At the Olympic Village in Seoul

21 years ago their Olympic Games helped consolidate democracy here, boosted the Korean medal tally dramatically, raised the country's profile around the world and increased GDP. It also - as I witnessed today - left a lasting legacy of impressive and rather beautiful infrastructure.

I shamelessly took notes as the custodians of this wonderful site explained how all the athletes' apartments had been pre-sold before the games. I marvelled at the aquatics centre which had hundred of youngsters training hard in it - and does so from 6am till late practically every day. Sports participation here took a big leap two decades ago and has never looked back
Their Olympics museum is designed to draw in the crowds and preserve the fond memories of those games and others. The gymnasium - as I entered - was being prepared for yet another concert.

Seoul - my friends - is a shining example of what every Olympic Games could be and what London 2012 has to be. I came here primarily for a climate conference, but seeing the Olympic park has been a huge bonus - a reminder of the challenge and the opportunity we now have in London.

Seoul - at the Olympic Park

Beijing's Olympic legacy

Great meeting with the Vice Mayor of Beijing Chen Gang, who handled all the construction for their Olympics.

I'm impressed how the city is already moving beyond the Games to ensure the site has a legacy. Chen Gang told me about a science museum and art gallery that will be opened in their park.

The athletes' apartments - praised by their occupants over the last few weeks - are all set to be sold off. Many of the venues are already tied to universities and students will soon enjoy them.

I'm told of other potentially lasting benefits to this city, like the traffic-reducing measures put in place for the Games. Locals have got used to only driving their cars on alternate days, according to whether their registration plate ends in an odd or even number. The scheme's due to end tomorrow but there's widespread public support for keeping it and the Mayor of Beijing is very tempted.

Air quality was vastly improved by the closure of dozens of factories before the Games and friends tell me most of those will not re-open.

The trick for us is to build on the good relationship between London and Beijing in the aftermath of these Games. That's why I've just had lunch at Beijing Zoo, which wants closer collaboration with London Zoo. In time, sharing expertise could lead to exchanging staff and some animals, as well as pooling resources to conserve habitats and protect endangered species.

Had the joy of feeding an otter and baby panda before being handsomely fed myself.