With the acceleration of mobility of global citizens, cities around the world are in competition to brand themselves in order to attract global talent.

Besides well-known metropolitan cities in Korea like Seoul, cities in free economic zones, aiming to be business-friendly global cities, have gone to the forefront of city branding.

The Incheon Free Economic Zone, the nation’s first FEZ, designated in 2003, launched its brand strategy in 2008, unveiling a logo and brand identity.

The IFEZ brands itself as a Northeast Asian business hub. The zone comprising three cites ― Songdo, Yeongjong and Cheongna ― boasts of its strategic location, just a 20-minute drive from Incheon International Airport. The city’s geographical advantage is appealing to those who want to increase business activities in China, the world’s most populous country.

IFEZ cities, which are being developed over 169.5 square kilometers, also provide advanced living and educational environments for international residents. Korea is recognized for its high level of education by other developing or developed nations. The IFEZ can be a global hub for highly educated talents in high-tech industries including information technology and biotechnology.

“IFEZ branding has been helpful for delivering key messages of cities to target audiences around the world,’’ IFEZ officials said.