South Korea has announced its “4th Smart City Comprehensive Plan” for the years 2024 to 2028. The plan aims to build upon previous initiatives by fostering “a smart city of coexistence and leap forward”. It has been drawn up by the country’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MOLIT), and approved by the National Smart City Committee.

The plan outlines four major strategies: expanding sustainable space models, constructing AI and data-driven city foundations, creating a citizen-friendly industrial ecosystem, and promoting the global expansion of K-smart cities.

One aspect of the plan involves utilisation of data hubs to develop and implement “fast and economical smart solutions.” This will involve the mandatory allocation of financial resources (over 35% of total project cost) to address the climate crisis and digital inclusion.

The plan emphasizes strengthening data utilisation through standardisation and the development of data utilisation guidelines and information protection measures. It also aims to cultivate a smart city industry by promoting research, establishing special regulatory zones, and fostering partnerships between major companies and smaller startups.