Former Seoul Deputy Mayor Kim Byung-min Takes the Helm of the Seoul Tourism Foundation
Kim Byung-min, a former deputy mayor of Seoul for political affairs, has been appointed president and CEO of the Seoul Tourism Foundation. According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, his three-year term begins on September 14, 2026.
Drawing on his experience in city administration, politics and external affairs, Kim will lead the foundation as it works to strengthen Seoul’s tourism industry and establish the city as a global tourism hub.
Kim Byung-min’s Career Highlights
Kim earned a degree in economics and international trade from Kyung Hee University and later studied business administration and public administration in graduate school. He entered politics in 2010 as a member of the Seocho District Council in Seoul, later serving as a spokesperson and Supreme Council member of the People Power Party.
According to News1, Kim served in 2022 as spokesperson for the campaign of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon and as spokesperson for presidential candidate Yoon Suk Yeol. He was Seoul’s deputy mayor for political affairs from July 2024 to April 2026.
During his tenure as deputy mayor, Kim worked on cooperation between Seoul and local governments, external communications, and consultations on tourism and MICE policies, deepening his understanding of the city’s major policy priorities.
Key Challenges for the Seoul Tourism Foundation
The Seoul Tourism Foundation is an organization funded by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. Its responsibilities include developing tourism products and resources, providing tourism information services, promoting Seoul overseas, organizing festivals and events, and attracting MICE business. Under its new leadership, aligning Seoul’s policies with the foundation’s programs will be a central priority.
Seoul is also expanding joint MICE marketing with local governments in South Korea and abroad in 2026. The city and the Seoul Tourism Foundation are pursuing joint bids and promotional campaigns that connect regional tourism assets, including through an agreement with North Gyeongsang Province.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the partnership between Seoul and North Gyeongsang Province is focused on combining Seoul’s international MICE infrastructure with the region’s historical and cultural assets to attract more high-value events and group tourists.
Balancing Political Expertise with Tourism Know-How
Kim’s strengths include his understanding of Seoul’s administration and his ability to communicate across politics, the media and the private sector. He is expected to translate city policies into concrete tourism programs and build cooperation among the central government, local authorities and the tourism industry.
Because he does not come from the tourism industry, however, strengthening his understanding of industry operations will remain a challenge. Close engagement with tourism businesses will be essential across the foundation’s activities, from attracting international visitors to supporting MICE, assisting tourism companies and developing local tourism content.
The Road Ahead for Seoul’s Tourism Competitiveness
The Seoul Tourism Foundation will need to continue developing tourism content that encourages international visitors to stay longer and spend more, while making it easier for tourists to travel around the city, book services and access information.
It will also be important to connect tourism demand concentrated in central Seoul with the Han River, the city’s autonomous districts and local cultural facilities, while expanding high-value sectors such as medical tourism, MICE, performances and exhibitions.
The success of Kim’s tenure will depend on how effectively he can combine the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s ability to implement policy with expertise from the tourism industry. Attention will focus on whether he can turn his political coordination skills into tangible results in attracting visitors and revitalizing local economies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does Kim Byung-min’s term as president and CEO of the Seoul Tourism Foundation begin?
Kim’s term begins on September 14, 2026, and runs for three years.
What is Kim Byung-min’s professional background?
He graduated from Kyung Hee University’s College of Economics and International Trade and studied business administration and public administration in graduate school. He has served as a member of the Seocho District Council, a spokesperson and Supreme Council member of the People Power Party, and Seoul’s deputy mayor for political affairs.
What is the Seoul Tourism Foundation?
The Seoul Tourism Foundation is an organization funded by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. It oversees the development of tourism products and resources, overseas promotion and marketing, tourism information services, festivals and events, and MICE attraction.
Which tourism sectors will be important under Kim Byung-min’s leadership?
Key areas are expected to include Seoul’s tourism industry as a whole, including international visitor attraction and city marketing, MICE, support for tourism companies and the development of local tourism content, and medical tourism.
What strengths are expected of Kim Byung-min?
Drawing on his understanding of Seoul’s administration and his experience in political affairs and external cooperation, Kim is expected to connect city policies with tourism programs and expand cooperation with domestic and international organizations and the tourism industry.
