The concept of a smart city can vary depending on the perspective, but it is generally agreed that it is a city concept that utilizes advanced ICT technologies to solve various urban problems and provide services that improve the lives of citizens. While there are differences in the level and direction of smart city development by country, it is spreading globally, and it is expected to become even more widespread recently due to the increased demand for digitalization in the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
Based on the U-City project launched in the early 2000s, South Korea has already reached a nationwide stage of smart city diffusion, securing the world's highest level of information and communication infrastructure, and is recognized as a leading country in smart city development globally. However, the structure of smart city projects being pursued by various local governments appears in different forms, and the outcomes of smart city projects are also different. While projects are generally being pursued according to the criteria set forth in the Smart City Law, differences in the business models and outcomes of projects across regions may be natural given the differences in their characteristics and circumstances.
Therefore, the purpose of this study is to approach various smart city projects being pursued nationwide from a structural perspective, and to derive policy improvement measures.
To achieve the study objectives, the first step was to examine the basic understanding and changing policy trends of smart cities through theoretical considerations. Specifically, the characteristics and institutional operational structure of smart cities were identified, and the causal relationships among the key components of smart city technology, infrastructure, and services were examined. In addition, national policy trends based on smart city comprehensive plans were reviewed, and previous related studies were examined to present the distinctiveness of this study.
Secondly, based on the theoretical review, the factors influencing domestic smart city projects were identified, and a smart city project structure was established as a basis for analyzing the national status and characteristics of smart cities in Korea. Furthermore, big data analysis was conducted to identify the key topics and trends of news articles related to the smart city project structure in Korea. Additionally, the minutes of local government smart city councils, which have been operating for over 10 years under the leadership of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, were analyzed to identify their practical difficulties and demands. Finally, based on these analyses, four smart city issues were identified from a business structural perspective.
Thirdly, to address the four smart city issues, policy directions were established for project management, management and performance evaluation, regional balance, and sharing of public functions. A revision of the Smart City Act was also proposed to support the policy directions institutionally.
This Study will provide policy and institutional implications for the stable management and advancement of smart cities in Korea in the future.