South Korean districts deploy AI for public services and welfare

South Korean local governments and research institutes are increasingly deploying artificial intelligence to enhance public services and social welfare.

In Dongjak-gu, Seoul, the district secured 1.144 billion won in national funding after receiving an A-grade in the ‘Smart Village Dissemination and Expansion Project’ led by the Ministry of Science and ICT. The initiative includes developing autonomous multipurpose robots for park patrolling, disinfection, and delivering welfare supplies, as well as creating AI-based digital experience playgrounds for local children using humanoid and quadruped robots.

In Seocho-gu, Seoul, a pilot smart integrated care project is being implemented to support low-income single-person households and those with chronic illnesses. The program utilizes AI companion robots that provide emotional support, medication reminders, and emergency calls linked to a 24-hour monitoring center. Additionally, smart urinalysis devices are being provided to monitor health indicators like protein and glucose levels in real time.

Furthermore, the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology has developed ‘MOVI,’ an edge AI-based management system to tackle illegal parking. Tested in Namyangju, the system uses AI cameras to detect illegal parking and directs drivers to nearby available parking lots via digital signage. This approach has reportedly reduced illegal parking incidents by up to 99% in tested areas, improving road safety and reducing administrative costs.