Transforming Citizens' Quality of Life Through AI
Clarifications on Mapo Incinerator and Han River Bus
Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon announced that the city will make focused investments in 'AI administration' to improve the quality of life for citizens. Regarding the deepening conflict over the construction of the resource recovery facility (incinerator) in Mapo-gu, he explained that it stems from misunderstandings.
At a press conference marking the third anniversary of his inauguration, held at Seoul City Hall on the morning of July 16, Mayor Oh stated, "This year will be recorded as an important year marking the starting point of Seoul's AI administrative revolution," and added, "The AI administrative revolution is intended to enhance the efficiency of staff work, thereby providing citizens with faster and higher-quality administrative services."
Seoul Mayor Oh Sehoon holds a press conference on the 3rd anniversary of his inauguration at Seoul City Hall on July 16, 2025. Photo by Yoon Dongju
He went on to highlight the distinctive aspects of AI investment at the local government level. Mayor Oh said, "While the central government will focus its policy investments on protecting AI sovereignty, for local governments like Seoul, the key goal is to help citizens use AI to improve their quality of life."
He identified workforce development, facilities, and education as key priorities. Mayor Oh said, "I believe it is important to supply as many professional AI talents as possible through initiatives such as the Youth Job Training School," and added, "It is also a significant change that we are providing administrative support so that all kinds of transformation can take place in the AI Tech City expected to be built in Yangjae."
Mayor Oh further commented, "For citizens to utilize AI in their daily lives, Seoul city officials must first become proficient," and added, "Just as we have invested to address the digital divide, we will also invest to bridge the AI divide."
Regarding the construction of the resource recovery facility in Mapo-gu, Mayor Oh stated, "It is clear that there are significant misunderstandings in Mapo-gu." He explained, "It has been conveyed as if an additional incinerator is being built, but in reality, it is a replacement. The current project involves constructing a new facility and then demolishing the existing one within a short period."
Mayor Oh also remarked, "Instead of responding in the current manner, the head of Mapo-gu should play the role of a 'messenger' who effectively communicates the paradigm shift being prepared by the Seoul Metropolitan Government."
He also addressed concerns about the Han River bus, which is scheduled to begin operations in September but has faced ongoing issues such as noise and dryness. Mayor Oh said, "We are trying various approaches to ensure safety and comfort in every detail," and added, "There have been concerns about noise, but the water bus I saw during my business trip to Australia had similar decibel levels. My visit to Australia gave me a certain level of confidence."
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