Seoul City will receive recommendations for candidates for honorary citizenship in the capital.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced the notice Monday, listing out the qualifications of eligible candidates as foreigners who have continuously lived in the city for three years, or if in the case of discontinued habitation, those who lived a total of five years in Seoul.

Also eligible are foreign guests to Seoul who have contributed to the betterment of the city in terms of how it is received, or enrichment of culture, welfare system and economy. 

Foreigners who have participated in exemplary social works are also called to step forward. For instance, foreigners who have served as a head of a public group, or a social group of more than 30 members, can be recommended.

Honorary citizens are given seats in the advisory committee for making policies for Seoul, as well as granted an exemption of entrance fees to the Seoul Grand Park, Dongdaemun Design Plaza’s exhibitions and other major venues operated by the city government. Discounts are available at private facilities such as Lotte World amusement park.

Recommendations for honorary citizens can be made through submitting a form which can be downloaded from the Seoul City website  by July 27 to leeonseoul@seoul.go.kr. Evaluation will finish by November, whereupon a ceremony will bestow the honorary citizenship to the selected candidates.

The selection for honorary citizens for Seoul began in 1958. In the 60 years since, 797 foreigners, hailing from 97 different countries, have been chosen for the title and the benefits.

Recent honorees include International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, for his role in forming a unified women’s ice hockey team from North and South Korea, and Ory Pierre, the co-author of “Michelin Green Guide” who included Seoul’s major tourism and cultural sites in the book.

By LIm Jeong-yeo (kaylalim@heraldcorp.com)