Park Won-soon Quotes

"Transparency increases credibility and accountability."

"A new era doesn't come from nothing. New thoughts, values and methods will be established after overcoming various hurdles on the way."

"The access to clean air and clean water is a basic right."

"Seoul will build more resource recovery facilities and establish new recycling facilities with the aim of achieving zero landfills of domestic waste."

"What we have to learn from Singapore is multiculturalism or clearly having the aspect of a global city."

"Transparency and accountability must be restored in politics."

"Blockchain is an innovative technology with the power to change society and is gaining the world's attention as a technology to enhance the competitiveness of the urban economy."

"Yongsan Garrison is an important venue representing Korea's modern history which will be preserved."

"The parties are all trying to reinvent themselves. I believe this upheaval is destined to take the country's fate into a different direction."

"As politics is not subtraction but addition, those who share views and ideas need to join forces and they have to cooperate with political opponents even after they win an election."

"I believe investing in welfare is an investment in the future and in people."

"My motto for Seoul is 'From Good to Great.'"

"Getting access to diverse civilizations should be easy, and languages are the gateway to that."

"There are many challenges ahead, and one of the most important ones I face is ensuring the future sustainability of our city."

"The main issue of cities is to tackle climate change and it is the issue of the current and next generations. Sustainability cannot be emphasized too much and I have designated the issue of climate change as the most important to solve."

"If the 1988 Seoul Olympics was 'reconciliation Olympics' amid the cold war between East and West and the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics was a touchstone of peace, the 2032 Olympics will be promoted to become the last stop to establish the peace."

"With regard to the 5G market, China is rather a competitor than a partner."

"When we travel to other countries, the Internet speed is so much slower. So I think in terms of technology, 5G and Internet speed, Korea has an absolute advantage over other countries."

"For me personally, it is one of my biggest priorities to build a sustainable city that can respond properly to the climate change."

"Seoul is becoming a global city."

"I personally agree with the rights of homosexuals. But the Protestant churches are very powerful in Korea. It isn't easy for politicians."

"It's in the hands of activists to expand the universal concept of human rights to include homosexuals. Once they persuade the people, the politicians will follow."

"Many homosexual couples in Korea are already together. They are not legally accepted yet, but I believe the Korean Constitution allows it. We are guaranteed the right to the pursuit of happiness. Of course, there may be different interpretations to what that pursuit means."

"Sometimes even my old friends are against me. But it's important to face your opposition and hear them out."

"We have many different kinds of global centers like the global business center or the special center for Mongolian and Central Asian residents in Seoul."

"Touring Seoul is like an onion that you keep peeling away layer after layer."

"When foreign tourists come to Seoul, they will likely want to experience the city more. The city combines past, present and future landscapes that cannot be found elsewhere."

"It's problematic when we have excessive numbers of police taking over the streets. People visiting Seoul for the first time might think... this is a military state."

"I oppose discrimination against homosexuals, but I do not support them, either."

"We need to put priority on addressing issues related to people's daily lives and their economic hardships."