perceive Seoul in that manner, each and every bead of sweat we shed for the past several months will be justly rewarded.
Q: As you mentioned, the G20 Summit is a great opportunity to make Seoul better known to the rest of the world. What kind of images do you hope to come up first when foreign visitors think of Seoul
A: I think Seoul' strengths lie with the convergence of daily life and state-of-the-art IT. As such, Seoul's IT, I am sure, is second to none in the world. For example, foreign visitor are often bowled over by the mixture of daily life and cutting-edge IT Korea offers it's citizens: Korean commuters google what they want to know, watch TV, surf the internet and even shop online on buses or subways. That's just the beginning. Seoul's entire administrative processes are open to anyone through IT. In addition, the online governance program "oasis.seoul.go.kr" paves the way for people to participate in the Seoul Metropolitan Government's administration.
In other words, IT has brought to fruition transparent administration and open administration, which are ideal models of the 21st century. Seoul's pioneering technology is truly worthy of your attention.
What's more, Seoul boasts of natural beauty: the Han River runs through the center of the city and there are 20 streams and beautiful mountains surrounding the metropolitan area. Moreover, Seoul's history dates back 600 years. Seoul's time-honored, rich history will greatly appeal to foreign visitors. Furthermore, the multitude of cultural events, slated to be held during the G20 Summit, will clearly show that Seoul is a fun-loving, highly cultured artistic city.
On top of that, Seoul was named by UNESCO a City of Design. As you know, UNESCO doesn't randomly pick any city and designate it as a UNESCO City of Design. Granting Seoul this prestigious title, UNESCO commented, "Seoul has ample cultural design assets and is determined to implement a strong design policy. Seoul's prowess in design has a high possibility of contributing to the global economy and less aesthetically beautiful cities can take their cues from Seoul."
Therefore, Seoul's history, traditional culture, natural resources, world-class IT and UNESCO-approved designs will be main themes of the press tours and experience tours. Such programs are designed to help visitors see, hear, and feel the true aspects of Seoul and understand why UNESCO named Seoul as a UNESCO City of Design.
Q: Last, but not least, please name a few tourist spots you strongly recommend to foreign visitors of Seoul.
A: There are so many, but since you can't see them all, I guess I have to narrow them down to two attractions: one is Gwanghwamun Plaza, in downtown Seoul, and the other is the Han River Noeul Park.
For starters, Gwanghwamun Plaza will best showcase how IT and Seoul's rich history and the beautiful scenery blend together. Once you go to Gwanghwamun Plaza, you will find plenty of historical assets. Among them are underground exhibition halls called the Story of King Sejong and the Story of Chungmugong, in which the convergence of Seoul's 600-year-old history and IT will illustrate for you a new type of storytelling. When you stand at the center of Gwanghwamun Plaza facing the statue of King Sejong, you will have a panoramic view of the King Sejong statue, Gwanghwamun (the main gate to Gyeongbokgung Palace) and Mt. Bukak. The scenic panoramic view will be imbedded in your mind for years and years to come.
The other is the Han River Noeul Park. Seeing the Han River being painted in red at dusk is a jaw dropping experience. More surprising is that the beautifully landscaped Han River Noeul Park which used to be a landfill. The landfill-turned eco-friendly park is frequented by thousands of visitors on weekends. The Noeul Park is excellent ecologically and goes well with the Han River, which has been referred to as Seoul's pride.
When you visit Noeul Park, make sure you imagine the way it must have looked before and compare it with the way it looks now. There is a plethora of tourist attractions out there, but considering your hectic schedule, I hope you indulge in the true beauty of Seoul on your second visit to Korea.
