Seoul Metropolitan Council Enacts Ordinance to Support AI Utilization Education

Proposed by Yoo Junghee
Institutional Basis for Supporting AI Utilization and Education

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will begin full implementation of an ordinance that institutionally supports education utilizing artificial intelligence (AI).

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Council on September 18, the “Ordinance on Supporting Education for Artificial Intelligence Utilization Competency in Seoul Metropolitan City,” sponsored by Yoo Junghee, member of the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Committee (Democratic Party, Gwanak District 4), was finally passed at the 332nd extraordinary session held on September 12.

Yoo Jeonghee, Seoul Metropolitan Council member. Provided by Seoul Metropolitan Council.

According to a survey by the Bank of Korea, 63.5% of domestic workers have experience using generative AI, a higher rate than the United States (39.6%). However, the actual effect on reducing working hours was only 3.8%, lower than the United States (5.4%). Despite strong interest, competency has not been sufficiently supported.

The government also enacted the “Framework Act on Fostering Artificial Intelligence and Establishing a Foundation of Trust” in January, defining the necessity of AI utilization and education. The significance of this ordinance lies in the fact that Seoul has proactively established an institutional basis for “AI education for citizens” in line with this national policy.

The ordinance contains a total of 16 articles, stipulating the enhancement of citizens’ AI utilization skills, systematic promotion of education, and establishment of a master plan. The master plan includes step-by-step and sector-specific project development, training of professionals, securing resources, and building cooperative systems. In addition, an Advisory Committee for AI Utilization Competency Education will be established to support policy research, program development, human resource training, and publicity.

Yoo Junghee explained the purpose of the proposal, stating, “The aim is for Seoul to systematically support AI education so that citizens can use it critically and creatively, and in an ethical and safe manner.” She further emphasized, “This ordinance establishes the institutional foundation for citizen AI education, enabling us to respond to the rapid era of digital transformation.”

This ordinance is the result of six months of effort since the “AI: The Future of Innovative Communication” forum hosted by Yoo in March. With the implementation of the ordinance, the pace of related policy initiatives is expected to accelerate.