Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, second from left, and Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, right, hold talks about Seoul's urban policies at Seoul City Hall, Monday. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, accompanied by a delegation of 67 economic leaders, visited Seoul on Monday to gain insights into the city's key urban policies and expertise.

The visit, part of an international leadership program organized by Great Seattle Partners and the Seattle Metro Chamber, marked the largest economic delegation ever to visit Seoul.

The delegation includes government representatives from the Washington State Legislature and Port of Seattle, as well as executives from major companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing and T-Mobile. Additionally, officials from the University of Washington and Washington State University are part of the delegation.

The program was initiated at Seattle's request to exchange knowledge on Seoul's major urban policies and practices, according to the city government.

Harrell, Seattle's first Asian mayor and the son of a Korean War veteran, expressed significant interest in Seoul's initiatives.

Recalling his previous visit last June, he said that there are numerous lessons to be learned from the city of 10 million people, particularly in areas such as transportation services, environmental sustainability, work ethic and balancing growth with protecting people and the economy.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon introduced the city's unlimited transit pass system, known as the Climate Card, as a flagship urban policy.

This pass allows unlimited access to all bus routes, subway lines and the public bike-sharing service (Ttareungyi) for a monthly fee of 65,000 won ($46.98), or 62,000 won without the bike service.

While introducing the Climate Card, Oh expressed hope that not only the economic delegation visiting Seoul this time but also their families would visit Seoul more frequently and utilize the transit pass.

Brian Surratt, CEO of Greater Seattle Partners, shared his positive impressions of Seoul, mentioning his visit with his family three days ahead of the schedule.

"The city's public transportation system left a lasting impression on me and my family. Now, when my high school daughter imagines a bustling metropolis, Seoul is the first that comes to mind," he said.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, right, gives a souvenir of the city government to Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

In addition to the transit pass, the city government introduced policies focusing on inclusive growth, such as the Seoul Safety Income Program aiding low-income households and Seoul Learn, an online education support initiative that provides equal and quality education for youth. Both are part of the city's policies to address polarization.

Policies aimed at enhancing the city's attractiveness, such as the Great Han River Project and initiatives to expand green spaces in the city, were also highlighted.

Notably, Seattle announced its One Seattle Plan, aimed at fostering growth inclusively, in March. This plan outlines the city's growth and investment vision for the next two decades, prioritizing equity, livability and sustainability.

Harrell emphasized the importance of collaboration and partnership between the two cities, viewing it as a shared journey of friendship, trust and commitment to each other and their respective countries.

Oh pledged active support through relevant departments to Seattle's inquiries about programs of interest, mentioning that he hopes this visit could enhance Seattle's municipal development.

Moreover, Oh introduced upcoming international events in Seoul, including the 2024 Seoul International Safe Income Forum, the Try Everything global startup festival and Seoul Smart Life Week.

He underscored further cooperation and policy exchanges benefiting citizens of both cities through these kinds of global events.

Harrell also expressed intent to formally invite Oh and a delegation from the city government to the Bloomberg Green Festival, focusing on climate change, the environment and sustainability. The festival will be held in Seattle in July this year.

Both mayors expressed that the visit highlights a strong commitment to mutual learning and collaboration between the two cities across various policy domains.