Former Seoul deputy mayor Kim Byung-min appointed head of city tourism agency

Seoul’s municipal government appointed former deputy mayor Kim Byung-min as the new president and chief executive of the Seoul Tourism Organization, starting his three-year tenure on Monday. Kim earned a doctorate in public administration from Kyung Hee University and has held academic positions at both Seoul National University’s Institute of Engineering Research and Kyung Hee University. His recent public service includes serving as deputy mayor for political affairs between 2024 and 2026, during which he co-chaired the G3 Planning Committee and oversaw the G3 Seoul Plan that proposes 100 projects to raise Seoul’s standing as a top-tier global city.

Kim said making Seoul a beloved tourism destination is essential for the capital to join the world’s top three cities, and he pledged to promote Seoul’s unique attractions internationally while integrating tourism with initiatives like the night-time economy. The appointment is part of a broader effort to tie tourism development to policies that enhance the city’s global appeal and quality of life.