Seocho-gu to Host 'AI·Robot Public Service Contest'

Winning Entries to Be Evaluated for Feasibility Through Expert Collaboration

Seocho-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jun Sungsoo) is hosting the '2025 Seocho AI·Robot Public Service Contest' and is accepting applications until September 18, aiming to create a future city where robotics technology and art coexist.

Provided by Seocho-gu.

This contest seeks ideas for 'public service robots' that will transform Seocho Culture and Arts Park into an urban space where cutting-edge technology and art are harmoniously integrated. The goal is to discover creative proposals that combine Hyundai Motor's robotics technology with the design philosophy of architect Gaudi.

Seocho Culture and Arts Park is located within the Yangjae AI Special Zone, making it an ideal space to apply artificial intelligence (AI)-based public services. Currently serving as an urban oasis, the park is expected to be reinvented as a symbolic model for future relaxation spaces through the ideas generated in this contest.

The contest is open to teams of five to ten university professors and undergraduate or graduate students from across the country. Those wishing to participate can download the application form and related documents from the Seocho-gu Office website and submit them via email by September 18.

Participating teams are required to propose public service ideas that enhance citizen convenience and sculptural or cultural value using Hyundai Motor's robotics technology and Gaudi's design. Three online briefing sessions will be held in August, and the links will be announced on the district office website on July 28.

The judging process will take place in two stages. In the first stage, a document review will evaluate creativity, technological and practical feasibility, and social value, selecting five teams. In the second stage, held on October 19 during the 'Seocho AI Festa' citizen participation presentation, the winners will be determined by combining expert (60%) and citizen (40%) evaluations. The total prize money is 8 million won (grand prize: 3 million won, first prize: 2 million won, excellence prize: 1 million won each, with a special award from the mayor).

Seocho-gu is also considering linking the winning entries to pilot projects and will work with experts in robot design, technology, and urban space to develop implementation plans.

Mayor Jun Sungsoo of Seocho-gu stated, "This contest is a platform for convergent experimentation where future technology meets urban culture," adding, "We hope the imagination and creativity of the younger generation will be reflected in public policy, and that Seocho-gu will be reborn as an advanced AI future city where art and technology coexist."