In a bid to secure sustainable urban competitiveness, Seoul has unveiled a blueprint to create a ¡°Future Seoul¡± where global talent converges and foreign residents grow alongside the city.

With the number of foreigners residing in Seoul surpassing 440,000― nearing 5% of the total population―the city recognizes these individuals as essential citizens who can elevate Seoul¡¯s urban competitiveness. The plan aims to foster development in partnership with foreign residents. The initiative is divided into two main strategies―attracting top talent and fostering an inclusive multicultural society.

To transform Seoul into a desirable destination for global talent―akin to Silicon Valley in the United States―the city plans to attract international companies and provide support in education, employment and entrepreneurship.

Collaborating with major domestic universities, Seoul aims to attract 1,000 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) doctoral-level professionals. Additionally, to lure foreign startups, the city will establish global startup support facilities where English is the primary language of communication. In March, Seoul City also launched a dedicated service center to assist foreign students studying in Seoul with local employment opportunities.

Moreover, a pilot project for foreign domestic workers is set to commence in September. To address labor shortages in critical sectors such as caregiving, elderly care, hospitality and the restaurant industry, Seoul plans to work closely with the government to place foreign workers where they are most needed.

Efforts to integrate foreigners as fellow citizens in the social fabric are also a priority.

To help foreign residents adapt to life in Korea―the city will open ¡°the second Seoul Foreign Resident Center¡± in May next year. AI-powered real-time multilingual translation services will be introduced in family centers across 25 districts. The city will also launch a resident rent assistance service to help foreigners find housing.

In addition, the city will ensure that foreign residents have access to the same pregnancy, childbirth and childcare services as Korean nationals―which includes prenatal and postnatal care services, developmental screenings for infants and toddlers―and starting this month, financial support for educational activities for multicultural children in elementary, Seoul Welcomes Foreign Residents with Warmer Embrace.