Seoul Metropolitan Government

What Seoul Metropolitan Government does

Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) is the municipal government of Seoul, South Korea, serving a resident population of approximately 9.7 million people as well as millions of annual visitors. It was established in 1945 following Korea's liberation and operates under the authority of the Republic of Korea with local administrative autonomy through the elected Mayor (currently Oh Se-hoon, the 39th Mayor) and Seoul Metropolitan Council. The government's scope spans transportation, welfare, environment, culture, smart-city initiatives, education, and tourism, delivered through 25 district offices and a network of wholly-owned operating entities including Seoul Metro, the Seoul Tourism Foundation, Seoul Metropolitan Library, Seoul Botanic Park, and Seoul Startup Hub.

SMG's service portfolio combines infrastructure-grade public goods with digitally enabled citizen products. Core offerings include the Climate Card Plus (an unlimited transit pass merged with the federal K-Pass, covering 1M+ users), the Seoul Subway App (redesigned in 2026 with four-language AI translation), Wrist Doctor 9988 (a health super-app used by 2.4 million citizens), Seoul Outdoor Library (QR-linked to Yes24 e-books), Ansim Help Me (110,000+ distributed emergency alarm devices), the On Project (109 billion won five-year social-isolation initiative), OASIS 2.0 (immigrant entrepreneur program, 529 graduates), Testbed Seoul (8.6 billion won across 43 startup projects), and the Seoul Film Center permanent base. Underlying technology is built on AI-powered city services, digital twin platforms (Naver's ALIKE with SMG-produced S-Map data), smart-city infrastructure (35,318 public Wi-Fi units serving 4.21M daily users), and integrations with Naver Labs, NC AI, Kakao Mobility, and the Seoul AI Foundation.

SMG does not operate a commercial revenue model; it is funded through local taxes, national government transfers, and service fees allocated via annual budgets. Its go-to-market is direct-to-citizen through the english.seoul.go.kr portal, mobile apps, 25 district offices, 6 Foreign Resident Centers, 2 Global Village Centers, the VisitSeoul.net tourism platform, international MICE pavilions (IMEX Frankfurt, Singapore International Water Week), and K-pop ambassador partnerships (ENHYPEN). Customer-facing pricing is structured as a mix of free services, subsidies (240,000 won annual eco-product subsidy for pregnant women, 30,000 won monthly Climate Card payback, 6,000 won hourly companion services), and ecosystem programs (KRW 120 million Try Everything 2026 prize pool, Testbed Seoul grants up to 200 million won).

Name

Seoul Metropolitan Government

Legal name

Seoul Metropolitan Government

Website

https://english.seoul.go.kr

Company type

Private

Founded year

1945

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Seoul Metropolitan Government is the municipal government of Seoul, South Korea, serving 9.7 million residents and millions of annual visitors through transportation (Climate Card Plus, Seoul Metro), welfare, smart-city services, cultural programs, tourism promotion, and AI-enabled citizen platforms including Wrist Doctor 9988, the Seoul Subway App, and Testbed Seoul.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Municipal Government Services

NAICS

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support (9211), Executive Offices (92111), Regulation and Administration of Transportation Programs (926120), Bus and Other Motor Vehicle Transit Systems (485113)

SIC

Transportation Services (4700)

akta.pro primary industry

Mayor/City Manager & General Administration (BPAIACAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Public Transit Agencies (Bus, Rail, Metro, Paratransit) (BPAIALAB), Public Works & Municipal Infrastructure (Streets, Stormwater, Facilities) (BPAIACAF), City/Municipal Public Health Departments (HLAJAAAC), Public Transit Bus Operator Authorities & Agencies (Planning/Fare/Admin) (TLAFAGAL)

Keywords

• Public administration
• Municipal governance
• City transportation
• Smart city services
• Citizen welfare programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Seoul

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Seoul Metropolitan Government is the municipal government of Seoul, South Korea, administering public services for over 9.7 million residents. It operates an integrated portfolio including public transportation (Climate Card, Seoul Metro), smart city infrastructure (free Wi-Fi, AI-driven services), cultural and tourism initiatives, citizen welfare programs (companion services, subsidies, mental health support), and economic development programs (Seoul Startup Hub, Testbed Seoul). The government's operations are funded through local taxes, national government transfers, and various service fees.

