Seoul Mayor Oh Se‑hoon unveils night‑economy districts and AI‑bio growth agenda

Seoul Mayor Oh Se‑hoon announced a city‑wide initiative to develop "night‑economy coexistence zones" aimed at turning the capital into a 24‑hour global hub. A dedicated Night‑Economy Chief and a cross‑departmental task force will coordinate efforts to create up to 25 night‑market sites, including the "Seoul Dalbit Night Market" brand, with incentives such as extended operating hours, subsidies of up to 2 billion won per site, and enhanced late‑night transport. The plan seeks to link tourism, culture, retail and mobility into a single ecosystem, boost consumption after work hours and support small‑business owners.

At the 2026 Seoul Tech Summit, Oh also highlighted a complementary strategy focused on AI and biotechnology convergence. The city will fund around 42 billion won in R&D projects for 195 initiatives, building a "growth ladder" that moves companies from development through commercialization to global expansion. These measures are part of the broader "G3 Seoul Plan" to position Seoul among the world’s top three innovative cities.