Seoul Launches Digitization of Land Records from Japanese Colonial Era

Goal to Complete 1 Million Records by Next Year

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will restore and digitize land records created from the Japanese colonial period through 1975.

On August 14, the city announced the official launch of its "Integrated Permanent Land Records Database Project." Starting with 440,000 records this year, the city plans to digitize 1 million records by next year and complete the digitalization of 2 million records by 2030.

Land Transfer Agreement. Provided by Seoul City

The Land Transfer Agreements currently stored at the Seoul Archives in paper or microfilm form will be digitized, establishing a long-term and secure preservation system. The goal is to improve accessibility by making these records searchable and viewable online.

Once the land records are restored and digitized, not only will historical data be preserved, but users will also be able to quickly search for and access the necessary documents. Additionally, records that are currently dispersed across different institutions can be integrated and managed in one place. Past records needed for long-standing unresolved civil petitions or land-related lawsuits will also be quickly accessible.

The restored land records will serve as foundational data for urban planning and policy development. The city expects this initiative to improve the accuracy and speed of administrative processing and to strengthen the foundation for digital administration.

Beginning with the digitization of 440,000 land records currently stored at the Seoul Archives this year, an additional 560,000 records will be digitized next year as part of the second phase of the project.

Cho Namjun, Director of the Urban Space Headquarters at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "As we approach the 80th anniversary of Liberation, this is a meaningful project to preserve and reflect on the history of our land," adding, "We will continue to pursue digital record administration to enhance transparency and trust in government and to improve convenience for citizens."