SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT ORDINANCE ON THE PROMOTION OF INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE AND COOPERATION Comparison

SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT ORDINANCE ON THE PROMOTION OF INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE AND COOPERATION

SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT ORDINANCE ON THE PROMOTION OF INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE AND COOPERATION
Partial Amendment No. 9275 , May. 20, 2024	Whole Amendment No. 9472, Jan. 03, 2025
CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 1 (Purpose) The purpose of this Ordinance shall be to prescribe matters necessary for the promotion of international exchange and cooperation for Seoul Metropolitan City (hereinafter referred to as the "City") to become a city with international competitiveness through active exchange with foreign cities.	CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS Article 1 (Purpose) The purpose of this Ordinance is to prescribe the matters necessary to promote city diplomacy for Seoul Metropolitan City’s development into an internationally competitive city through active exchanges with overseas cities.
Article 2 (Definitions) The terms used in this Ordinance are defined as follows: 1. The term "international exchange and cooperation" refers to all processes that improve mutual understanding by exchanging not only property and human resources but also culture, system, policy, knowledge, information, etc. in various forms to promote friendship, cooperation, understanding, etc. on equal partnership. 2. The term "international organization" refers to the following: UN and its affiliated organizations and professional organizations; quasi-inter government organizations including inter-government organizations; international NGOs; and international foundations, laboratories, non-profit organizations, councils. 3. The term "sharing of City's excellent policy with foreign cities" means to share the City's excellent policy, experience, etc. with foreign cities in the form of policy consultation, technology transfer, project participation, etc. and find a way to coexist and develop with foreign cities.	Article 2 (Definition) The definitions of the terms used in this Ordinance shall be as follows: 1. "City diplomacy" refers to the international exchange and cooperation activities of Seoul Metropolitan City (hereinafter the “City”), whether directly or in cooperation with the private sector; the City’s efforts to strengthen its relationships with foreign governments, institutions, and citizens through cultural, knowledge, policy, and other exchanges; and its efforts to raise the City’s international profile; and promote mutual understanding and trust with foreign countries. 2. "Sisterhood relationship" refers to an agreement between the City and an overseas city to pursue reciprocal development in various fields such as economics, society, culture, and tourism based on close mutual cooperation. 3. "Friendship and cooperation agreement” refers to a relationship of mutual friendship and cooperation concluded between the City and an overseas city to promote future exchanges, and is the stage of the relationship that precedes the actual conclusion of a sisterhood relationship. 4. "International organization" refers to the United Nations and its subsidiary organs and specialized agencies, intergovernmental organizations, quasi-intergovernmental organizations including those between local governments, international non-governmental organizations and foundations, research institutes, non-governmental organizations, and consultative bodies, etc. engaged in international activities.
Article 3 (Scope) Except in cases specifically prescribed by relevant ordinances concerning the promotion of international exchange and cooperation, what is prescribed by this Ordinance shall be followed.	Article 3 (Scope of Application) Except as otherwise provided in other ordinances, the promotion of city diplomacy shall be governed by this Ordinance.
Article 4 (Duties of the City) The Mayor shall promote the relevant policy and project so that the City can reinforce its competitiveness through active international exchange and cooperation with foreign cities.	Article 4 (Responsibilities of the Mayor) (1) The Seoul Metropolitan City Mayor (hereinafter referred to as the “Mayor”) shall actively implement relevant policies and projects to enable the City to enhance municipal competitiveness through active city diplomacy with overseas cities. (2) The Mayor shall build systems for cooperation with the private sector to ensure the effective conduct of city diplomacy, and shall make the necessary efforts, such as providing education and conducting public relations campaigns aimed at reaching a social consensus on the importance of city diplomacy and increasing public participation.
CHAPTER II CONCLUSION OF FRIENDLY RELATIONS <Amended on Dec. 31, 2020> Article 5 (Friendly Relations, etc.) (1) The Mayor may establish a friendly relations or enter into a friendly cooperation agreement with a foreign city so as to promote international exchange and cooperation. <Amended on Dec. 31, 2020> (2) Friendship cities and friendly cooperation cities shall be selected among cities where continuous exchange and mutual understanding can be promoted. <Amended on Dec. 31, 2020> [Title Amended on Dec. 31, 2020]	CHAPTER II Entering into Sisterhood Relationships Article 5 (Sisterhood Relationships, Etc.) (1) The Mayor may enter into sisterhood relationships or conclude friendship and cooperation agreements with overseas cities for exchanges that promote city diplomacy. (2) Sister cities and friendship and cooperation cities shall be selected from among cities capable of engaging in continuing exchanges and promoting mutual interest.
