Publication of “Changes to Life in Seoul” (2024)

The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) announced that pilot operation of the Climate Card, allowing unlimited use of citywide public transportation (subway, bus, bike), will start this month as well as the operation of the River Bus in September, opening the era of public transportation on the Hangang River. Facilities that will lead Seoul’s economy and culture into the future continue to open one after another. The Seoul Robot & AI Museum (Seoul RAIM) in Chang-dong, Dobong-gu and the Seoul AI Hub in Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu have opened their doors, while the DDP Showroom is prepared to open in Dongdaemun and the Seoul Museum of Photography is expected to open in November. The city announced the publication of this year’s “Changes to Life in Seoul” ebook, featuring information on new programs and the opening of public facilities in 2024, policies that affect citizens’ lives, and more. “Changes to Life in Seoul” features 11 topic areas with 69 accompanying programs that all embody the city’s slogan of “Seoul, My Soul.” Opening of DDP Showroom and Seoul AI Hub to lead Seoul’s future industries and technologies The city announced to open facilities across the city that will lead the city’s economy into the future through future industries and technologies. Starting in March, DDP Showroom will open to revitalize the Dongdaemun fashion district. The showroom will offer space where the newest trends and interests intertwine, featuring comprehensive assistance for startup education and consultations, training and experience space for fashion vendors, pop-up stores, and more. In addition, two facilities are opening to build Seoul’s AI industry ecosystem. The Seoul Robot & AI Museum (Seoul RAIM) will open in Chang-dong, Dobong-gu to serve as a venue for exhibitions, experiences, and education in the areas of robotics and AI, while the Seoul AI Hub in Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu will assist with research and development as well as training for talented individuals in the field of AI. Expanding cultural tourism and city’s charms with events like the Seoul International Garden Show The city announced to select its annual Seoul Color starting with Sky Coral for 2024. The city will apply the selected color to major attractions around the city, including N Seoul Tower, DDP, and the Hangangdaegyo Bridge, offering encouragement for citizens and presenting beautiful nightscapes for tourists. The city is set to start operation of a hot air balloon, dubbed Seoul’s Moon, floating above the Hangang River at Yeouido Hangang Park in June. Detailed information on Seoul’s Moon, the newest nighttime tourist attraction of the Hangang River, will be available via the SMG website (seoul.go.kr) and the Visit Seoul website (visitseoul.net). The city will also extend the operating hours of its iconic Seoul Outdoor Library in Seoul Plaza and Gwanghwamun Square to provide space to enjoy cultural programs centered around reading for over 10,000 citizens. The city will open the 2024 Seoul International Garden Show at Ttukseom Hangang Park starting in May for six months. In November, the Seoul Museum of Photography will open as the first public photography museum in Korea, providing opportunities for citizens to enjoy the art and culture of photography. In addition, the city will transform streams into spaces flowing with culture for citizens to relax and enjoy cultural activities through the waterfront development projects. In 2024, six new spaces will be added for a total of nine across the city. Expanding transportation services with the Climate Card and the River Bus The city announced the introduction of reusable products to encourage an eco-friendly delivery food culture and reduce the number of disposable items in everyday life. The city plans to expand use of reusable products by designating Banpo and Ttukseom Hangang Park locations as reusable delivery product areas and installing return boxes within the parks starting in May. The city’s pilot operation of the Climate Card, allowing unlimited use of citywide public transportation (subway, bus, bike) with a single card, will begin on Sat, Jan. 27—two types of cards will be available: one limited to subways and buses within Seoul for ₩62,000, and one that also includes Seoul Bike service for ₩65,000, allowing users to choose the most appropriate option to meet their needs. The city will also start operation of the River Bus service on the Hangang River in September. The city expects the river bus service to increase comfort on the morning and evening commutes and revitalize tourism around the Hangang River. Expanding new programs to bring health and safety for Seoul citizens The city announced that it is building Runner’s Station at the Hangang River-adjacent Yeouinaru Station to provide running programs and convenience facilities for anyone to run and find joy in exercise. Runner’s Station is expected to open in Apr. 2024 with storage facilities, changing rooms, a classroom, and more, operating a variety of programs such as the 7979 Seoul Running Crew and customized running programs based on age groups and other criteria. Wrist Doctor 9988, a smart health management service for Seoul citizens, is also receiving an upgrade with the release of an exclusive app to track and manage your health through your smartwatch and personal smartphone. Subscribe to the SMG newsletter to stay updated on the changes to life in Seoul for 2024! Happy new year!