Product overview

Seoul Metropolitan Government offers a diverse portfolio of digital services and programs spanning transportation (Climate Card Plus, Seoul Subway App), cultural initiatives (Seoul Outdoor Library, Seoul Film Center, Taekwondo Performance), health and welfare (Wrist Doctor 9988, On Project mental health initiative, Companion Services), startup support (Seoul Startup Hub, OASIS 2.0, Testbed Seoul), education (International Baccalaureate programs, 30 Days in Seoul, Seoul Global Youth Education Center), and smart city infrastructure. The government has also established AI partnerships with Tokyo and integrates AI capabilities across services including autonomous vehicles, flood prediction, emergency response, and mental health support. The Seoul My Soul Shop retails official branded merchandise including the Seoul Snack Rice Chips and Garden Show products.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Seoul My Soul: Official city brand identity and slogan representing Seoul's urban identity and lifestyle positioning
• Arisu
• Hechi
• Seoul Outdoor Library
• Seoul International Garden Show
• Hangang
• Seoul Startup Hub
• Climate Card
• Ttareungi
• Seoul Global Center
• Seoul Is a Museum
• Seouldal (Seoul Air Balloon)

Products and services

• Seoul Subway App Mobile application providing subway navigation, real-time transit information, and multilingual support with AI-powered real-time translation of emergency alerts and a 'Mobile Subway Tour' feature for cultural destination guidance.
• Climate Card Plus Unlimited transit pass merged with the federal K-Pass program, automatically applying the cheaper billing option. Provides 20-53.3% cashback for monthly spending under 62,000 won or unlimited free rides once threshold is crossed. Restricted to registered Seoul residents.
• Seoul Outdoor Library Cultural initiative allowing free reading in open urban spaces at Gwanghwamun Square, Cheonggyecheon Stream, and Seoul Plaza. Uses QR code technology connected to Yes24 e-book platform, offering 30 curated e-book titles plus multilingual collection for international visitors with GPS-based location verification.
• Wrist Doctor 9988 Comprehensive health management super app used by 2.4 million Seoul citizens. Consolidates services including daily step tracking, metabolic syndrome management, medication reminders, smoking cessation clinics, Seoul Fitness 9988, Healthy Longevity Centers, and BrainFit45 dementia prevention platform. Offers 3-10% insurance discounts based on walking achievements.
• Ansim Help Me Portable emergency alarm device linked to city safety app, emitting 100-decibel alarm and transmitting real-time location to guardians and surveillance centers. Over 110,000 units distributed since 2024 program launch, with daily applications jumping from 152 to 5,718 following violent crime incidents.
• Seoul Film Center Permanent subsidized base camp for young filmmakers equipped with AI training tools, free workspaces, and 23-university film network. Offers free AI-driven video production training, director masterclasses, and rent-free incubation hub for student film clubs. Anchors the Film House Film Project 2026 Film Festival.
• On Project 109 billion won five-year initiative combining AI mental health chatbot 'Maeum-e' with animal-assisted therapy at city shelters to support socially isolated young people aged 19-39. Targets 54,000 'withdrawn youth' and 194,000 experiencing significant social isolation, with cumulative goal of helping 913,000 people by 2030.
• OASIS 2.0 Overhauled immigrant entrepreneur initiative expanded to eight specialized courses with alumni mentoring network. Since July 2023, produced 529 graduates fostering 27 active enterprises and 21 newly incorporated entities. Aims to attract foreign experts in AI, platforms, and healthcare to diversify South Korea's domestic economy.
• Seoul Startup Hub Startup incubation facility with expanded residency period from maximum 2 years to 4 years (basic 2 years + extension 1 year + additional extension 1 year). Provides integrated support including acceleration programs, expert matching, investor pitching opportunities, and open innovation projects with large enterprises. Currently recruiting 20 startups at Gongdeok Hub and 5 at Seongsu Hub.
• 30 Days in Seoul International student integration program offering cultural, social, and job readiness activities. Currently supporting over 82,000 international students with applications opening for fourth cohort. Average competition rate of 4-to-1 demonstrates strong demand for the program.
• Youth Culture Pass Voucher system offering up to 200,000 won annually to residents aged 21-23 for performing arts and museum access. Funded admission for approximately 100,000 young people since 2023 with 87.2 percent satisfaction rate. Part of broader arts subsidy expansion including Spring Day of Performance initiative connecting schools with premier cultural institutions.
• Seoul My Soul Shop Official merchandise store selling Seoul-branded products including Seoul Snack Rice Chips, Healthy Seoul Bread, Seoul International Garden Show merchandise, SOS Guardians safety products, and traditional crafts. Products available at DDP Design Store, Seoul Tourism Plaza, Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center, and online.
• Companion Services for One-Person Households Expanded city-run companion service rebranded to cover health care, moving assistance, and emotional support for single-person households representing 40 percent of all Seoul households (1.66 million as of 2024). Services available at 6,000 won per hour with lower-income residents eligible for up to 48 free sessions annually.
• Pregnant Women Subsidy Program Annual subsidy of 240,000 won for purchasing eco-friendly agricultural products, covering up to 80% of purchases at affiliated online retailers. Eligibility extends to Korean nationals and foreign residents who gave birth since January 1, 2025, with beneficiaries able to order up to four times monthly.

