Oh Se-hoon: "Smart City Seoul, the Goal Is Not 'Cutting-Edge' but 'Companion for the Vulnerable'"

Opening of 'Korean CES' Smart Life Week on the 10th
Mayor Oh delivers keynote speech in English..."The ultimate goal is not to win technical awards but citizens' happiness"

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated that Seoul's goal as a smart city is not the excellence of technology but to help the vulnerable and citizens.

On the 10th, Mayor Oh delivered the keynote speech at Smart Life Week (SLW) held at COEX in Seoul, presenting "Seoul City's Vision and Philosophy Toward the Future of Smart Cities." As it was a global event, Mayor Oh began his speech in English, saying, "Our ultimate goal is not to receive awards for technological excellence."

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon delivered a keynote speech at the 'Smart Life Week (SLW)' held at COEX in Seoul on the 10th, presenting on the topic of 'Seoul City's Vision and Philosophy Toward the Future of Smart Cities.'
Photo by Seoul City

Mayor Oh then mentioned various examples of Seoul's technology utilization, such as Wrist Doctor 9988, Seoul Run, and autonomous buses, stating, "We focus on the direction of technology" and "We hope all citizens become happier through such future technologies."

He cited "walking together with the vulnerable," one of Seoul City's core visions, as the ultimate goal of a smart city. Mayor Oh emphasized, "The important thing is that no one should be left behind by technology," adding, "Walking together with the vulnerable is the path smart cities must take, and it is a path that only smart cities can take."

He also explained "Safe Seoul" as an example. Mayor Oh introduced, "What surprises foreigners the most about Seoul is its 'absolute safety.' For example, you can walk safely in the city even at night," and added, "All of this is thanks to the CCTV Safety Center operated by Seoul City."

He continued, "What smart cities should think about first is the citizens' smiles, and technology should naturally blend in like a background," and encouraged, "At SLW, please explore how technology can be optimized to enhance citizens' happiness while experiencing various advanced technologies."

The SLW, held for the first time on this day, is a global event with participation from 115 speakers from 134 cities in 72 countries worldwide. At SLW, which Mayor Oh planned with the goal of growing it into the 'Korean version of CES,' 147 innovative companies from home and abroad showcase innovative technologies in exhibition halls.