Date of Birth: March 26, 1956
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Date of Death: July 9, 2020
Biography
Park Won-soon was a prominent South Korean politician and civic activist, best known for serving as the Mayor of Seoul from 2011 until his passing in 2020. Born in Changnyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, Park grew up in a modest household and displayed an early interest in social justice and activism. He attended Seoul National University, where he studied History and later earned a law degree. His career began as a prosecutor, but he soon transitioned into human rights law and activism, founding the People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy and the Beautiful Foundation. As Mayor of Seoul, Park was celebrated for his progressive policies, particularly in urban regeneration, social welfare, and environmental sustainability. He was a vocal supporter of gender equality and took significant steps to make Seoul a more inclusive city. His administration also saw the launch of various innovative public services and technologies aimed at enhancing the quality of life for Seoul’s residents.
5 Interesting Facts about Park Won-soon
1. Park Won-soon was the first person to be elected as Mayor of Seoul three consecutive times.
2. He was a recipient of the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Public Service in 2006 for his contributions to human rights and social justice.
3. Park was instrumental in transforming the Cheonggyecheon stream and the Gwanghwamun Square, major urban renewal projects in Seoul.
4. He was an early adopter of digital governance, introducing various smart city initiatives in Seoul.
5. Park played a critical role in South Korea’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing rigorous testing and tracing measures in Seoul.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Park Won-soon
1. “A city is not just a place to live and work, but a space that must provide happiness and a sense of belonging to its people.”
2. “Our society can only move forward when we ensure the rights and dignity of every individual.”
3. “Innovation is not an option but a necessity for our survival and growth.”
4. “A mayor’s job is not just to manage a city but to inspire its citizens to dream and achieve.”
5. “Sustainable development is the key to our future; we must protect our environment while fostering economic growth.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the time of his passing, Park Won-soon’s net worth was estimated to be around $3 million USD.
Children
Park Won-soon had two children: a son named Park Ju-sung and a daughter named Park Da-in.
Relevant Links
1. [Park Won-soon – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Park_Won-soon
2. [Park Won-soon – Seoul Metropolitan Government](https://english.seoul.go.kr/mayor-park-won-soon/
3. [Ramon Magsaysay Award – Park Won-soon](https://www.rmaward.asia/awardees/park-won-soon
4. [Seoul’s Smart City Initiatives](https://smartcity.seoul.go.kr
5. [New York Times Obituary](https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/09/world/asia/park-won-soon-dead.html
