Seoul opens nominations to honor standout foreign residents

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. T