By Kim Tae-jong
Staff Reporter
Seoul Metropolitan Government launched a forum for international students here Wednesday to listen to their ideas and suggestions for the city.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon expects the International Student Forum will serve as a channel through which their ideas can be delivered and contribute to making the city more appealing to people worldwide.
``In the 21st century where knowledge is valued and cooperation leads to competitiveness, people say that whom you know is more important than what you know,'' Oh said in his congratulatory speech. ``I believe that securing infrastructure for international residents to live in this city comfortably is the key to staying ahead in the fierce competition among cities worldwide.''
Oh asked the 200 foreign and Korean inaugural members of the forum to offer valuable comments and opinions on Seoul's efforts to become a ``truly global city.''
Members of the forum, which will run for six-months, will discuss the problems faced by international students living in Seoul regarding education, tourism, transportation and daily life as well as work to find creative solutions to these problems.
They will also be able to join various events to experience and learn about Seoul. Activities include studying the Han River Renaissance Project, an essay contest and tours to important parts of Seoul's infrastructure.
After participation in the forum, members will have the opportunity to work as an intern at one of the city government's various organizations.
Albert Kang, inaugural student chairman of the forum, said the forum will be a good opportunity for international students to form a network and wanted to make the forum a representative organization for foreign students here.
``When I first came here, I couldn't even go to a library as I didn't know how to get a student card,'' the American student said. ``But it is a great honor that the forum has been organized for us to exchange information and suggest ideas to the city government.''
The opening ceremony was also joined by honorary advisors including Song Ja, former president of Yonsei University; Shim Il-bo, CEO of the Seoul Business Agency; and Alan Timblick, head of the Seoul Global Center.