SE-HOON, OH

Mayor of the Seoul

Metropolitan Government

Vice-Chair & Steering

Committee Member, C40

Cities Climate Leadership Group

Visionary strategist positioning Seoul as Asia’s Design Capital and climate leader

ABOUT

SE-HOON OH is a visionary leader who has transformed Seoul into a global hub and a pioneer of sustainable urban solutions, while also expanding its local stage into the world’s foremost platform for design, knowledge discourse, and sustainable practice. He places at the heart of his approach the fundamental question, “Why must we build this city together?”, valuing the very journey of seeking answers alongside each citizen.

Since spearheading the planning and completion of Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) in 2006, he rebranded Seoul as Asia’s Design Capital. In 2021, he was elected Vice-Chair of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, where he has shared and scaled climate and environmental innovation strategies across more than 100 member cities. Through the “Oh Se-hoon Law,” he exported Seoul’s model of transparent governance to international municipalities, and as a KOICA advisor and endowed professor, he has led the cultivation of global talent and cross-cultural collaboration. His “local-to-global” mindset—anchored in strategic insight, multicultural empathy, and field-driven execution—proposes a new paradigm of urban governance centered on uncovering and sharing meaningful insights.

EXPERIENCE

Seoul Metropolitan Government – Mayor (2022-Present)

• Led the implementation of a sustainable urban vision and expanded Seoul’s global partnerships.

Seoul Metropolitan Government – Mayor (2021)

• Reoriented the city’s climate and environmental agenda and joined the C40 Cities network.

Korea University Graduate School of Technology Management – Endowed Chair Professor (2015)

• Spearheaded education and research at the intersection of technology management and public policy.

KOICA – Municipal Advisor, Rwanda & Peru (2013)

• Advised developing-city governments on adopting Seoul’s urban development models.

Hanyang University Graduate School of Public Policy – Special Professor (2013)

• Delivered courses on urban policy and led international advisory programs.

Seoul Metropolitan Government – Mayor (2006)

• Launched major urban regeneration projects, including Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

National Assembly – Member (2000)

• Represented Seoul Gangnam B district and carried out legislative initiatives.

Legal Profession – Attorney (1991)

• Practiced environmental law; chaired KFEM’s Legal Committee.

QUOTE

“We will spread Seoul’s urban identity far and wide across the globe.“

”By nurturing Seoul’s emerging industries around innovation clusters and catalyzing investment, we will propel Seoul to become Asia’s financial hub.”

PHILOSOPHY