Seoul Implements 'Digital Disaster Response System' to Ensure Uninterrupted Administrative Services

Integrated Management of Digital Disasters...

Tailored Responses Based on Each Situation

37 Initiatives Across 5 Key Sectors to Be Pursued Over Five Years

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has established the nation's first "Digital Disaster Response System," which manages digital disruptions at the disaster level and strengthens preventive measures in advance.

This system was developed in response to the experience of handling the National Information Resources Service fire in September last year. At that time, even when 709 government services were suspended, Seoul operated an emergency response system and restored 64 affected information systems to normal operation at an early stage.

During this process, the city confirmed the importance of digital disruption response standards and disaster management systems. Based on this, it formulated the "Basic Plan for Digital Disaster Preparedness and Response," institutionalizing a response system that integrates the management of overall digital infrastructure. This plan was finalized after consulting private sector experts and undergoing a review by the Seoul Smart City Committee.

Seoul has switched from a department-based, dispersed response to information system disruptions to an integrated management system, and has enhanced its response level by linking it with disaster response systems.

The city now manages a variety of incidents—including information system failures, network disruptions, cyberattacks, and personal data leaks—as digital disasters under a unified framework. It distinguishes between routine disruptions and crisis situations based on severity, and has established a company-wide response system that activates a Crisis Response Headquarters in the event of an emergency.

Over the next five years, Seoul plans to implement 37 initiatives across five sectors—including information resources, information networks, and cybersecurity—to build a system that ensures administrative services are never interrupted under any circumstances.

Seoul has also systematically developed guidelines for citizens to follow in the event of a digital disaster. This is intended to reduce confusion caused by a lack of information during disruptions and to enable citizens to respond independently.

Kang Okhyun, Director-General of Seoul's Digital City Bureau, stated, "The experience of responding to the National Information Resources Service fire made it clear that digital disruptions can have a direct impact on citizens' daily lives. Based on this, Seoul will build a response system that ensures administrative services never stop under any circumstances."

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