The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 11th its core strategies to position itself as a global AI innovation hub. The city aims to accelerate AI-driven industrial transformation by fostering talent, expanding infrastructure, increasing investment, integrating AI with advanced industries, promoting AI accessibility, and implementing administrative innovations.  

Mayor Oh Se-hoon unveiled seven key strategies at the AI SEOUL 2025 conference held at the COEX Grand Ballroom. Currently, South Korea ranks sixth globally in AI, excelling in areas like development (third) and infrastructure (sixth), but lagging in talent (13th), research (13th), and venture investment (12th). To bridge this gap and foster AI innovations on par with OpenAI and DeepSeek, Seoul plans to implement strategic support measures.  

Under the policy framework of “Rebuilding all industries around AI,” Seoul has outlined seven key strategies for AI sector development: talent development, infrastructure expansion, investment growth, industry convergence, global collaboration, public engagement, and administrative innovation. These initiatives aim to position Seoul as a central player among the world’s top three AI powerhouses.  

AI Talent Development  

Seoul will train 10,000 AI specialists annually—4,000 from the Youth Employment Academy and 6,000 from universities—to meet the growing demand for AI professionals. Starting this year, the city will introduce a scholarship program for AI and STEM master’s students, allocating $450,000 (KRW 600 million) to support 60 students annually, with plans for expansion.  

Establishing AI Infrastructure  

Seoul will develop the Seoul AI Tech City, a 270,000㎡ AI innovation district in Yangjae, expanding the existing AI Hub (27,000㎡) tenfold. Scheduled to break ground in 2028, this AI-focused urban district will integrate universities, global research institutions, and residential and cultural spaces, providing an ecosystem where AI talent can fully dedicate themselves to research and development.  

Expanding AI Investment  

Over the next two years (2025–2026), Seoul will launch a $375 million (KRW 500 billion) AI investment fund to drive private sector engagement in AI. The city will also expand access to computing resources such as GPUs (Graphic Processing Units) required for training and deploying generative AI models, enhancing the global competitiveness of AI startups.  

AI Industry Convergence  

As AI is a foundational technology across industries, Seoul will integrate AI with its four core future industries—AI, biotech, robotics, and fintech—as well as with strategic sectors like design, beauty, and fashion. This initiative aims to reshape Seoul’s industrial landscape into an AI-driven ecosystem.  

Strengthening Global Collaboration  

Seoul will collaborate with global tech companies and leading international research institutes to enhance the technological competitiveness of Korean AI firms and support their expansion into overseas markets.  

AI Public Engagement  

To make AI more accessible to the public, Seoul will introduce regular citizen-focused events showcasing AI innovations. In March, the city will host the Seoul AI Festa, where citizens can experience AI technologies firsthand. Additionally, in October, Smart Life Week (SLW) will return as a large-scale exhibition of cutting-edge AI advancements.  

AI-Driven Administrative Innovation  

Seoul will strengthen its urban competitiveness by incorporating AI into public administration. The city will establish an AI-exclusive data platform, leveraging its vast public data resources to provide customized AI-driven solutions for citizens. To oversee this transformation, the Seoul Digital Foundation will be rebranded as the Seoul AI Foundation, serving as the central AI governance body.  

Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated, “As the leading city of South Korea, Seoul is fully committed to AI-driven industrial transformation. We are equipping AI companies with the resources to invest boldly and implement strategic initiatives while securing top-tier talent through our AI vision. By swiftly fostering and restructuring industries around AI, we will position Seoul at the core of the world’s top three AI powerhouses.”