On June 3rd, Seoulites will vote to determine who will lead the city for the next four years. Widely considered to be a springboard for the Presidency, the battle for Seoul's top job boils down to a race between incumbent Mayor Oh Se-Hoon (Grand National Party,) and Korea's first female Prime Minister, Han Myeong-Sook (Democratic Party.)

Oh is seeking to build on his vision of making Seoul one of the "top five cities of the world." His time in office has been characterised by involvement in bold, often expensive projects such as the Han River Rennaissance Plan and World Design Capital 2010, and he has worked towards the reduction of air pollution. His manifesto has a heavily green focus, and involves ambitious plans to convert Seoul's taxi fleet to hybrids and enabling the capital's roads to power electric vehicles.

Han on the other hand is well known for her work as Prime Minister and her close association with the late Roh Moo-Hyun, whom many perceive as being driven to suicide by a politically motivated investigation into corruption by the GNP. Recently cleared of bribery charges herself, Her policies focus on creating a "welfare-focused" Seoul, with an emphasis on job creation and weath distribution. She enjoys popularity amongst those who feel that Oh's policies have done little to help Seoul people, and ignored an impoverished underclass.

Both candidates have promised to limit what they consider the overblown role of private education. Oh has promised an extra 1 trillion won of funding for public education over the next four years in a plan that includes employing three native teachers per school ,and creating customized after school programs that would limit the appeal of Hagwons. Han meanwhile wants to provide free school meals for all, free child care for toddlers and pre-schoolers and compel primary schools to look after children until 7pm. If realised, either scenario would have the potential to effect both the nature and number of jobs available to foreigners here.

At present, Oh is ahead in the polls, but many observers suggest that Han has the potential to close the gap. Let us know how you would vote for Seoul's future by taking part in this weeks election poll (link) or by leaving your comments below.

Oh, and enjoy the day off!

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