City Profile

Seoul, the bustling capital of South Korea, is home to approximately 9.7 million residents, making it one of the most populous cities in the world. It boasts a GDP per capita of around US$45,000. Seoul is recognized for its cutting-edge technology and digital connectivity, home to major corporations like Samsung and LG. The city is a significant cultural and economic hub, known for its dynamic blend of modern skyscrapers and ancient palaces.

Seoul performs extremely highly in Investor Attractiveness and Urban Management.

Seoul’s strength in Investor Attractiveness stems from its dynamic economic environment, driven by a strong presence of global technology firms and a thriving startup ecosystem. The city is a major hub for innovation in Asia, known for its advanced technology sectors, including semiconductors, telecommunications, and information technology. In Urban Management, Seoul is celebrated for its efficient public transportation system. Additionally, Seoul’s commitment to smart city technologies, such as IoT-based infrastructure and AI, enhances its urban efficiency and sustainability.

However, the city’s Liveability score is impacted by its high population density, which leads to challenges such as housing affordability and urban congestion. Although Seoul offers rich cultural experiences and excellent public amenities, the cost of living is relatively high, which can affect the quality of life for its residents.

Case study

In high rise, high density, sub-tropical cities like Seoul, it is clear that design practitioners will need to use a highly integrated set of design interventions and new practices to reach net zero in the built environment. In the article "People, nature and technology: an integrated vision for net zero building design in Asia", Arup uses a design competition to see what a net zero approach might involve particularly in East Asia. As a goal, net zero requires that we bring together low-energy technology, waste reduction, material reuse and recycling, to design a scheme that is socially inclusive, flexible and adaptable for tenants.
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