Forum to run through Dec. 16 with 12 sessions, 6 special programs
The Global Business Forum, hosted by The Korea Herald and Herald Business, held an opening ceremony for its 10th edition in Seoul on Wednesday at the Ambassador Seoul — A Pullman Hotel.
Launched in 2021, the biannual forum involves executive networking and lecture programs that bring together business leaders, experts and diplomats for sessions spanning business, technology, culture and global affairs.
Mayor highlights Sejong's relevance, growth
During the opening ceremony, Sejong City Mayor Cho Sang-ho introduced the city and its role as Korea's administrative center, and the city government's plans to develop beyond public administration by attracting new industries.
"Sejong is already effectively serving as Korea's administrative capital," Cho said. "Our ultimate purpose is balanced national development and building a country where every region can prosper."
"We are attracting companies in semiconductors and biohealth, which are among the most important growth industries today," he added, pointing to a planned national industrial complex and the city's existing tech valley.
Cho also highlighted the city's relatively young population and geographically central location, saying most parts of the country can be reached from Sejong within about two hours.
He also introduced plans for a digital media complex and said the city is considering ways to foster digital media industries as Sejong's administrative role expands.
Cho also addressed the city's long-running push to gain full legal status as the country's administrative capital.
"Sejong is already performing the functions of Korea's administrative capital in practice, but the Constitutional Court ruled the relocation of the capital unconstitutional in 2004," he said. "Bills for a special act on the administrative capital are now being discussed at the National Assembly."
Cho said that if the legislation is enacted, Sejong would move closer to becoming a full-fledged administrative capital, with more functions of the National Assembly, presidential office and central government agencies relocating to the city.
Participants invited to build relations
Jung Won-ju, chairman of both the Herald Media Group and Daewoo Engineering & Construction, welcomed participants and encouraged them to use the forum to build both business and personal relationships.
"I hope this can be a place where we empty ourselves a little and let fellow participants fill that space," Jung said. "Through the GBF, I hope your businesses prosper and that friendships and many other relationships grow into a community."
Herald Media Group CEO Choi Jin-young described the GBF as more than a conventional networking program.
"The GBF aims to build a strong business network, but it is also a platform where we can give one another strength and courage when times are difficult, share hopes and visions, and work together to make those visions a reality," he said.
GBF Alumni President Kim Hee-chul, who joined the forum's first edition during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflected on its development.
"When I joined the first edition there were many difficulties and shortcomings," Kim said. "Seeing it today, I was struck by how much it has developed. I'm happy to see how far it has come."
The GBF's 10th edition will run until Dec. 16 across 12 sessions and six special programs.
shwang9@heraldcorp.com
