Major cities have long handed key-to-the-city honors to foreign dignitaries and prominent expats, often viewing the gesture as little more than a ceremonial nod to civic goodwill. But in Seoul, city officials are increasingly eager to turn these international residents into an active network of brand ambassadors and policy advisors. The Seoul Metropolitan Government hosted its third Honorary Citizen Networking Day of the year at Coex in southern Seoul, Tuesday. The event brought together 20 foreign honorary citizens and local officials, aligning their gathering with Smart Life Week 2026, the city’s flagship technology summit focused on artificial intelligence and urban innovation. Against the backdrop of interactive exhibits showcasing cutting-edge artificial intelligence and civic tech, participants attended the summit’s opening ceremony, joined a roundtable discussion with city leaders, and toured the exhibition floor. The goal was twofold: give long-time foreign residents a firsthand look at Seoul's digital vision while gathering their insights to refine municipal policies. "Netw