Expatriate events to get city gov’t support

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will provide financial assistance to eligible applicants from the expatriate community who wish to host cultural events in the capital this year.

The winning groups will have 80 percent of their total expenses covered by the new fund, with a 6 million won ($4,997) cap.

Applications must be submitted between Feb. 11 and 19. Winners will be announced in early March.

Eligible candidates are foreign embassies, expatriate community groups or private organizations planning to host a cultural event around music, food, dress or a physical activity, among others.

Non-cultural events such as private social gatherings, club events and fund-raising charities are not included.

All events must be held between March 1 and Nov. 30.

Only one event per nation will be chosen, in principle, according to the press release by the Seoul government sent out on Tuesday, but exceptions may be made when the event is intended to celebrate bilateral ties between countries.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government indicated that it would oversee selected events, stating that “arrangements regarding the date, time and venue of all events will be discussed and decided upon with Seoul officials.”

Grants will be provided within 30 days after the event.

Prospective applicants must submit an application form, an introduction of the organizing group and a detailed plan of the event.

For the application forms, log on to global.seoul.go.kr/ and click the News section on the left side of the page.

Under SGC News, find upload No. 1585.

Applications must be received via email: happygoods@seoul.go.kr.

For more information, call 02-2133-5076.

BY LEE SUNG-EUN [lee.sungeun@joongang.co.kr]