Bruce Harrell, the first Asian-American Mayor of Seattle and son of a war veteran led a large economic delegation on a visit to Seoul on April 15.
During their meeting, Mayor Oh Se Hoon introduced the Climate Companion Card, part of Seoul’s key policy, the Special City of Companionship and Charm.
The economic delegation consisted of 67 individuals from various political, business, and academic backgrounds, including representatives from the Washington State Legislature, the Seattle Economic Development Agency, Microsoft Corporation, Amazon.com, Inc., Boeing, T-Mobile, the University of Washington (UW), Washington State University (WSU), and others.
The Seattle economic delegation’s visit was part of the International Leadership Mission Program, which was organized by the Seattle Economic Development Agency and the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce.
Mayor Oh expressed his gratitude to Mayor Bruce Harrell and Sam Cho, commissioner of the Port of Seattle, who revisited Seoul as promised during their first meeting last June. He said, “I am grateful for the deep interest they have shown in Seoul, and it’s an honor that Seoul was chosen as a desired destination in the International Leadership Mission Program.”
Mayor Bruce Harrell expressed his intention to formally invite Mayor Oh and a delegation from Seoul to the Bloomberg Green Festival, which will be held in Seattle in July on climate change, environment, and sustainability. He added, “The relationship between Seoul and Seattle contributes to strengthening friendly relations between the two countries.”
Brian Surratt, CEO of Greater Seattle Partners, whose mother was born in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea, shared his positive impression of Seoul. He revealed, “M]y daughter in high school was so captivated by Seoul’s public transportation system that she thinks of Seoul first when she imagines a big city.”
In response, Mayor Oh introduced the Climate Companion Card. This policy has received positive feedback for public transportation, allowing unlimited use of buses, subways, and bicycles for a monthly fee of 65,000 won ($54). He expressed his hope that the economic delegation and their families would visit Seoul often.
He added, “I hope your time in Seoul will be a good experience that can contribute to the future development of Seattle. Don’t hesitate to let us know about any programs you’re interested in or want to know more about. We will actively support you through the relevant departments and personnel.”
After the meeting, Mayor Oh presented a Seoul City brand hat with the “Seoul, My Soul” pictogram as a souvenir. Mayor Bruce Harrell also gave Mayor Oh a bowl symbolizing Native Americans and a pen, saying it was a gift for the second-best mayor in the world, ending the meeting in a friendly atmosphere.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell met with Mayor Oh Se Hoon when he visited Seoul in June last year.
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