- About
- Notable Figures
About
Seoul selects foreign nationals and state guests who love and contribute to Seoul in various areas to bestow them with honorary citizenship of Seoul, encouraging their contribution for the development of Seoul as a global city.
Seoul’s honorary citizenship began with the bestowing of contributory citizenship to foreign nationals who helped reconstruct the city around 1958, and continues on today to thank foreign nationals, international leaders, diplomats, and others who contributed to Seoul and cemented mutual cooperation.
In 2022, a total of 23 people, including 18 foreign residents who were recognized for their contributions and 5 state guests who visited Seoul, have been bestowed honorary citizenship, with some examples being Abhishek “Lucky” Gupta (India), who is spreading the beauty of Seoul and Korea to the world and engaged in social contribution activities, Casey Lartigue Jr. (United States), who established Freedom Speakers International to help North Korean defectors struggling from using loanwords through free English classes, and Vice President Commercial Asia-Pacific Cytiva Francis Van Parys (Belgium), who led the construction of a vaccine manufacture facility in Korea.
Foreign Minister Marcelo Luis Ebrard Casaubón (Mexico), who visited Seoul in celebration of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Mexico and the 30th anniversary of friendship between Seoul and Mexico City, as well as 4 diplomats to Korea, including Ambassador Mózes Csoma (Hugary) and Ambassador Bruno Figueroa Fischer (Mexico), who strove for enhancing their respective country’s diplomacy with Seoul and Korea were also selected as honorary citizens of Seoul.
Since the start of bestowing honorary citizenship in 1958, a total of 914 persons from 100 countries have been bestowed honorary citizenship (as of Jan. 2023).
Honorary citizens are given various opportunities, such as invitation to various events hosted by Seoul and policymaking participation along with informative updates on Seoul news via online newsletters, etc. Furthermore, they are given free admission to major culture and leisure facilities in Seoul, such as special exhibitions at SeMA and DDP as well as the zoo and theme gardens at Seoul Grand Park and Seoul Botanic Park, pursuant to Article 2 of the Seoul Metropolitan Government Ordinance on the Bestowal of Honorary Citizenship.
Criteria & Procedure
Criteria (Article 2 of the Seoul Metropolitan Government Ordinance on the Bestowal of Honorary Citizenship)
- Foreign nationals must have continuously resided in Seoul for more than three years or a total of five years, having significantly contributed to Seoul’s policies or served as a role model to Seoul citizens and other foreign nationals
- Persons who greatly enhanced the status of Seoul domestically and internationally
- Persons who greatly contributed to the livelihood and cultural activities of citizens
- Persons who greatly contributed to the economic development of Seoul
- Persons who greatly contributed to introducing advanced technology in STEM
- ※ Residential criteria can be exempt if deemed by the mayor of Seoul
- State guests visiting Seoul or foreign nationals living abroad
Recommender (Article 3 of the Seoul Metropolitan Government Ordinance on the Grant of Honorary Citizenship)
- Head of a public institution
- (i.e. national/regional institutions, or corporations/organizations under the jurisdiction of the aforementioned institutions)
- Head of a social organization
- 30+ citizens’ signatures
Procedure
- Announcement
- Recommendations of honorary citizen candidates
- Reception
- Submissions by honorary citizen candidates
- Screening
- Deliberation and evaluation considering achievements and eligibility
- Selection
- Selection of honorary citizens
- Approval
- Approval by the Seoul Metropolitan Council
- Ceremony
- Seoul honorary citizenship bestowing ceremony
Seoul Honorary Citizenship (as of Dec. 2022)
- Honorary citizens: 914 from 100 countries
- Description: 182 state guests of Seoul, 562 meritorious persons, and 170 persons who participated in international competitions, etc.
Notable Figures
2023-
Daniel Chukwunonso Nwagbala Nigeria
Participated in numerous social welfare and volunteer activities.
Dhamala Prakash Nepal
Participated in cultural sensitivity training programs.
Lee Chung Han Taiwan
Participated in donations and charities for vulnerable groups.
Susanne Woehrle Germany
Launched an Ausbildung training program.
Holger Germann Germany
Fostered talents through social contribution campaigns.
Eric Grant John United States
Contributed to the advancement of science and technology, and served as a member of an advisory council for Seoul.
Jonathan Moore United States
Participated in consulting for startups.
Laura Priscilla Acosta Switzerland
Founded a non-profit organization to create jobs for refugees.
Rahil Ahmadova Azerbaijan
Contributed to promoting Seoul culture and raising awareness on multicultural issues.
Michael John McClure UK
Participated in social contribution activities including soup kitchen programs.
