Seoul city to offer W1m to couples who register marriage

The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Sunday that newlyweds who register their marriage in the city will be offered 1 million won ($685) in cash, or an equivalent amount of cash points that can be used in local communities, starting from October. The plan is to support the newlyweds with subsidy in purchasing living appliances and furniture needed as they move into the house together, the city government said. Authorities said that they are currently in talks with the Ministry of Health and Wel

Feb. 9, 2025

Seoul to build 'Garden of Gratitude' to honor veterans in Gwanghwamun Square

A symbolic space dedicated to honoring veterans and countries that participated in the 1950-53 Korean War will be built in Gwanghwamun Square by December 2025, Seoul Metropolitan Government said Monday. Called the “Garden of Gratitude,” the new project aims to remember the sacrifices of veterans who “laid the foundation for South Korea’s prosperity” and “create a space that conveys gratitude for their contributions,” according to the city government. The city government's design plan features th

Feb. 3, 2025

Seoul extends pet-friendly Cheonggye Stream pilot program

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced the extension of its pet-friendly pilot program that allows residents to walk their dogs along a designated 4.1-kilometer section of the Cheonggye Stream. The pilot program, launched Sept. 30, 2024, was initially set to wrap up around the end of last year, but the deadline was extended to June 30, 2025. The city government cited the need to collect more data on dog owners' use of the Cheonggye Stream area. The extended program will maintain its origina

Jan. 29, 2025

Seoul mayor unveils 2025 vision in New Year’s address

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon delivered his New Year’s address Tuesday, the last day of 2024, outlining his administration’s achievements in the last year as well as ambitious goals for 2025. The mayor emphasized his vision of transforming crises into opportunities and building a more livable, globally admired city, while stressing deregulation as the key to revitalizing Seoul’s economy and society. In his speech, Oh reflected on how Seoul has weathered various crises and positioned itself as a resilie

Dec. 31, 2024

Seoul Mayor muses presidential bid amid political turmoil

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, regarded as a likely presidential contender from the conservative bloc, said he was contemplating his next political steps amid the nation's ongoing political turmoil, while stressing that he feels obligated to complete his four-year mayoral term. “I feel the responsibility to complete my term as Seoul mayor. On the other hand, there are calls for me to use my abilities for the greater good of the nation on a larger scale. These two great responsibilities are in conflict

Dec. 26, 2024

Seoul Plaza ice rink to reopen Friday

The iconic seasonal ice skating rink at Seoul Plaza is set to reopen Friday and operate until Feb. 9 next year, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Tuesday. The city government has opened an ice rink every winter since 2004, except during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rink operates every day -- 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. from Sunday to Friday with hours extended until 11 p.m. on Saturdays and holidays. The entrance fee has remained unchanged at 1,000 won (70 cents) for 20 years, covering skate rental,

Dec. 17, 2024

Seoul mayor assures 'Seoul is safe'

Amid growing concerns over escalating political and social turmoil following President Yoon Suk Yeol's brief declaration of emergency martial law last week, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said Wednesday that "Seoul is safe" and urged tourists to return, vowing to undertake efforts to ensure the safety of travelers. In a meeting held by Oh at Seoul City Hall, the mayor spoke with key stakeholders in the tourism sector, including representatives from the Seoul Tourism Organization, Korea As

Dec. 11, 2024

Seoul Library hosts vibrant festival to celebrate Han Kang’s win

With over 500 attendees, Seoul Library’s festival honors Han Kang through jazz, literature, seminars On Tuesday afternoon, the typically tranquil atmosphere of the Seoul Metropolitan Library was transformed into an exuberant celebration. The library’s quiet reading rooms came alive with jazz music a

Dec. 11, 2024

Does cross atop Christmas tree at Seoul Plaza reflect religious bias?

Seoul faces the same controversy every Christmas: Should the Christmas tree at Seoul Plaza have a Christian cross at the top? The debate has resurfaced once again this year. The 19-meter tree, adorned with an illuminating cross, red ribbons and gift-shaped ornaments, will remain illuminated until Dec. 31, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government. On Nov. 18, the lighting ceremony for the Christmas tree took place at Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall. The event was attended by key figures i

Dec. 2, 2024

Seoul City to spend W6.7tr to encourage couples to have kids

The Seoul city government will spend 6.7 trillion won ($4.9 billion) from 2025 to 2026 to financially help residents raise children, city officials said Tuesday. The city government said it was expanding an existing childbirth encouragement project launched in February as part of efforts to increase the country's low birth rate. The earlier version of the project took a comprehensive approach to supporting caregivers by providing financial assistance for infertility treatments across all in

Oct. 29, 2024

Seoul unveils plan to move 68km of railways underground

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced its plan on Wednesday to convert 68 kilometers -- or 94 percent -- of the city’s above-ground railway network into an underground network. The space for ground railways as well as station buildings will be turned into parks, and commercial and cultural facilities. Currently, Seoul has 71.6 kilometers of above-ground railway across six lines, running through 15 out of 25 districts. The conversion includes 34.7 kilometers of the Gyeongbu Line and 3

Oct. 23, 2024