[Seoul's Future] Rep. Choi Jae-hyung: "Hope to Present Fresh Imagination for Seochon Development"

2022 Seoul Future Forum Congratulatory Address

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] Choi Jaehyung, a member of the People Power Party, said on the 16th, "Through this forum, I hope fresh imagination for the beautiful and constructive development of Seoul and Seochon will be presented, leading to an improvement in the quality of life for Seoul citizens."

On the same day, Choi made these remarks in a congratulatory speech at the '2022 Seoul Future Forum' hosted by Asia Economy, held at Maehwa Hall on the 19th floor of the Press Center in Jung-gu, under the theme "The Future of Seoul, The Future of Seochon."

Choi stated that the opening of the Blue House has created an opportunity for change in Seoul. He said, "On May 10th, the Blue House returned to the people after 74 years, which is not merely about relocating the president's office and residence," adding, "The Blue House will become a representative landmark of South Korea and a space where entire families can relax and experience a historical site."

In particular, Choi mentioned that new "vitality" will emerge in Jongno, including Seochon. He said, "Seochon is the place where the lives of Seoul citizens are most deeply reflected, and Seoul's changes will be centered around Seochon," further explaining, "Jongno's Seochon, Bukchon, and Dongchon, which were previously separated by the Blue House, will be connected, forming a large traditional cultural belt."

Quoting a survey by the Korea Economic Research Institute, Choi said, "With the opening of the Blue House, 16.7 million tourists, including foreign visitors, are expected to visit annually, generating 1.8 trillion won in tourism revenue each year."

Choi expressed his expectation that this forum is a "timely choice" in designing Seoul's new future, stating, "Seoul, which has been the capital of the Korean Peninsula for 600 years and has firmly established itself as a global mega city, will see valuable presentations from leaders and scholars from various fields on how its future will unfold."