Article 6 (Proposal for Friendly Relations) (1) If the Mayor receives a proposal (i.e. for friendly relations) from a foreign city, he/she shall acquire a wide range of basic data on the pertinent city and review its administrative scale, urban conditions, appropriateness of exchanges, and other necessary matters prior to making a decision. <Amended on Dec. 31, 2020> (2) If the Mayor intends to propose the conclusion of an agreement (i.e. for friendly relations), it is necessary to collect and analyze a vast array of data on the pertinent city and review exchange conditions prior to making a decision. <Amended on Dec. 31, 2020> (3) When reviewing details such as exchange conditions for friendly relationships, it is necessary to take note of the following: <Amended on Dec. 31, 2019; Dec. 31, 2020; Mar. 25, 2021> 1. Similarity with Seoul's international status as the capital or a city equivalent thereto; 2. Similarity in urban conditions, such as area, population, and administrative/financial level; 3. Shared features and complementary roles in terms of industry, distinctive urban characteristics, etc.; 4. Possibility to promote cooperation and friendship on an equal footing; 5. Need for exchanges on account of historical and cultural backgrounds or special geographical conditions; and 6. Other benefits and sustainability achievable through exchange. [Title Amended on Dec. 31, 2020]	Article 6 (Proposal of Sisterhood Relationship, Etc.) (1) The Mayor, upon receiving a proposal for a sisterhood relationship, etc. from an overseas city, shall receive diverse basic data for the city in question and make a decision after reviewing the scale of administration, urban conditions, appropriateness of exchange, etc. of both Seoul and the candidate overseas city (2) Before making a proposal to an overseas city to enter into a sisterhood relationship, etc., diverse data about the city concerned shall be collected and analyzed for a thorough review of the exchange conditions before reaching a decision. (3) The following factors shall be taken into account when reviewing the exchange conditions for sisterhood relationships, etc.: 1. Similarity to the City’s international status as a capital city or equivalent; 2. Similarity in urban conditions including area, population, level of administration and finance, etc. 3. Commonalities and mutual complements in industry, unique urban characteristics, etc. 4. The possibility of cooperation and increased friendship as equal partners; 5. The necessity of exchange given their respective historical and cultural backgrounds, unique geographical conditions, etc.; 6. Other benefits from exchange, sustainability, etc.
Article 7 (Resolution on Friendly Relations) Where the Mayor intends to enter into an agreement of friendly relations with a foreign city, he/she shall undergo the resolution of the city council under Article 47 of the Local Autonomy Act. <Amended on Dec. 31, 2020; Sep. 30, 2021> [Title Amended on Dec. 31, 2020]	Article 7 (Resolution of Sisterhood Relationship, Etc.) A resolution of the City Council is required under Article 47 of the Local Autonomy Act when the Mayor seeks to enter into a sisterhood relationship or friendship and cooperation agreement with an overseas city: Provided, however, that the resolution of the City Council may be replaced by a report to the competent standing committee of the Seoul Metropolitan Council when concluding a friendship and cooperation agreement whose only substance is an obligation of mutual effort.
Article 8 (Substantialization of Exchange Projects) The Mayor shall endeavor to ensure that exchanges with friendly cities and friendly cooperation cities contribute in substance towards the city across all fields, such as its globalization, urban economy, culture, etc. <Amended on Dec. 31, 2020>	Article 8 (Substantive Exchange Programs) The Mayor shall make efforts to engage in exchanges with sister cities and friendship and cooperation cities so as to contribute substantively to promoting the City’s internationalization and to contribute to the overall spheres of economy, culture, society, etc.
Article 9 (Retention and Management of Records) The Mayor shall organize, maintain, and manage all records pertaining to the promotion of friendly relations. <Amended on Dec. 31, 2020>	Article 9 (Record Preservation and Management) The Mayor shall organize all records relating to the implementation of sisterhood relationships, etc. to facilitate their continuous retention and management.
Article 10 (Revocation of Friendships) The Mayor shall undergo a resolution by the city council where there arises a problem that is difficult to address between the two cities, where the friendly relationship becomes ineffective because ties are cut, or the continuous exchange between the two cities is deemed no good. <Amended on Dec. 31, 2020>	Article 10 (Cancellation of Sisterhood Relationships, Etc.) A resolution of the City Council is required in the event that the Mayor seeks to cancel a sisterhood relationship or friendship and cooperation agreement.
