November 9, 2010 - Mayor Oh held briefings regarding to the theme, "Seoul, a Truly Global City," for the international media. The mayor described the Seoul Metropolitan Government's efforts to transform Seoul into not only a city that foreigners want to visit, but also a place in which they want to invest and live.
Mayor Oh met the international media at 5 p.m. at the Media Center of COEX, the main venue of the G20 Seoul Summit 2010. He invited international media and members of the international media correspondents residing in Seoul for a dinner briefing at Fradia, a restaurant in Hangang Park(Jamwon area) with a beautiful view of the Han River. A question-and-answer session is also planned during the briefing at Fradia.
Seoul, a Global Top 10 City
Mayor Oh stressed that the G20 Seoul Summit 2010 offers a great opportunity to make Seoul better known to the world and promote tourism and foreign investment in the city.
The Mayor's briefing focused on describing to the international media how Seoul is changing into a global city friendly to foreigners. In addition to a 600-year history as the capital city of Korea and its beautiful landscape, the city is also a place where cutting-edge IT technology is in full bloom. Mayor Oh explained that the city government has been adding the elements of design and culture to the city based on these unique features and that as a result, Seoul is being reborn as a global city that is amiable to foreigners.
Foreigners Want to Experience Seoul not only as Tourists, but also as Investors and Residents of the City
Mayor Oh summarized the charms of the city into the phrase "Seoul - a city that foreigners want to experience not only as tourists, but also as investors and residents."
Tourism
Seoul offers many tourist attractions to international visitors, which include the eco-friendly the Hangang (Han River), Gwanghwamun (Gate), a symbol of Seoul's legacy, the sleepless Dongdaemun Shopping Center and the fashionable streets of Myeongdong and the Hongik University area.
Mayor Oh noted on several initiatives of the city to make it friendlier to foreigners including efforts to reduce lodging expenses. He elaborated on the city's plans for tourist taxi, street signs, and the city's reservation system, that are all soon to be available in multiple languages. The Mayor also stressed the city's efforts for strategic approaches in global marketing and the recently designated goodwill ambassadors for promotion of Seoul.
Investment
Mayor Oh noted on the Global Business Center, which supports foreigners in starting a business or investing in the city. He introduced several new international facilities of Seoul-the recently renovated world-class Yeouido financial district, Sangam Digital Media City, Yongsan International Business Zone and Magok R&D City.
Residence
The briefing included information about the Seoul Global Center and the Global Village Center, which were opened under Mayor Oh's initiative. He will also inform journalists about the city's efforts to expand amenities for international residents, such as schools, rental houses and hospitals.
