Launch of the "Seocho AICT Operations Committee"...Full-Scale Drive to Develop Yangjae and Umyeon into an AI Hub

Broad Participation from Industry, Academia, Research, and Government Experts
Establishing Integrated Governance for the AI Special Zone and ICT Promotion District

Seocho District in Seoul (Mayor Jeon Seongsu) announced on February 18 that it has begun full-scale efforts to develop the Yangjae and Umyeon areas into a national hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and information and communications technology (ICT) innovation.

Jeon Seongsu, Mayor of Seocho District (front row, fourth from the left), poses for a commemorative photo with committee members at the "Seocho AICT Operations Committee Appointment Ceremony" held on the 12th at the Seocho AICT Operations Center. Provided by Seocho District Office.

On February 12, Seocho District officially launched the “Seocho AICT Operations Committee” at the Seocho AICT Operations Center. This committee serves as an integrated governance framework that encompasses both the “Yangjae AI Future Convergence Innovation Zone” (Yangjae AI Special Zone), designated in November 2024, and the “ICT Designated Development Promotion District” (ICT Promotion District), designated earlier this year.

The committee brings together key institutions such as the National AI Research Hub, Seoul AI Hub, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Seoul Regional Office of SMEs and Startups, and Seoul Business Agency, as well as major corporations including Hyundai Motor Company and KT, AI startup representatives (Korea Robotics and AIM Future), accounting firms, and officials from the district office and district council, forming a broad coalition of experts from industry, academia, research, and government.

Mayor Jeon Seongsu of Seocho District personally attended the inaugural meeting to present letters of appointment, and the committee members discussed strategies for the linked development of the Yangjae AI Special Zone and the ICT Promotion District, measures to advance the AI and ICT ecosystem, and strategies to support global expansion and promote investment.

Currently, around 500 entities, including AI research institutes, startups, and large corporate R&D centers, are clustered in the Yangjae and Umyeon areas. Centered on the Operations Committee, the district plans to coordinate policies and strengthen collaboration systems among companies to enhance industrial competitiveness. In addition, it will gradually promote initiatives such as expanding the attraction of AI and ICT companies, supporting joint industry-academia-research projects and demonstration programs, reinforcing investment linkage programs, and creating business-friendly spaces.

Mayor Jeon Seongsu said, “Through the Seocho AICT Operations Committee, the agglomeration effect of the Yangjae AI Special Zone and the ICT Promotion District, which are connected as a single zone, will be further enhanced,” adding, “Going forward, we will continue to develop the Yangjae and Umyeon areas into a ‘national AI hub’ and ensure that Seocho District plays a central role in helping the Republic of Korea leap forward as one of the top three countries (G3) in the AI field.”