CHAPTER III PROMOTION OF PROJECTS TO IMPROVE SUBSTANTIAL EXCHANGE AND COOPERATION WITH FOREIGN CITIES Article 11 (Conferring of Honorary Citizenship) The Mayor may confer honorary Seoul citizenship to foreign guests visiting the City or foreigners who substantially contribute to the improvement of international exchange and cooperation and friendship with foreign cities.	PART III IMPLEMENTATION OF PROJECTS TO PROMOTE SUBSTANTIVE EXCHANGE AND COOPERATION WITH OVERSEAS CITIES Article 11 (Grants of Honorary Citizenship Certificates) To promote the City’s city diplomacy and closer amity with overseas cities, the Mayor may grant honorary Seoul Metropolitan City citizenship certificates to foreigners who make manifest contributions to municipal affairs, or to foreign guests who visit the City.
Article 12 (Operation of Foreign Correspondents) The Mayor may operate foreign correspondents to collect use policy cases of foreign cities, use them for the municipal administration of the City, and promote the City overseas.	Article 12 (Operation of Overseas Correspondents) The Mayor may appoint overseas correspondents to collect information on overseas policies and on-the-ground cases from cities around the world, use such information in on-site communication and municipal affairs, and engage in City-oriented public relations in overseas cities.
Article 13 (Operation of City Day) The Mayor may designate "City Day" from time to time and hold the following events to improve friendship with friendship cities, friendly cooperation cities, etc. and promote communication with foreigners residing in the City: <Amended on Dec. 31, 2019; Dec. 31, 2020> 1. Ceremony and cultural, artistic, and athletic events; 2. Events for foreigners from foreign cities; and 3. Other events to improve international exchange and cooperation with friendly cities.	Article 13 (Operation of City Days) To promote closer amity with sister cities, friendship and cooperation cities, etc. and stronger communication with the foreign residents of the City, the Mayor may designate regular or occasional “City Days” in order to hold the following events: 1. Commemorative ceremonies and cultural, artistic, and sports events; 2. Events for foreign nationals from foreign cities; 3. Other events designed to promote city diplomacy with sister cities, etc.
Article 14 (Improvement of Substantial Exchange and Cooperation with Foreign Cities) The Mayor may implement, in cooperation with foreign cities, projects providing various incentives, such as discount of lodging expenses, admission to tourist destinations, cultural facilities, etc. for exchange and cooperation substantially contributing to citizens and businesses in cities.	Article 14 (Promotion of Substantive Exchange and Cooperation with Overseas Cities) (1) The Mayor shall make efforts to promote mutual cooperation to facilitate exchange and cooperation in various fields including the economy, culture, and tourism, and give substantive help to citizens and enterprises from both cities. (2) The Mayor may implement the following projects to promote substantive exchange and cooperation with overseas cities: 1. Projects involving participation in or cooperation with cultural events or festivals held abroad in order to introduce the City’s culture and increase communication with foreign citizens; 2. Projects to disseminate the City’s model policies to foreign cities in order to seek shared development; 3. Projects involving personnel exchanges with foreign institutions; 4. Projects involving the nurturing of experts and the operation of related programs.
CHAPTER IV ATTRACTION OF INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Article 15 (Foundation to Attract International Organizations) The Mayor may implement the following projects to lay a foundation to attract international organizations: 1. Investigation and research for international cooperation related to international organizations; 2. International exchange of professionals and information to attract international organizations; 3. Education and training to nurture professionals for international organizations; or 4. Other projects recognized as necessary to lay a foundation to attract international organizations.	CHAPTER IV HOSTING INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Article 15 (Laying the Foundations for Hosting International Organizations) The Mayor may implement the following projects to lay the foundations for hosting international organizations: 1. Investigations and research aimed at international organization-related international cooperation; 2. International exchanges of experts and information for hosting international organizations; 3. Education and training to nurture international organization experts; 4. Other projects deemed necessary to lay the foundations for hosting international organizations.
