Foreign honorary citizens gather during a Seoul Honorary Ambassador/Citizen Networking Day event in this undated photo. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
For nearly seven decades, Korea’s capital has maintained a quiet tradition of welcoming its most dedicated foreign residents into an exclusive civic circle.
On Friday, the Seoul Metropolitan Government officially opened nominations for its 2026 Honorary Citizenship awards, a search aimed at recognizing expatriates who have significantly shaped the city’s economic, cultural and technological landscape.
The honorary citizenship program, which dates back to 1958, serves as a high-profile nod of gratitude to foreign nationals who treat Seoul not merely as a temporary corporate or diplomatic posting, but as an adoptive home. Over the last 68 years, the city has bestowed this distinction upon 968 individuals from 100 countries.
To qualify for the honor, nominees must have resided in Seoul continuously for at least three years — or accumulated a total of five years of residency. Beyond the paperwork, city hall looks for candidates who have left a distinct mark on local society, ranging from introducing cutting-edge scientific innovations to enriching the city’s traditional arts scene.
The class of 2025 illustrated this diverse talent pool.
Among those honored last year were Luis Filipe Pereira Fraga, a Brazilian researcher recognized for advancing medical artificial intelligence and analysis, and Anna Rihlmann, a German actress and director who adapted the classic Korean pansori tale Chunhyangjeon for contemporary theater audiences.
Nominations can be submitted until July 10 through formal recommendations by public and social organizations, or via a grassroots petition signed by at least 30 Seoul citizens. Once vetted, a specialized review panel and the Seoul Metropolitan Council will finalize the selections ahead of an official award ceremony slated for November.
While the title does not confer legal residency or voting rights, it integrates recipients into the city's governance. Honorary citizens routinely serve on municipal advisory committees and act as global ambassadors for the capital.
"Seoul is home to an incredible wealth of global talent," said Kim Su-deok, director-general for Global Urban Policy at the Seoul city government. "We view our honorary citizens as an essential international network that helps connect Seoul to the rest of the world."
Source: Korea Times News
