Seoul City, What's Changing This Year... Publication of '2023 Changing Seoul Life'

Introduction of 71 Key Projects Including New Systems and Opened Facilities

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 2nd that it will publish "2023 Changing Seoul Life," which allows citizens to easily view and understand information about newly implemented projects in 2023, upcoming public facilities, and new systems related to citizens' daily lives at a glance.

To help all citizens resolve their questions about Seoul's projects, the publication selectively presents information on services, systems, and public facilities necessary for daily life, enhancing understanding through photos, charts, and other visual aids.

"2023 Changing Seoul Life" is structured around the theme of a Companion and Attractive Special City, comprising a total of 71 projects across 9 sectors.

At the beginning of the booklet, the core projects of the "Companion and Attractive Special City" are introduced using the official Seoul city symbol, the Haechi illustration, to make it easy for citizens to understand. Additionally, pages such as "Changing Seoul Life by Month" and "Changing Seoul Life by Map" are organized to help citizens easily find information as needed.

The main text is designed so that citizens can easily grasp the key points of each project, and detailed information such as usage methods and precautions can be understood through a Q&A format. For inquiries about projects of interest, citizens can contact via phone, website, or social media (SNS) listed at the bottom of the pages.

First, the pilot project of the Alternative Income Guarantee System called Safe Income, which supplements a certain percentage of household income lacking compared to the standard income?providing more support the lower the income?will double the number of participating households starting this year. Initially, 800 households were to be selected and supported over three years, but to enhance the statistical significance of the Safe Income research results and to study macroeconomic and social effects such as regional economic revitalization more thoroughly, a total of 1,600 households will be supported during the same period.

After public recruitment through the Seoul Welfare Portal and selection as eligible recipients, half (50%) of the difference between the household's standard median income at 85% and the household income evaluation amount will be paid monthly as Safe Income. For a single-person household with no income, up to 883,110 KRW per month can be supported.

Along with this, Seoul will further strengthen the Seoul-type healthcare project "Wrist Doctor 9988," which helps citizens manage their health anytime and anywhere non-face-to-face using smartwatches and mobile apps. The eligible age range has been expanded from 19-64 years to 19-69 years, and interested citizens can apply on the "Wrist Doctor 9988" website. Using smartwatches and a dedicated mobile app, the project supports setting health goals, monitors health activities, and provides health information and consultations.

Seoul plans to update and improve disaster maps reflecting the changed terrain conditions and elevated rainfall processing targets and will disclose them on the Seoul Safety Nuri platform. Among the disaster maps, the flood trace map, which indicates flood traces caused by typhoons and heavy rain, will be updated to reflect last year's heavy rain damage and will be available for viewing in the first half of this year. The flood prediction map, which forecasts flood extents based on rainfall, will raise the standard from the existing 95mm per hour to 100mm per hour.

Following Seoul Plaza, in April, Gwanghwamun Book Square will be operated at Gwanghwamun Square, where any citizen can enjoy rest, reading, and culture. With Gyeongbokgung Palace and Inwangsan Mountain as the backdrop, more than 5,000 books on various selected themes will be freely available for reading and relaxation at various spots around Gwanghwamun Square, including Yukjo Madang. Additionally, counseling and communication programs themed on books and mental healing, as well as talk and busking-style performances combining classical and jazz performing arts programs, can be enjoyed.

This year, a special light performance to be held at the Han River is worth looking forward to. The "Drone Light Show," linked with "Seoul Festa 2023," will take place in May in the sky over Han River Park, and in October, the "1st Seoul Light Han River Light Island Festival" will illuminate the autumn nights of the Han River.

"2023 Changing Seoul Life" will be easily accessible from the 3rd via the Seoul Metropolitan Government's "e-book website" and "Information Communication Plaza," and can also be found on "Seoul in My Hand," Seoul's representative communication portal. The booklet is available at the Seoul City Hall main office and affiliated organizations, Seoul-supported facilities, 25 district offices and community service centers, public libraries, and Citizen Hall.

Jung Sooyong, Director of the Planning and Coordination Office, said, "This '2023 Changing Seoul Life' contains important new policies to fully realize the 'Companion and Attractive Special City,' and we hope it will serve as a useful guide for citizens to properly know and enjoy Seoul's new policies." He added, "We will continue to make 'Changing Seoul Life' more substantial so that citizens can see the changing Seoul at a glance."