What is the official flower, tree, bird and mascot that symbolize Seoul? Can you guess?

Since last year, the metropolitan city with a population of 10 million has reviewed proposals to design its slogan, color and symbol and has decided to have a new symbol -- Haechi, the original name for the creature also known as Haetae, a legendary animal that can distinguish good from evil and defend justice.

Based on a survey the Seoul Metropolitan Government conducted among its citizens and overseas tourists over the last six months, most respondents picked Gyeongbokgung (palace) and its imaginary guardian Haechi as the best symbol for the city.

The fabled Haechi, a lion-like horned creature, has been chosen as the symbol to represent Seoul, while the ‘Hi Seoul' slogan promoting the city from many years will be replaced by either 'Soul Seoul' or 'Soul of Seoul.'

According to the city government, Haechi is considered an observer who has witnessed the many changes that have taken place in Seoul since the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and a friendly guardian close to people from all walks of life.

Seoul will be advertised as “the City of Haechi” and its image will be spread around the world, according to the city government.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government decided to set up two statues of Haechi in the Gwanghwamun Plaza, which is scheduled to be open in June 2009. A digital Haechi will also be installed near the statue of Admiral Yi Sun-shin (1545-1598), who destroyed the Japanese Navy during Hideyoshi Toyotomi's invasions of Korea in the 16th century, and in a park near the Koreana Hotel in Gwanghwamun, downtown Seoul.

Seoul is planning a variety of promotional events, including holding a street parade called Soul Seoul Day and making a street festival and tourism package named after Haechi.

This article first appeared on www.korea.net

May 13, 2008