Council strengthens partnership with Korean capital Seoul
Kingston Council has signed an agreement to boost cultural connections with Seocho District in the Korean capital Seoul, in recognition of Kingston’s significant Korean community.
The Memorandum of Understanding - a written statement of intent to work in partnership that is common in Korean culture - sets the ambition for the two areas to work together to develop creative, cultural and educational opportunities for Kingston and Seocho residents to collaborate.
The Royal Borough of Kingston has one of the largest expatriate communities of Koreans in Europe, particularly focused around the New Malden area, contributing to a vibrant cultural scene. In September 2024 a delegation from the borough was welcomed to Seocho District in Seoul to participate in the Seoripul music and cultural festival.
While in Seoul, Mayor of Kingston Councillor Liz Green signed the Memorandum of Understanding with Seocho, signalling the friendship and collaboration between the two areas.
The invitation to Seoul followed a previous visit to the Royal Borough of Kingston by Seocho district officials.
The agreement focuses on opportunities for creative, cultural and educational collaboration for Kingston and Seocho residents. Initially the two districts will be exploring opportunities to work together as part of the Kingston 2025 celebrations. Kingston 2025 is a six month cultural celebration of the borough’s communities past, present and future that will begin in May 2025 to mark the 1100th anniversary of the crowning of King Athelstan, the first king of a unified England, in Kingston.