Seoul tourism promotion project on the rocks as budget shrinks

Programs for foreigners fall victim to council's anachronism


The spat between Seoul City government and city council is likely to ruin the administration’s efforts to promote local tourism, as many programs for foreigners have been downsized due to a budget shortage this year.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government last week announced this year’s cultural experience programs for foreigners, under which it is planning to receive 1,740 applicants for 30 events, a sharp drop from 2,591 in 2010 and 2,301 in 2009.

The “Seoul Bus Tour,” where participants on rented coaches are given the chance to look around the city, ride ferries, visit landmark buildings and other things, will be the first to be downsized. The number of concerts, performances and others will be dramatically reduced too.

Administration officials said the budget restraint was the major reason for the reduction of such programs. 

The council, controlled by members of the main opposition Democratic Party, last month cut this year’s expenditure on the projects to 64.6 million won ($57,000), about one-third of the previous year’s 198 million won.

The measure was part of the Seoul Metropolitan Council’s slashing of 308 billion won from the budget bill on what councilors called “fritter,” which covers the areas of promotion and construction among others.

Many councilors criticized the city’s promotional activities as being designed to satisfy Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s personal ambition to run for president in the future. Oh is touted as one of the presidential hopefuls of the ruling Grand National Party.

The city government referred the passage of the bill to the Supreme Court earlier this month to verify whether the budget cut without consulting the mayor is legitimate.

Critics call it undesirable, as the partisan standoff between the mayor and the council has spilled over into programs needed to promote the city among foreigners.

“Yes, the budget strain is a big challenge but we are coping with it with replacements or downsizing,” said Lee So-young, an official at the city’s marketing department.

The city government plans to expand its low-budget “Seoul Exploration” program, where participants are given “missions,” a map and bus cards to visit all parts of the capital city using public transport.

The program ranges from visiting museums, galleries and traditional markets to trails without specific programs or tour guides. Those who complete the mission are given souvenirs. The event, which has hosted mostly exchange students, U.S. soldiers and other expats since its introduction in 2008, will be available for 1,300 people this year.

“Seoul Exploration has gained generally good reviews because it was something out of the guidebook. Participants were able to look into the real lives of the local residents and enjoy them in their own ways,” said Lee.

“We have also encouraged them to post video clips of their city tours on YouTube, Facebook accounts and others, which has created an additional promotional effect,” she added.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)