Unlike traditional advanced technology exhibitions centered on viewing, it will become a citizen participation platform

A smart city is a digital platform. Various digital technologies such as IoT, big data, AI, cloud, and generative AI are integrated. Through digital transformation, rational decision-making is achieved, waste of manpower and costs is reduced, and safety is enhanced, allowing citizens to lead more convenient and happy lives. There are many global smart city exhibitions that reflect the trends of digital new technologies and share insights. 

Smart Life Week (SLW), hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO) and organized by the Seoul Digital Foundation, will be held for the first time at COEX from October 10 to 12. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon announced at the ‘2024 CES’ in Las Vegas last January that he plans to make SLW an annual event, akin to a ‘Seoul version of CES.’ 

“If CES (Consumer Electronics Show) or MWC (Mobile World Congress) are venues where new technologies compete, Smart Life Week will be a platform where citizens can experience new technologies and realize the value of companionship.” 

Kang Yo-sik, Chairman of the Seoul Digital Foundation, who met with Kyunghyang Shinmun at the foundation’s office in Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul on the 12th, did not hide his expectations for SLW. Chairman Kang explained that unlike traditional advanced technology exhibitions, SLW’s feature is that “it is not just about viewing but also about direct participation,” adding, “Visitors will learn and feel a lot by experiencing technologies that change their lives.” 

On the first floor of the event hall (3645㎡), 13 experience spaces will be created. Here, you can experience 50 activities such as urban air mobility (UAM) and various mobility simulator experiences, wearing healthcare equipment such as wearable robots, conversing with AI-based robots, and non-face-to-face AI banking. Over 100 companies, including major corporations such as Samsung, LG Electronics, Hyundai Motor, and SK Telecom, will participate. 

Chairman Kang also pointed out that the high participation rate of city governments from various countries is another difference from other advanced technology exhibitions. SLW is an expanded and reorganized event from the ‘Seoul Smart City Awards Ceremony’ held last year with 93 cities from 47 countries. 

Chairman Kang said, “As of the 11th, 83 cities from 64 countries have confirmed their participation, and about 30 mayor-level officials will attend. We expect the number to increase to 100 just before the opening,” adding, “Seven cities, including London, Paris, Madrid, Quebec, and Taipei, will open exhibition halls to introduce their policies and technologies.” 

Chairman Kang highlighted ‘PYC’ (Presentation for Your City) as a noteworthy event at SLW. It is a place where cities around the world present their transportation, environment, and safety issues and share solutions or ideas with other cities that have solutions. 

Chairman Kang explained, “21 cities from 17 countries have applied. It is a place where the demand for city problems and solution providers can meet in one place, and high-level officials will also attend, so decision-making in each city will be faster than usual,” adding, “It will create links between cities or between cities and companies, and domestic companies are expected to open a bridgehead for overseas expansion.” 

Forums between Chief Digital Officers (CDOs) of each city, equivalent to the Director of the Digital City Bureau of Seoul, and the ‘Next Leader Forum,’ where mayors of both cities and seven university students from each city gather to discuss, are also planned. 

Chairman Kang said, “This year, we aim for 20,000 visitors, and next year 40,000, and 60,000 the year after that, gradually growing the event,” adding, “Through the event, we aim to gradually develop Seoul from a smart life model city to a leading city and a hub city.” 

Kang Yo-sik
President of Seoul Digital Foundation

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