Seoul mayor vows AI-driven transformation in governance

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced his strong commitment to using artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the efficiency of administrative services and the quality of life for residents.

At a press conference marking the third anniversary of his term on Wednesday, Oh declared this year to be a turning point in the city government’s “AI administrative revolution,” saying he will help make the new technology more accessible and useful to all Seoulites.

“AI is reshaping every aspect of our lives, and this year will be recorded as the beginning of an AI-driven transformation in governance,” the mayor said at Seoul City Hall.

While the central government focuses on AI development and broad policy strategy, Oh emphasized that local governments, including the Seoul Metropolitan Government, must adopt a more citizen-centered approach.

“For cities, the key mission is not just to adopt AI but to help citizens leverage it to improve their daily lives,” Oh said. “To achieve that, we will continue expanding programs like the Youth Employment Academy and the RISE (Regional Innovation System and Education) Project to nurture AI professionals. It’s crucial that we supply as many skilled workers as possible to support this shift.”

Oh also said he plans to push for a major expansion of an existing tech hub in southern Seoul, pledging full administrative support to establish an “AI tech city” as a leading center for innovation.

Since the introduction of AI technology, the city government has been proactive in adopting and promoting it across various areas of administrative work.

Among these are an AI analysis system for emergency 119 calls, allowing faster and more accurate emergency response; AI-generated check-in calls to senior citizens to ensure their well-being; and intelligent CCTV systems designed to assist individuals with developmental disabilities by enhancing safety in public spaces.

Looking ahead, the city government plans to launch its own large language model (LLM) tailored specifically for city administration by the end of this year. The system will feature tools such as policy Q&A services, along with automatic draft creation for analysis reports and press releases, making it immediately applicable for day-to-day operations.

To maximize the benefits of this initiative, the city will also establish an interdepartmental administrative framework where all departments can collaboratively use AI tools to improve work efficiency among civil servants.

In the remaining year of his term before next year’s local elections, scheduled for June 3, Oh pledged to focus intensively on improving the quality of life for Seoul residents across multiple sectors, including housing, transportation and culture.

Among his flagship initiatives is the creation of a public-private housing promotion fund, a model that leverages public financial resources while encouraging private sector participation. The goal is to accelerate housing supply and stabilize the market, addressing one of the city’s most pressing challenges.

Oh also reiterated his vision of a “quality of life renaissance” ― a citywide rejuvenation centered around tangible improvements that citizens can feel in their daily environments. Central to this plan is the expansion of urban gardens and green spaces, which he believes will redefine Seoul as a livable, human-centered city.

When asked about his intention to run for reelection, he did not deny the possibility.

“The more I work, the more I realize how much still needs to be done,” Oh said. “It makes me want to try new things and pursue further innovation. I’ll continue working hard in the time I have left and leave my candidacy to the judgment of the citizens.”