Multiple Korean cities were internationally recognized for their management of the local environment at the closing ceremony of the International Awards for Livable Communities held in Seoul on Monday.

Tongyeong City, South Gyeongsang Province, received first prize as the most “livable” city with a population of 75,001-150,000, in recognition of its efforts in developing a sustainable island resort for tourists, among other projects.

Namwon City, North Jeolla Province, took third place for its hiking loop development for Mount Jiri at the awards held in Songpa district.

Two other Korean communities, Jeju City and Seoul’s Gangdong district, ranked second and third, respectively, for cities with populations over 400,000.

In the Natural Project Awards, Seogwipo City in Jeju took first for its “Jeju Olle Project.”

Endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme, the event also recognized Seogwipo City and eight other cities for their environmental projects.

The 2011 LivCom Awards organizers cited cities with an exceptional quality of life including Nanjing, China, along with 15 others.

This was the first time a Korea city hosted the awards, and Songpa was the first Korean community to win a LivCom Award in 2009.

Judges evaluated 77 cities from 26 countries competing for the awards, during the five-day conference which was attended by some 350 mayoral delegations from all around the world.

“This event, superbly hosted by Songpa, was a milestone for LivCom which as ever continues to bring together some of the world’s leading experts in local management of the environment,” said Alan Smith, chief executive and founder of LivCom.

“By inspiring the spirit of ‘think globally, act regionally’ in order to cope with climate change, Songpa is building a cornerstone for sustainable growth in the areas of culture, welfare and environment,” said Park Choon-hee, head of the Songpa District Office.

By Robert Lee (robert@heraldcorp.com)