Seoul to Provide Free Wi-Fi at All Public Places

Published on 2016/02/28 | Source

The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to spend W460.5 billion over the next five years to digitize the city, including providing free Wi-Fi at all public places by 2017 (US$1=W1,234).

Free internet connections will be available on all public transportation and in marketplaces, major streets, parks and tourist hot spots.

The city is also working on a new app to provide real-time information on the availability of parking spaces. Drivers will be able to search and locate nearby parking lots.

Aside from making the city more competitive in the digital era, city officials also plan to put effort into helping more vulnerable citizens. Children or elderly people with dementia will be provided smart wristbands that will transmit their location to smartphones of their family and guardians.

Should the wearer venture outside a preset zone, an alert will sound. Those from low-income households will be able to receive the devices at no cost.