Seoul’s ambitious Digital Twin Project is transforming urban management and citizen services, making the city a global leader in smart city innovation. Experts analyze its impact and future potential.
Seoul, South Korea, February 28, 2026 — The Seoul Metropolitan Government has launched its groundbreaking Digital Twin Project, positioning the city at the forefront of global smart city innovation. The initiative, which began rolling out in late 2025, aims to digitally replicate the entire urban landscape to revolutionize city planning, disaster management, and public services, according to the Korea Herald.
The Digital Twin Project leverages advanced data analytics, 3D mapping, and real-time sensors to create a virtual model of Seoul. This digital replica allows city officials to simulate scenarios, optimize traffic, and enhance emergency responses, as reported by The Korea Times.
Background: Seoul’s Path to Smart City Leadership
Seoul has long been recognized for its technological prowess and commitment to urban innovation. The city’s smart city journey began over a decade ago with initiatives like free public Wi-Fi, smart transportation, and open data platforms, according to SmartCitiesWorld.In 2023, Seoul was ranked among the top five global smart cities by the IMD Smart City Index. This recognition was due in part to its investments in digital infrastructure and citizen-centric services. The Digital Twin Project represents the next phase in this evolution.
What Is a Digital Twin?
A digital twin is a virtual representation of a physical object or system. In the context of urban development, it means creating a real-time, interactive model of the city’s buildings, roads, utilities, and even human activity, as defined by the World Economic Forum.Seoul’s digital twin integrates data from thousands of IoT devices, drones, and satellite imagery. This enables city planners to visualize infrastructure, monitor environmental conditions, and predict the impact of policy decisions before implementation.
Key Features of Seoul’s Digital Twin Project
The project covers all 25 districts of Seoul, encompassing 605 square kilometers. It provides a 3D map with layers for transportation, utilities, population density, and environmental data, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s official release.One of the most notable features is the real-time traffic simulation. By analyzing data from sensors and cameras, the system can suggest optimal routes for emergency vehicles and help reduce congestion during peak hours.
The platform also supports disaster management. During the 2025 Han River flooding, the digital twin enabled authorities to model water flow and coordinate evacuation efforts, minimizing damage and casualties, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
Citizen Services and Engagement
Seoul’s residents can access the digital twin through a public portal. This allows citizens to report issues, view construction updates, and participate in urban planning consultations, fostering transparency and engagement.The city has also launched educational programs to help residents understand and utilize the digital twin platform. Over 100,000 citizens have participated in workshops and online tutorials since the project’s launch, according to the Seoul Digital Foundation.
Analysis: Benefits and Challenges
Experts say the Digital Twin Project could save Seoul up to $1.2 billion annually through more efficient infrastructure management and reduced emergency response times, according to a 2026 report by McKinsey & Company.However, concerns remain about data privacy and cybersecurity. The city has implemented strict data governance policies and collaborates with international cybersecurity firms to protect sensitive information, as noted by The Korea Times.
Urban planners worldwide are watching Seoul’s approach closely. The city’s ability to integrate diverse datasets and provide actionable insights is seen as a model for other megacities facing rapid urbanization and climate risks.
Global Impact and Replication
Several cities, including Singapore, Dubai, and Helsinki, have expressed interest in replicating Seoul’s digital twin model. Seoul officials have hosted delegations from over 20 countries in the past year to share best practices, according to SmartCities Dive.The United Nations’ Urban Development Program has cited Seoul’s project as a benchmark for sustainable urbanization, emphasizing its potential to improve resilience and quality of life in rapidly growing cities.
What’s Next for Seoul’s Smart City Vision?
Looking ahead, Seoul plans to integrate AI-driven predictive analytics into the digital twin, enabling even more sophisticated scenario modeling. The city also aims to expand the platform to include energy management and climate adaptation features.By 2027, Seoul intends to link its digital twin with national and regional platforms, creating a seamless data ecosystem across South Korea. This could further streamline disaster response, infrastructure investments, and cross-jurisdictional planning.
As Seoul’s Digital Twin Project continues to evolve, it is setting a new global standard for urban development and smart city governance. The world will be watching as other cities seek to follow its lead.
Sources: Korea Herald, The Korea Times, Yonhap News Agency, SmartCitiesWorld, Seoul Metropolitan Government, SmartCities Dive, World Economic Forum, McKinsey & Company.
Sources: Information sourced from Korea Herald, The Korea Times, Yonhap News Agency, SmartCitiesWorld, and McKinsey & Company reports.