Seoul staged what is generally considered to be one of the most memorable Olympics, a Games best remembered for Canadian Ben Johnson being stripped of his gold medal after testing positive for anabolic steroids following his victory in the 100 metres.

 

Johnson said: "I am delighted to be getting the chance to see the Seoul Olympic site to garner lessons for London on how they staged their Summer Games."

 

Johnson is also attending the C40 Climate Summit addressing other Mayors and senior representatives of leading world cities focusing on promoting London’s plans to slash carbon emissions by 60 per cent by 2025.

 

The Mayor plans to exchange ideas to tackle climate change and to generate green collar jobs supporting the capital’s economy during the downturn and preparing it for a strong future when economic recovery arrives.

 

A recent study for the Mayor's office by Ernst and Young showed that the Mayor's plans to cut energy and tackle climate change could bring 10-15,000 jobs and contribute £600 million a year to the capital's economy by 2025.

Johnson said: "I am committed to doing everything in my power to see London through the downturn and one of the strongest ways to do so is grasp the international opportunities coming from addressing the challenge of climate change and cutting the capital’s energy usage.

 

"In Seoul, through meeting leaders of the world’s largest cities and meeting Korean businesses, I will have the prime opportunity to reinforce the message that London is alive and kicking and still an unrivalled place pursue business specifically for ‘green-collar’ companies.

 

"I want to learn the best of what others are doing to ensure London remains ahead of the game at the dawn of a low carbon economy."