TLDR: Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has declared 2025 as the start of an ‘AI administrative revolution,’ committing to integrate artificial intelligence across city governance to enhance public services and improve residents’ quality of life. Key initiatives include nurturing AI talent, expanding tech infrastructure to create an ‘AI tech city,’ and fostering interdepartmental AI collaboration.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has announced a bold vision for the city’s future, declaring 2025 as the pivotal year for an ‘AI administrative revolution’ aimed at fundamentally transforming governance through artificial intelligence. Speaking at a press conference marking the third anniversary of his term, Mayor Oh emphasized his strong commitment to leveraging AI to significantly enhance the efficiency of administrative services and elevate the quality of life for Seoul’s residents.
“AI is reshaping every aspect of our lives, and this year will be recorded as the beginning of an AI-driven transformation in governance,” Mayor Oh stated at Seoul City Hall. He highlighted that while the central government focuses on broader AI development and policy, local governments like the Seoul Metropolitan Government must adopt a more citizen-centric approach. “For cities, the key mission is not just to adopt AI but to help citizens leverage it to improve their daily lives,” he added, underscoring the practical application of AI for public benefit.
To realize this ambitious vision, the city government plans several strategic initiatives. A major focus will be on nurturing a skilled AI workforce through the expansion of programs such as the Youth Employment Academy and the RISE (Regional Innovation System and Education) Project. The goal is to ensure a robust supply of AI professionals to support this technological shift.
Furthermore, Mayor Oh pledged full administrative support for a significant expansion of an existing tech hub in southern Seoul, with the aim of establishing an ‘AI tech city.’ This hub is envisioned as a leading center for innovation, driving advancements in AI. The city government has already been proactive in integrating AI technology across various administrative functions and plans to establish an interdepartmental administrative framework. This framework will facilitate collaborative use of AI tools across all departments, enhancing work efficiency among civil servants.
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In the remaining year of his term, leading up to the local elections on June 3, 2026, Mayor Oh affirmed his dedication to intensively improving the quality of life for Seoul residents across multiple sectors, including housing, transportation, and culture, with AI playing a crucial role in these advancements.