Quantifiable outcome

• 5.2 million foreign visitors in first four months of 2026, an 18.8% year-on-year increase
• +2 more outcomes

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability13 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• NavercoreTechnology or Integration · 15 May 2026Naver expanded its Flying View 3D service to cover all of Seoul using drone-captured aerial imagery combined with the ALIKE digital twin platform developed by Naver Labs, using S-Map data produced through collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
• Tokyo Metropolitan GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 April 2026Formalized partnership in AI and data-driven administration at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026, covering five key areas: AI utilization in administration, data-driven administration, digital talent cultivation, mutual exchanges, and digital transformation policy. Additionally, Seoul AI Foundation and Tokyo GovTech signed their own agreement for working-level cooperation through joint research, technology exchange, pilot projects, and talent development.
• Mercedes-Benz KoreaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 April 2026Partnership for ESG initiatives including the Green+ Kids program (designated outstanding by Environment Ministry) and seven Green Plus Urban Forests created in partnership with Seoul Metropolitan Government since 2022. Mercedes-Benz Korea's Social Contribution Committee has donated a cumulative 50.7 billion won since 2014.
• KraftonminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 April 2026Krafton will establish its new headquarters at the former Emart site in Seongsu-dong as part of Seoul's Urban and Architectural Design Innovation Project, with the 2.7 trillion won Chang-dong K-Entertainment Town development anchored by Seoul Arena.
• Seoul Arena OperatorscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 April 20262.7 trillion won investment to transform Chang-dong into a K-pop-themed cultural hub anchored by Seoul Arena (28,000-seat venue opening May 2027), expected to host about 100 large-scale shows annually as part of strategy to attract 30 million foreign tourists per year.
• NC AIminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 April 2026Seoul Metropolitan Government partnership with NC AI to co-host the 'Seoul Play-Up AI Game Challenge' game development contest. Contestants will create games featuring Seoul landmarks using NC AI's VARCO 3D and VARCO Sound platforms, with eight finalists receiving 2 million won in development funding and mentoring.
• Hanmi GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 October 2025Hanmi Group donated 550 jars of honey produced by struggling beekeepers to shantytown residents through its 'Bee-Happy Project'. Additionally, Seoul and Hanmi Group jointly operate the city's public bathhouse program for shantytown residents since March 2023, with Hanmi Group contributing 500 million won annually (totaling 1.5 billion won over three years). The program was recognized as 'Best Public-Private Partnership' (2024) by Seoul.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Tokyo Metropolitan Government: Direct counterpart governing the Tokyo metropolitan area; Seoul and Tokyo formalized an AI and data-governance MOU in April 2026, and both operate extensive subway/bus networks, tourism promotion arms, and smart-city programs of comparable scale.
• New York City Government: Comparable global capital-city government delivering transportation (MTA), welfare, public safety, AI-driven city services, and tourism promotion for a population of similar scale and complexity.
• Greater London Authority / City of London Corporation: London's regional governing body operates TfL transit, cultural promotion, and major smart-city/data programs (e.g., London Datastore), making it a close functional analogue to Seoul's general administration and transport portfolio.
• Amsterdam (City of Amsterdam): Mid-sized European capital operating AI registries, smart-mobility, and digital public-service programs of similar scope to Seoul's, with comparable emphasis on tourism branding and resident-facing digital services.
• Barcelona City Council (Ajuntament de Barcelona): Long-running pioneer in digital city services (e.g., CityOS, Sentilo IoT platform) and tourism promotion; comparable to Seoul in operating a city-scale digital infrastructure and citizen-service stack.
• City of Sydney: Australian capital municipality operating smart-city programs, cultural/tourism promotion, and climate-related resident subsidies (similar in spirit to Seoul's Climate Card and tumbler discount initiatives).

Broad incumbents

• Government Technology Agency of Singapore (GovTech): Singapore's national digital-government agency has been a recognized smart-city leader; comparable to Seoul's AI/data governance and digital service portfolio, though operating at national rather than municipal scale.
• Smart Dubai (Dubai Digital Authority): Dubai's city-level smart-city initiative delivers AI-driven public services, digital twins, and tourism infrastructure comparable to Seoul's smart-city vision and Testbed Seoul programs.
• Shanghai Municipal Government: Massive Asian metropolitan government running transit (Shanghai Metro, the world's largest by length), cultural branding, and digital-city programs at scale comparable to or larger than Seoul's.
• Beijing Municipal Government: Capital-city government operating extensive subway, smart-city, and tourism infrastructure with comparable scale and scope to Seoul's municipal portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/seoul_gov
• YouTubeyoutube.com/seoulcityofficial
• Facebookfacebook.com/202551836761734
• Instagraminstagram.com/seoulcity

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments5 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Seoul Metropolitan Government