Seoul City to Open 'Seoul AI Hub' in May for AI Development

Seocho-gu Umyeon-dong Area 10,000㎡ Scale
Companies Leading AI Industry, Education, and Research Move In
Synergy Expected Through Idea Sharing

A specialized support institution that conducts everything from nurturing AI (artificial intelligence) talent to discovering specialized companies and conducting research is being established in Seoul. This place is expected to serve as a hub for exchanges and collaborations between AI companies and research institutes, positioning Seoul as a global AI central city.

On the 28th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that the 'Seoul AI Hub,' which will be responsible for these functions in the future, will be located around 108 Taebong-ro, Seocho-gu. Currently, finishing construction work is underway with the goal of opening in May.

'Seoul AI Hub' exterior view. [Photo by Seoul City]

The 'Seoul AI Hub' is Seoul's representative AI specialized support institution that promotes communication and exchange among AI experts as well as nurturing AI talent and discovering specialized companies. It has a total floor area of 10,020㎡ and spans from one basement floor to seven above-ground floors. Since the establishment of the anchor facility plan in April 2019, design services began in March 2020, and construction started in May 2021, completing this month after 33 months.

The 'Seoul AI Hub' arranged the office spaces of resident companies not in a typical corridor style but in an 'L' shape on the north and east sides to secure a wide shared space. On the south and west sides, which have good natural lighting, a square-shaped open shared space was created to be used in a customized way according to the purposes of the resident companies on each floor. Additionally, an expandable shared space with high ceilings connecting two floors and an adjacent outdoor green space are expected to enhance user convenience.

Constructed as a facility that all users?including people with disabilities, non-disabled individuals, the general public, and those with mobility challenges?can use safely and conveniently, it received the highest certification for green buildings for energy efficiency and an excellent barrier-free certification.

After opening, AI startups, partner institutions, and KAIST AI Graduate School, among other key players leading AI industry, education, and research, will move in. Specialized AI education, large-scale conferences, and exchanges and collaborations between AI companies and research institutes will also take place. Choi Jin-seok, head of Seoul City's Urban Infrastructure Headquarters, said, "The Seoul AI Hub is designed as an optimized space to support the creative thinking of resident startups and talents and to create synergy through cooperation and sharing." He added, "Furthermore, we secured ample green spaces such as outdoor terraces so that citizens can experience the AI industry and enjoy green spaces within the city."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.