South Korea Selects Suwon, Busan, Seongnam for 2026 Smart City Projects

South Korea's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport has announced the selection of Suwon, Busan, and Seongnam as the primary cities for its 2026 Smart City Creation Project. This initiative aims to foster the development of smart cities by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and other smart technologies to address urban challenges and stimulate the smart city industry.

Suwon City, designated as a core smart city, will benefit from a three-year project with a maximum national subsidy of 16 billion won. The funding will be matched by local government contributions on a one-to-one basis. Suwon plans to implement citizen-centric smart city services based on physical AI, alongside developing a smart mobility system that includes car-sharing and robotic parking.

Busan and Seongnam have been selected as specialized smart city zones, each eligible for up to 8 billion won in national funding. Busan will focus on establishing an AI-based urban verification platform in the Centum City area to pilot future urban services. Seongnam aims to create a data-based life mobility specialized zone encompassing the Pangyo Techno Valley and Bundang Seoul National University Hospital area.

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The true completion of smart cities is not just in building splendid infrastructure, but in responsible operation with local governments taking the lead.

Additionally, the Data Hub Pilot Solution Discovery Project selected Gyeongsangnam-do Province and Taean County in Chungcheongnam-do Province. These regions will receive up to 1 billion won in national funding for a one-year project focused on developing versatile solutions based on a wide-area data hub. Gyeongsangnam-do will build a platform using tourism data to offer personalized travel courses and manage traffic flow, while Taean County will develop an AI-based coastal safety management system.

Lee Ki-bong, Director of Urban Policy at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport, emphasized that the true success of smart cities lies not just in infrastructure but in responsible operation led by local governments. He assured that the government would act as a strong supporter, maintaining constant communication and providing assistance.

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The government will also act as a strong supporter, communicating and supporting at all times.