Hwaseong Residents Choose "Transportation and Safety" as Top Priorities for AI Leading City Initiative

Jung Myung-geun:
"Realizing a Fundamental AI Society to Improve Citizens' Quality of Life"

Residents of Hwaseong City in Gyeonggi Province identified 'transportation' and 'safety' as the top priority areas for the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) in the city's bid to become a leading AI city.

Hwaseong City announced on January 2 that the results of its recent 'Preliminary Survey for Hwaseong Special City’s Leap Toward Becoming a Leading AI City' showed these findings.

The survey was conducted to comprehensively assess citizens' awareness of AI and their demand for AI-related policies and services, and to serve as foundational data for future AI-based urban policy development. The survey was commissioned to a professional research agency and conducted via mobile web over about one month, targeting 1,001 citizens aged 18 and older. The margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

According to the survey, 71.2% of respondents said 'it is desirable for the city to become a leading AI city.' 24.4% answered 'neutral,' while 4.4% responded 'not desirable.'

When asked about the priority areas for AI technology adoption, 'transportation' ranked highest at 48.0%, followed by 'safety' at 36.9%. 'Healthcare' and 'administrative/public services' were cited by 23.1% and 21.3% of respondents, respectively.

Jung Myung-geun, Mayor of Hwaseong City, stated, "Through this preliminary survey, we have specifically identified which AI policies and services citizens can truly experience," adding, "We will actively reflect the survey results in municipal administration to realize a 'happy AI-based society' that improves the quality of life for our citizens."

Previously, the city was recognized for being the first local government to host an AI expo, 'MARS 2025,' last year, where it declared its AI vision both domestically and internationally and achieved significant results in large-scale investment and networking.

This year, the city plans to hold the 'MARS 2026 Investment Attraction Conference' in conjunction with the AI Expo 'MARS 2026,' establishing a future industry platform that connects policy, technology, and industry. At the same time, it will actively expand policies to enhance safety and convenience in citizens' daily lives, particularly in key areas such as AI, autonomous driving, and next-generation vehicles.