Awarded at the A' Design Award, a First for Local Governments in Korea
Korean Smart City Model Elevates the Status of K-administration
The Seongdong-type Smart Shelter, a next-generation bus stop developed by Seongdong District in Seoul (Mayor Jung Wono), has won the highest honor, Platinum, at the A' Design Award & Competition 2025, one of the world's most prestigious design awards.
Jung Wono, Mayor of Seongdong District, holding the trophy after receiving an award at the ceremony held in Como, Italy. Provided by Seongdong District.
The Seongdong-type Smart Shelter is more than a simple public facility; it is a practical, citizen-centered smart city infrastructure that comprehensively addresses various urban challenges such as heat waves, cold waves, fine dust, and public safety. By integrating advanced Internet of Things (IoT) technologies?including solar power generation, heating and cooling systems, fine dust reduction filters, air quality sensors, wireless smartphone chargers, and artificial intelligence (AI)-based closed-circuit television (CCTV)?the shelter delivers multiple functions, including climate crisis response, protection of transportation-vulnerable groups, and urban environment improvement.
The Smart Shelter was first introduced in August 2020, making it the first of its kind in the country. It has been highly praised by residents as a practical facility that provides immediate safety and convenience in daily life. In a satisfaction survey conducted in July last year, 95.1% of users gave positive feedback. Since its initial implementation, the shelter has been widely benchmarked by other local governments and is now spreading nationwide. Its innovation is now being recognized globally as well.
At this year's A' Design Award, the Smart Shelter received the Platinum award in the 'Street and City Furniture' category of public design. This category comprehensively evaluates various structures installed in public spaces or on city streets, focusing on their contributions to pedestrian and citizen convenience, safety, and aesthetics.
Notably, the Platinum award is the highest distinction, given to only about 1% of all entries. Seongdong District is the first local government in Korea to receive Platinum in the public sector. The district stated, "This award recognizes the innovation and public design value of the Seongdong-type Smart Shelter on a global stage. It is an exceptional achievement where a basic local government has integrated administration, technology, and design, reaching the pinnacle of international design recognition."
The awards ceremony was held on July 17 (local time) in Como, Italy, and Mayor Jung Wono personally attended to receive the honor. The event was attended by around 900 people, including designers, city officials, and journalists from over 100 countries. During the networking session, Mayor Jung introduced the development process of the Seongdong-type Smart Shelter and shared the district's smart city strategy. The shelter's feasibility and resident-centered approach garnered significant interest and positive feedback from international participants.
Winning works, including the Smart Shelter, will be featured in the official A' Design Award yearbook, showcased in a global traveling exhibition, and promoted through worldwide media releases, further highlighting the value of 'K-administration realized through design' on the global stage.
The Seongdong-type Smart Shelter has also strengthened its international reputation as a Korean smart city model that encompasses design, policy, and the environment, winning consecutive awards in the international environmental sector, including the Green Apple Awards last year and the Green World Awards this year.
Mayor Jung Wono stated, "It was very meaningful to share Seongdong District's urban capabilities and on-site experiences on the global stage. Once again, we confirmed that the smart inclusive city is now a globally recognized urban paradigm that transforms everyone's lives. In this era where urban competitiveness is national competitiveness, we will continue to strengthen Seongdong's position as a great place for all by promoting innovative policies that enhance residents' quality of life and elevate the status of K-administration."
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