Seoul, 30 November 2017 ? Philippine Ambassador to ROK Raul S. Hernandez was awarded the 2017 Seoul Honorary Citizenship by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in a ceremony presided by Seoul Mayor Park Won-Soon on 29 November 2017 in Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Gwanghwamun Square, central Seoul. The ceremony was attended by families and friends of the awardees, members of Seoul's business, arts, and civil communities, as well as representatives from the diplomatic corps. Twelve other awardees from different sectors were conferred with the award.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government confers Seoul Honorary Citizenships in an annual ceremony to recognize foreign nationals who have demonstrated their love and dedication to the city and its residents by contributing to their development and well- being. Foreign honorees should be Seoul residents for at least three consecutive years or cumulative of five years and be recommended by community leaders or heads of Seoul-based organizations.
Since 1958, 707 foreign residents of Seoul from 94 countries have been conferred with honorary citizenships. The new Seoul honorary citizens will be provided with the opportunity to participate in events hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and are permitted free admission to the Seoul Museum of Art, the Seoul Museum of History, the Seoul Grand Park, and other public facilities owned and operated by Seoul city.
Notable awardees of the past include actor Jackie Chan (1999), James Bond actor Roger Moore (2002), former US ambassador to Korea Christopher Hill (2005), Holt Children's Center Vice President and grandmother to adopted children Susan Cox (2005), humanitarian Sister Maria Vertilde (2011), Moscow State Institute of International Relations rector Anatoly Torkunov (2013), and Princess Astrid of Belgium (2017).
The event was formally opened by Mayor Park, who congratulated and profusely thanked the awardees for their efforts in contributing to the enrichment of the lives of Seoul citizens through their unique efforts, showing their dedication to their adopted city.

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