As the 2025 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting approaches in Gyeongju, the sister-city story of Beijing and Seoul stands out as a model of urban collaboration.
Since forging ties in 1993, the capitals of the Chinese mainland and South Korea have built a dynamic partnership fueled by culture, commerce and innovation. Over three decades, this bond has grown from student exchanges to major economic and tech initiatives.
Beijing’s legacy as the world’s first dual Olympic city—host to the 2008 Summer and 2022 Winter Games—reflects its historical depth and ambition. Seoul, too, made its mark by hosting the 1988 Summer Olympic Games, driving its own wave of urban transformation.
In 2013, the Beijing–Seoul Joint Committee was launched to deepen cooperation across economy, trade, technology and culture. Since then, joint projects have ranged from smart city labs to startup collaboration, empowering entrepreneurs and innovators in both capitals.
Earlier this May, the “Hello, Beijing” tourism and cultural promotion event brought Beijing’s art, cuisine and travel appeal to Seoul residents, reinforcing people-to-people connections and sparking fresh ideas for sustainable tourism.
As city leaders prepare for APEC 2025, the sister-city bond between Beijing and Seoul offers a compelling blueprint for how urban partnerships can drive global progress from the local level up.
Reference(s):
APEC Stories: The sister-city bond between Beijing and Seoul
cgtn.com
