Welcome Address About the Mayor Mayor's News Major Speeches Email the Mayor Previous Mayors Organization Chart Bureaus & Divisions Administrative Districts Budget Summary Hi Seoul (City Brand) Emblem Tree, Flower & Bird Publicity Envoys Mascot Vision & Objectives 4-year Master Plan Key City Projects Major Implementation Programs Cheonggyecheon Restoration New Town Project Seoul Forest Project Seoul Green Trust Seoul Green Vision 21 e-Seoul OPEN System Anti-Corruption Policies Digital Media City Women's Policies Drinking Tap Water Raising Toilet Standard Policy Directions and Goals Sister Cities Honorary Citizenship     Home > City Government > Symbols > Tree, Flower & Bird   The Seoul Metropolitan Government designated the ginkgo, known for its beauty, longevity, and strong resistance to pollution and blight, as the tree of Seoul on April 3, 1971. Growing big and strong, it symbolizes the development and prosperity of the nation's capital.   The Seoul Metropolitan Government determined forsythia as the flower of Seoul on April 3, 1971. The flower is considered to be most suitable for Seoul's climate. This flower comes into full bloom in early spring and demonstrates the cooperative spirit of Seoul's citizens.   Traditionally loved by the Korean people, the magpie is believed to be an auspicious bird and a messenger of good news. According to a folktale, magpies formed a bridge to help two star-crossed lovers to reunite. It was also chosen as the national bird of Korea in 1964, getting overwhelming votes in a national contest. As the bird of Korea, and that of Seoul as well, the magpie has been excluded from the list of game fowls since 1996.

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