Luiza Zoirovna Sakhabutdinova Uzbekistan
Participated in policy proposal activities to improve the lives of foreigners living in Seoul.
Ding Lan China
Participated in multiple volunteer programs and activities to improve living conditions for foreigners.
Suphap*rn Winit Thailand
Managed cultural experience programs and engaged in other efforts to improve the quality of living for foreigners.
Daniel Mayran France
Participated in environmental volunteer activities.
Katherine Ann Corteza Philippines
Participated in multiple activities to improve living conditions for foreigners.
2022-
Aiyanyo Imatitikua Nigeria
Helped introduce Korean culture, including Lotus Lantern Festival and Korean foods, around the world.
Lama Kunsang Dorje Nepal
Volunteered as medical interpreter for Nepalese living in Korea, and assisted with cultural exchange activities.
Tony Garrett New Zealand
As Chairman of the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce in Korea, contributed to consolidating cooperation between Korean and New Zealand businesses and advancing the trade relationship between the two countries.
Huang Dean-yuan Taiwan
Participated in various donations and charities for vulnerable groups in Seoul.
Chiu Kuang Hsin Taiwan
Participated in various volunteer activities and charities for vulnerable groups in Seoul, and introduced Korean culinary culture around the world, elevating its global standing.
Moritz Peter Winkler Germany
Contributed to attracting investments from European investors by providing legal consultation and helping them understand the benefits of investing in Seoul; contributed to strengthening cultural exchanges between Korea and Germany.
Sukhtsetseg Chimiddorj Mongolia
Participated in numerous donations and charities for vulnerable groups in Seoul.
Casey Lartigue Jr. United States
Founded the non-profit private organization Freedom Speakers International (FSI) to provide Korean defectors with free English classes and help them build their global competency.
Barai Hasi Rani Bangladesh
Steadfastly engaged in volunteer activities for immigrants and vulnerable groups in the local community.
Francis Van Parys Belgium
As Vice President Commercial Asia-Pacific of Cytiva, a leading vaccine company in the United State, contributed to the growth of Korea’s biopharmaceutical industry and stronger vaccine cooperation between Korea and the United State.
Khaloud Alalawi United Arab Emirates
Introduced the culture of Korea and Seoul around the world, contributing to strengthening their global standing; helped Korea and the UAE with their nuclear cooperation during the pandemic and contributed to economic growth.
Gupta Abhishek (Lucky) India
Highlighted the many appeals of Seoul and Korea on various online/offline platforms; donated earnings from his contents in addition to other various social responsibility activities.
Zhang Liying China
Helped children living in multicultural families and midway-arrival immigrants settle in Korea.
Nadyrbekova Gulshaiyr Kyrgyzstan
Participated in various donations and charities for vulnerable groups in Seoul; contributed to promoting business-to-business exchanges between Korea/Seoul and Kyrgyzstan by opening the Kyrgyz Trade Center in Korea.
Yusufov Samandar Tajikistan
Contributed to promoting cultural exchanges between Korea and Central Asia, including support for the Korea Foundation (KF) to organize the Korea-Central Asia Cooperation Forum in Seoul.
Khan Muhammad Pakistan
Contributed to citizen safety by developing new safety technologies powered by AI and computer engineering.
Nicolas Hazard France
As teacher and theater director at a French school in Seoul (Lycée International Xavier), contributed to promoting cultural exchanges between Korea and France.
2020-2021
Florian Marks Germany
Contributed to COVID-19 response and the advancement of science from the International Vaccine Institute (IVI) headquartered in Seoul.
Quintart Julian Jean L. Belgium
Made various social contributions through volunteer activities, and facilitated cultural exchange between Korea and Belgium.
Ashminov Mihal Spasov Bulgaria
Made various social contributions, such as serving as a food bank volunteer and helping vulnerable groups and children, as well as international contributions to increase exchange between Korea and Bulgaria.
Gorito Carlos Augusto Cardoso Brazil
Ran a Brazilian cultural experience program for middle and high schoolers, and facilitated cultural exchange between Korea and Brazil.
Balaka Niyazee India
Member of the Seoul Foreign Investment Advisory Council (FIAC), advisor for foreign investment policies, and supported startups in Seoul through cooperation between Seoul Startup Hub and P&G Innovation Hub.
Harvey Justin John South Africa
Displayed heroic action by jumping into the Hangang River to save a citizen committing suicide.
His quick and smart thinking saved precious time by not waiting for emergency services to arrive, which could have resulted in underwater searching and uncertainty.
