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The Seoul Metropolitan Government is accepting nominations for the 2026 Honorary Citizenship of Seoul. Foreign nationals who serve as role models for Seoul citizens and foreign residents in Seoul and who have made outstanding contributions to Seoul’s administration may be selected as Honorary Citizens of Seoul and awarded an Honorary Citizenship Certificate.
1. Eligibility for Nomination
A. Foreign nationals who have continuously resided in Seoul for at least three years or whose total residence in Seoul is five years or more, and who meet one of the following criteria:
(a) Significantly enhanced the status of Seoul at home and abroad
(b) Made significant contributions to improving citizens’ lives and cultural activities
(c) Made significant contributions to the economic development of Seoul
(d) Made significant contributions to the introduction of advanced technologies in fields such as science and technology
* Foreign national: A person registered as a foreign resident with the Korea Immigration Service, or a person exempt from foreign resident registration, such as a diplomat
B. Foreign nationals who have continuously resided in Seoul for three years or less (total residence of five years or less) may also be nominated if they have actively cooperated with Seoul’s administration and contributed to its advancement.
* Contributions to the advancement of Seoul’s administration will be separately evaluated and determined by the deliberation committee.
2. Nominators
A. The Speaker of the Seoul Metropolitan Council
B. Heads of public organizations
(Heads of national government agencies, local governments, or corporations and organizations established for purposes designated by such agencies or governments)
C. Leaders of civic groups
D. Thirty or more Seoul citizens (joint signatures required)
3. Required Documents
A. One Letter of Recommendation: The recommender’s seal or signature is required. (Form: Attached)
Please provide detailed information in Korean or English regarding the nominee’s personal information, major career history, and contributions (including supporting documents). (Additional sheets may be attached.)
If necessary, the recommender may be asked to provide supplementary information regarding the recommendation or verification of supporting documents.
B. One Photograph: A photograph of the nominee taken within the past six months (3.5 cm × 4.5 cm)
C. Certificate of Alien Registration
For verification of the residency requirements, please ensure that all changes of place of stay are shown on the certificate.
D. Honorary Citizen Pledge: The nominee’s seal or signature is required.
E. Consent to the Use of Personal Information: The nominee’s seal or signature is required.
F. Supporting Documents for Contributions: Copies may be submitted.
4. Submission Period and Method for Letters of Recommendation
A. Submission Period: Friday, May 29 – Friday, July 10, 2026
B. Submission Office: City Diplomacy Division, Seoul Metropolitan Government (8th Floor, Seoul City Hall Main Building)
C. Submission Method: In-person, postal mail, or email
Mailing Address: City Diplomacy Division, 8th Floor, Seoul City Hall Main Building, 110 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
(Postal Code: 04524)
Email: [email protected]
Contact: 02-2133-5287
* For email submissions, original documents may be requested if necessary.
5. Review and Selection of Nominees
A. Nominees will be reviewed based on their contributions through deliberation by the Honorary Citizenship Award Committee and approval by the Seoul Metropolitan Council, after which qualified candidates will be selected.
Honorary Citizenship Award Committee Meeting: July 2026 (tentative)
Seoul Metropolitan Council Approval for the Award of Honorary Citizenship Certificates: September 2026 (tentative)
6. Benefits of Honorary Citizenship
A. Award of an Honorary Citizenship Certificate, Certificate of Honorary Citizenship, Honorary Citizenship Medal, and other related honors
B. Opportunities to participate in Seoul’s administration, including appointment to committees related to municipal affairs and invitations to events hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government
C. Exemption from admission fees to facilities such as Seoul Grand Park, the Seoul Museum of History, the Seoul Botanic Park, and the Seoul Museum of Art
7. Cancellation of Honorary Citizenship
A. In accordance with Article 7 (Cancellation of Award) of the Seoul Metropolitan Government Ordinance on Award of Honorary Citizenship, honorary citizenship may be cancelled if a person awarded honorary citizenship commits an act deemed contrary to the spirit of its award.
8. Additional Information
A. The recommendation form may also be downloaded from the City News > Event & Announcement section of the Seoul Metropolitan Government website. (https://www.seoul.go.kr/news/news_notice.do)
B. The honorary citizenship selection results (including unsuccessful nominees) will be individually notified to the nominator and the nominee within seven days after the approval (resolution) of the Seoul Metropolitan Council, although this schedule may be subject to change due to internal circumstances.
C. The Honorary Citizenship Award Ceremony is scheduled to be held between November and December 2026.
D. Submitted documents will not be returned. For further information, please contact the City Diplomacy Division (☎ 02-2133-5287).