Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

Seoul is a city that combines centuries of history, natural environment, cutting-edge technologies and trendy lifestyles, and its Mayor Oh Se-hoon is committed to leveling up this attractiveness through various development and investment projects.

At the same time, he believes this growth should be inclusive to support the socially marginalized, so that development and growth can be sustainable.

He plans to share his policies focused on these initiatives at the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum (WCSMF), scheduled for Sept. 24 to 26 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

“With the growing popularity of Korean culture, not only K-pop, K-dramas and K-movies but also beauty and fashion, the whole world is paying attention to Seoul. I am planning to leverage this opportunity to make Seoul the most attractive city,” Oh said in a recent written interview with The Korea Times.

In line with the Seoul Metropolitan Government's slogan, "A Globally Attractive City, Going Together With the Socially Neglected," the mayor has been actively pursuing various policies.

One such initiative to make the city more attractive is the Great Han River project, which focuses on developing leisure spots and activities along the Han River.

“The goal of this project is to elevate the Han River, with its immense potential, into a representative spot that enhances Seoul's prestige,” Oh said.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, at center in front row, poses with Singaporean Minister for National Development Desmond Lee, to Oh's left, and Deputy Governor of Phnom Penh Nuon Pharat, on Oh's right, along with other delegation members wearing Korea's traditional hanbok costume during a photo session at the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum in Sebitseom, Seoul, Sunday. Delegates from 50 cities in 30 countries are taking part in the three-day forum. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

The Han River, symbolizing Seoul with a maximum width of 1.2 kilometers and a length of 41.5 kilometers, penetrates the capital. The city plans to utilize this iconic river for multiple cultural and artistic festivals.

“The project envisions making the river a key attraction for Seoul by enhancing the riverfront, creating urban hubs and improving transportation links. This will help boost the city's competitiveness and citizens' quality of life,” the mayor said.

As part of the Great Han River initiative, the Nodeul Island Classic event is scheduled in October at Nodeul Island, showcasing ballet and opera performances. Additionally, a drone show has been running every Friday since Sept. 8 until Oct. 27 at Ttukseom Hangang Park, giving people a chance to enjoy the display of light using up to 1,000 drones.

The city also plans to offer various sports and leisure programs at all times, enabling individuals to experience water sports easily and safely.

A night view of the Han River / Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

Investment, financial hub

Oh believes the key to making Seoul a globally leading city is to transform it into a place where everyone in the world desires to live, visit, work and invest. He said he will make efforts to develop Seoul as Asia's financial hub by fostering new industries and attracting investment.

“On the Global Financial Centres Index, Seoul ranked 11th out of 128 cities, going upward for three consecutive years,” Oh said.

In a bid to cultivate innovative companies and attract investment for them, the city government aims to raise 5 trillion won ($37.59 billion) by 2026. This fund will be used to help finance a wide array of potential sectors, including biotechnology and cultural content.

Furthermore, Seoul plans to establish a digital finance support center in Yeouido by March 2027, to help people in the digital finance sector grow capabilities and foster fintech companies. It will also set up another center in southern Seoul which will provide one-stop support for investment in startups.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon speaks during a press conference with students benefiting from Seoul Learn program at Seoul Metropolitan Library, April 17. Seoul Learn, the Seoul Metropolitan Government's education reform policy, is aimed at supporting disadvantaged students residing in the capital aged 6 to 24 . Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government

Importance of inclusive growth

In addition to promoting events and infrastructure development, Mayor Oh emphasizes policies aimed at inclusive growth in the widening social polarization. He was honored as the “Champion Mayor” by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in July for his role in addressing urban inequality and sharing related policies with the international community.

“Korea has risen to become one of the world's top 10 economies, but in the rapid development process, the gap between the rich and the poor has widened, leaving some behind,” Oh said.

The city has outlined four major policies covering welfare, education, careers and housing, focused primarily on restoring the "social ladder," a symbol of societal class mobility. The aim is to ensure a fair environment and equal opportunities for every resident.

The policies include providing financial support to lower-income households, free online lectures for students who cannot afford private tutoring and health care services for the elderly.

At the opening ceremony of WCSMF held at Sebitseom, the mayor welcomed the participating mayors from 50 cities and delegations from international organizations.

"Recently, the city of Seoul has launched a new city brand slogan ‘Seoul, My Soul.' The subtitle, ‘Gathering our hearts together creates real Seoul after all,' shows our true will to make Seoul a more attractive and colorful city," Oh said.

"I need all of your kind attention and love to make Seoul more liveable and loveable to the citizens of Seoul as well as citizens of the world."

During the forum, Mayor Oh will share the policies and Seoul's experience with the participants, as well as discuss with them the ways to create more livable and sustainable cities.

“It will be a great opportunity to showcase the pathways for cities striving for future growth by introducing Seoul's competitiveness, demonstrating the experience of a high-tech lifestyle in Seoul and presenting policies for inclusive growth,” he said.