Article 16 (Scope of Support to Attract International Organizations) The Mayor may support the following for activities to efficiently attract international organizations and the stable operation of international organizations whose attraction is determined: <Amended on Dec. 31, 2019> 1. Domestic and foreign promotions to attract the relevant international organizations; 2. Provision of materials as to the relevant international organizations; 3. Administrative and financial supports for the opening and operation of international organizations; 4. Joint cooperative projects with international organizations; or 5. Other matters that the Mayor recognizes as necessary to attract or operate international organizations.	Article 16 (Scope of Support for Hosting International Organizations, Etc.) The Mayor may support the following matters to ensure the effectiveness of efforts to host international organizations, and to ensure stable operation of the international organizations finalized for hosting: 1. Domestic and international public relations on hosting the international organization; 2. Provision of data concerning the international organization; 3. Administrative and financial support for the opening and operation of the international organization; 4. Joint cooperative projects with the international organization; 5. Other matters deemed necessary by the Mayor for the hosting or operation of international organizations.
Article 17 (Installation of Facilities Supporting International Organizations) (1) The Mayor shall operate the Seoul Global Center as a facility that supports the laying of a foundation to attract and soundly operate international organizations (hereinafter referred to as the "International Organization Support Facility"). (2) The Mayor shall endeavor to attract international organizations on a preferential basis in the International Organization Support Facility, such as the Seoul Global Center. (3) If required, the Mayor may delegate or consign all or part of the affairs concerning the management and operation of the International Organization Support Facility with corporations, organizations, institutions, etc. (4) Matters concerning procedures, method, etc. necessary for consigning affairs under paragraph (3) above shall be governed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government Ordinance on the Private Consignment of Administrative Affairs. (5) The Mayor may permit to rent a part of the International Organization Support Facility within a scope not causing inconvenience in the operation and management of the International Organization Support Facility; the fees shall be as stipulated by the Attached Table. (6) Notwithstanding paragraph (5) above, the Mayor may exempt the fees in the following cases: 1. Where it is permitted to be used by organizations and institutions in the Seoul Global Center; 2. Where the Mayor recognizes as an event suitable for the International Organization Support Facility; or 3. Where the Mayor recognizes as an event held or hosted by the City.	Article 17 (Establishment of International Organization Support Facilities) (1) The Mayor shall operate the Seoul Global Center’s building and other premises as support facilities in order to lay the foundations for hosting international organizations and ensure their stable operation, etc. (hereinafter referred to as “international organization support facilities”). (2) The Mayor shall make efforts to host international organizations in support facilities for international organizations, such as the Seoul Global Center’s building, as a priority. (3) If necessary, the Mayor may entrust all or a part of the affairs concerning the administration and operation of international organization support centers to corporations, organizations, institutions, etc. (4) Matters concerning the procedures, methods, etc. necessary for entrusting the affairs under the foregoing paragraph (3) shall be governed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government Ordinance on the Entrustment of Administrative Affairs to the Private Sector. (5) The Mayor may permit the rental of parts of the international organization support facilities only to the extent that it does not interfere with the purpose of establishing international organization support facilities or their operations and administration; and the rent shall be as set forth in the Appendix. (6) Notwithstanding paragraph (5), the Mayor may reduce or waive the rent if any of the following applies: 1. Usage is permitted to an occupant institution or organization of the Seoul Global Center building; 2. The Mayor deems the event to be appropriate for an international organization support facility; 3. The event is hosted or overseen by the City and recognized by the Mayor.
CHAPTER V SHARING OF THE CITY'S EXCELLENT POLICIES WITH FOREIGN CITIES Article 18 (Sharing the City's Excellent Policies with Foreign Cities) (1) The Mayor may promote the following projects to promote coexistence and development with foreign cities by sharing the City's excellent policies with foreign cities: 1. Find and organize the City's excellent policies in a systematic way; 2. Develop a system to promote the City's excellent policies overseas; 3. Develop a network with foreign cities and find cities where the project shall be promoted; 4. Promote and support a policy sharing project with foreign cities; 5. Develop a system to cooperate with organizations, institutions, businesses, etc. at home and abroad; 6. Find and promote a cooperative project with international organizations and institutions, organizations, businesses, etc. at home and abroad; 7. Invite public officials in foreign cities for training and education; 8. Carry out official development assistance projects under the Framework Act on International Development Cooperation; and 9. Other projects recognized as necessary to share the City's policy with foreign countries. (2) If necessary to promote projects under subparagraphs 4, 7 and 8 of paragraph (1), the Mayor may use the Seoul Metropolitan Government Foreign Cooperation Fund under Article 6(2)1 of the Seoul Metropolitan Government Ordinance on the Installation and Operation of the Seoul Metropolitan Government Foreign Cooperation Fund. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2017>	CHAPTER V OTHER SUPPORT SYSTEMS FOR THE PROMOTION OF CITY DIPLOMACY Article 18 (Support for the Private Sector) To stimulate private sector participation in city diplomacy, the Mayor may, within the available budget, subsidize all or a part of the expenses of a private sector entity that cooperates in city diplomacy or engages in activities designed to promote foreign citizens’ understanding of and trust in the City, thereby enhancing the City’s image and profile, or provide administrative support necessary for the discharge of its affairs.
