UNESCO appointed Seoul, Korea a City of Design last month, recognizing its abundant cultural heritage and creative potential. The city of Seoul has plans to develop even further through various design policies, and contribute to the advancement of developing countries as part of this designation.
Creative Cities Network members are appointed in seven different fields – design, literature, music, film, crafts and folk art, media arts and gastronomy. Eight cities including Seoul have been selected as members in the field of design. The others are Buenos Aires, Berlin, Montreal, Nagoya, Kobe, Shenzhen and Shanghai.
As part of UNESCO’s mission towards cultural diversity, the Creative Cities Network was launched 6 years ago to enhance the social, economic and cultural development of cities based on each city’s cultural heritage and creativity.
As a member of the City of Design network, the city will participate in various activities to set up international networks and exchange information, knowledge and experience among the member cities.
Mayor Oh Se-hoon said Seoul's appointment as a City of Design reflects international recognition and support for the city's accumulated design policy.
The metropolitan government will sign an MOU with the Korean National Commission for UNESCO on joining the Creative Cities Network and for implementation of various cooperative programs in August, 2010. Seoul city also plans to host an international forum of the network this year.