Sushant Sahastrabuddhe India
Led the development of COVID-19 vaccines with domestic companies and contributed to the development of the Korean biology industry.
Achieved cooperation with Indian companies and is leading cooperative projects related to vaccine research within Korea.
Boqiev Ahrorojon Tajikistan
Participated in volunteer activities, such as gimjang donation, through Yongsan Honorary Bank and foreign exchange student volunteer groups, etc. and cared for excluded neighbors in the forefront.
Discovered and recommended practical policies for foreign residents as the 3rd chairman of the Foreign Residents’ Committee of Seoul (January 2021–).
Mafo Laure France
Promoted Korean culture to three countries (France, Korea, Cameroon) in three continents (Europe, Asia, and Africa).
Planned charity events and festival programs which raised funds for the vulnerable class since 2018
Berard Christophe France
Led various volunteer activities and acts of kindness for the vulnerable class in Seoul
Promoted Seoul’s culture to the Francophone world and planned various events for the facilitation of overseas cultural exchange
Increased interest in eradicating tuberculosis from North Korea, peace, and unification.
2010–2019
Brian Ernest Orser Canada
Instilled joy and pride in all Koreans as a coach of Kim Yuna, who took gold in the 2010 Winter Olympics, and showed the capabilities of Koreans to the world.
Royer Raimund Austria
Contributed to Korea–Austria relations and Korean medicine
Peter Bartholomew United States
Resided in a hanok residence in Dongsomun-dong for over 35 years and contributed to protecting traditional cultural heritage.
Sister Maria Bertilde Germany
Participated in social and medical volunteer activities for 40 years since 1967 as a nurse and nun.
Chee Onn Lim Singapore
Contributed to Seoul’s development as a competent global city through policy consultation for 10 years.
Michael Sandel United States
National guest (Professor, Harvard University)
Astrid Joséphine-Charlotte Belgium
Facilitated international mutual exchange through the signing of a friendship city agreement between Seoul and Brussels as the official delegation from Belgium led by Princess Astrid visited Korea.
Gladys Berejiklian Australia
Strived to strengthen exchange and cooperation with Seoul as the premier of Willoughby, which has a high Korean population.
Anne Hidalgo France
Contributed to continuous exchange and cooperation in the environmental policy sector between Seoul and Paris as a chair city of C40.
Humaid Alhammadi United Arab Emirates
Contributed to the UAE–Korea Friendship Committee to introduce the culture of the UAE to Korea.
Thomas Bach Germany
Contributed to sports exchange between South and North Korea and the successful hosting of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics.
Zahid Hussain Pakistan
Carried out various activities with the Seoul Tourism Organization, Seoul Global Center Exchange Student Forum, Yongsan Police Station, and more, contributing to reducing the sense of cultural displacement as a Pakistani TV personality.
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark Denmark
Contributed to strengthening exchange and cooperation between Korea and Denmark commemorating the 60th anniversary of Korea–Denmark relations.
Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Mary of Denmark Denmark
Contributed to strengthening exchange and cooperation between Korea and Denmark commemorating the 60th anniversary of Korea–Denmark relations.
Shakya Sujan Ratna Nepal
Carried out international exchange as an ambassador for the Seoul Wheelchair Marathon and serving as a guide to Nepali leaders on their visit to Korea.
Hartmut Koschyk Germany
Former German congressman who passed the bill for establishing the Pavillon der Einheit in Potsdam Square.
Christian Shamed Burgos Atala Mexico
Promoted Korean culture by covering Korean drama soundtracks as part of an international crossover band.
Mark Tetto United States
Participated in recovering cultural assets carried out from Korea as well as sponsoring and promoting traditional culture.
Fabien Yoon France
Active participation in Korean martial arts, such as Taekwondo and Hapkido, and actively participated in public diplomacy in the international community
1999–2009
Jackie Chan China
State guest (Actor)
Guus Hiddink Netherlands
Head coach who led Team Korea to the semifinals in the 2002 World Cup.
Alexander Akimov Belarus
Enhanced the status of Korea through concerts in and out of Korea.
Christopher R. Hill United States
State guest (Former US ambassador to Korea)
Wayne Chumley United States
Enhanced ROK–US economic exchange and provided scholarships to students in need.
Susan Cox United States
State guest (Vice president of US Holt Children’s Services)
Hines Ward United States
State guest (Former US football athlete)
Andrew P. Mayer United States
Received an award for writing an essay for Seoul Story in 2004.
Rescued a citizen in a subway station.
Klaus Fassbender Germany
Contributed to nurturing female Korean scientists by actively recommending female Korean scientists for L’Oréal For Women in Science Award, etc.