Article 19 (Training of Experts) (1) The Mayor shall endeavor to train experts to promote a project that shares the City's excellent policies with foreign cities. (2) The Mayor may consign relevant organizations, institutions, universities, etc. with the following projects to train experts under paragraph (1) above. In such cases, the Mayor may support the necessary expenses within the scope of his/her budget: 1. Education and training of experts in foreign projects; 2. Development and operation of education and training courses for experts in foreign projects; and 3. Other projects that the Mayor recognizes as necessary for the education and training of experts.	Article 19 (Building Domestic and International Cooperation Systems) The Mayor may implement joint projects or cooperate with domestic and foreign institutions, organizations, universities, and international organizaiotns to efficiently promote city diplomacy initiatives.
Article 20 (Use of Official Development Assistance) (1) The Mayor shall endeavor to efficiently use official development assistance under Article 18(1)8 for the promotion of a project that shares the City's excellent policies with foreign cities. <Amended on Jan. 5, 2017> (2) The Mayor may implement the following projects regarding the use of official development assistance under paragraph (1) above: 1. Project assistance; 2. Support for students and trainees from developing countries; 3. Technical assistance; and 4. Other projects deemed appropriate for official development assistance.	Article 20 (Enforcement Rule)
Article 21 (Consignment of Tasks) (1) The Mayor may consign affiliated institutions, funded institutions, etc. with all or part of the affairs concerning its project operation to efficiently promote the projects stipulated by Article 18(1). <Amended on Jan. 5, 2017> (2) The Mayor may provide, within a scope of budget, expenses necessary to consign tasks under paragraph (1) above. (3) Where a task under paragraph (1) above is consigned, a matter not prescribed by this Ordinance shall be governed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government Ordinance on the Private Consignment of Administrative Affairs.
CHAPTER VI OTHER SUPPORT SYSTEMS TO PROMOTE INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE AND COOPERATION <Amended on Dec. 31, 2019> Article 22 (Service of Public Officials in Foreign Cities, etc.) (1) Where it is recognized as necessary to efficiently promote projects that improve international exchange and cooperation, the Mayor may have public officials in the following organizations serve in foreign cities for a certain period of time: <Amended on Dec. 31, 2020> 1. Overseas offices of its affiliated institutions and corporations or funded institutions; 2. International organizations, foreign non-profit corporations and private organizations; 3. Foreign central governments and foreign local governments, such as friendship cities, friendly cooperation cities, foreign cities, etc. or 4. Overseas offices of public institutions and public organizations. (2) Public officials working in foreign cities under paragraph (1) above may perform the following: policy consultation; material investigation; support for private businesses to develop a market, etc. (3) Where the Mayor has public officials working in foreign cities for a certain period of time under paragraph (1) above, he/she may support the necessary expenses within the scope of his/her budget. (4) In the case of working in foreign cities under paragraph (1) above, the Local Public Officials Act, the Seoul Metropolitan Government Ordinance on the Service of Public Officials, the Regulations for the Service of Public Officials Abroad, the Regulations for the Remuneration of Local Public Officials shall apply mutatis mutandis to matters not prescribed by this Ordinance. <Amended on Mar. 28, 2019>
Article 23 (Building of Cooperation System) The Mayor may promote or cooperate on projects jointly with institutions, organizations, universities, international organizations, etc. at home and abroad to efficiently promote a project that improves international exchange and cooperation.
Article 24 (Enforcement Rules) Matters required to enforce this Ordinance shall be prescribed as rules.
	Addenda <No. 9472, Jan. 3, 2025> Article 1 (Enforcement Date) This Ordinance shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation. Article 2 (Transitional Measures) Entrustment to the private sector and MOUs concluded under regulations in force prior to the time of enforcement of this Ordinance shall be deemed to have been concluded under this Ordinance.