Seoul's Smart City: Real-time data, citizen participation, and digital administration

Seoul has long been regarded worldwide as a pioneer in e-government and has received several awards for the world's best digital administration. However, it has never been just about online forms or appointment bookings: the city has used its lead to establish holistic digital control of its administration. The Digital Mayor's Office Platform bundles administrative processes, service delivery, and data analysis to enable decisions to be made based on current data and services to be offered more efficiently. Real-time dashboards display traffic data, safety, and environmental measurements, for example, thereby supporting political decisions and measures in the city. Citizens can communicate directly with the administration or book services via chatbots such as Seoul Talk, which also provides automatic responses to questions and complaints.

What makes this special is that Seoul not only links data, but also uses it to proactively shape policy – for example, by using analyses to show where infrastructure is lacking, where bottlenecks are occurring, or which services are particularly needed.

Real-time data and IoT networks as the backbone of the smart city

One of the technical backbones of the smart city of Seoul is the Smart Seoul Data of Things (S-DoT) network: using thousands of IoT sensors, the city collects 17 different types of data from the urban environment – from air quality and noise to the number of people in certain locations. This data flows into central systems in real time, allowing city processes to be observed, analyzed, and responded to immediately.

In practical terms, this means:

• Authorities can identify pollution from particulate matter or noise before it is reported by citizens.

• Real-time traffic analyses can influence traffic light timing to prevent congestion.

• Data on population density in inner-city areas helps with security and cleanliness.

S-DoT is therefore not just a technical instrument, but a basic tool for strategic urban planning — the data is also made publicly available so that developers or start-ups can build their own applications on it.

Smart mobility: IoT-supported traffic control and smart infrastructure

Mobility is one of the most visible smart city topics in Seoul. Traffic flows, public transport capacities, pedestrian and cycle paths are recorded and controlled in real time, which, for example, relieves commuter traffic and makes traffic more efficient overall. The city uses data from sensors, cameras, and mobile systems to predict traffic peaks and respond to them dynamically.

A key component of this are smart poles. These are multifunctional masts that combine street lighting, traffic sensors, intelligent video surveillance systems, public Wi-Fi, and other IoT elements. They not only provide mobility and safety data, but also offer services such as information displays and emergency call boxes.

In addition, Seoul is increasingly testing autonomous transport technologies and connected transport systems that could go far beyond traditional traffic management systems in the future.

Public networks and digital inclusion: Wi-Fi, security, and access for all

One frequently underestimated factor in Seoul's success is its broad digital infrastructure: the city operates a huge public Wi-Fi network and is constantly expanding it. This network not only provides internet connectivity for all residents and tourists, but also forms the basis for many smart city services – such as the transmission of sensor data, real-time control of IoT devices, and digital services for people in need.

With the expansion of intelligent video surveillance systems and Wi-Fi hotspots in public spaces, Seoul is also creating a digital security architecture that helps to quickly locate missing persons or provide assistance in emergencies.

This infrastructure is not just a technical network – it is part of a strategy for digital participation: people should have access to basic digital services regardless of their income or device.

Citizen participation and new forms of co-creation

In Seoul, smart city does not end with technology, but begins with the people in the city. A range of participation tools has been established to directly involve citizens in decision-making processes: from public hearings and online forums to innovation competitions where citizens can submit and evaluate new service ideas.

Examples of this include special programs in which city projects are influenced by citizen evaluations, and digital platforms through which suggestions are collected and prioritized. This not only creates transparency, but also trust, because people see that their contributions have a direct impact on life and decisions in the city.

Lessons for European administrations

What can cities and administrations in Europe learn from Seoul's experiences?

• Use real-time data instead of just collecting it: Data only has value if it is used in operational and strategic decisions and not just archived.

• Think of infrastructure as a common good: Public networks, sensors, and Wi-Fi are not luxury goods, but the basis for modern city services.

• Think digitally about participation: Digital participation must be low-threshold, transparent, and effective, otherwise it will not be used.

• Service-oriented administration: Administration is not an end in itself – it must be focused on service and user experience.