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Newsletter N°81 - October 2025
🏙️ Smart Cities: Korea’s Smart City Projects: Hyundai E&C and Yongsan IBD
Hyundai E&C’s “Robot-Friendly” Housing Complex
Hyundai Engineering & Construction (E&C) has unveiled Korea’s first robot-friendly residential district in Apgujeong, Seoul, presenting a new model for future housing where people and robots coexist.
From the design stage, the complex has been optimized for robotic operations, with elevators, automatic doors, and communication networks fully integrated so that service robots can freely navigate the entire site. This allows autonomous deliveries, mobility assistance, and even fire safety operations without human intervention.
Hyundai E&C has already commercialized a door-to-door autonomous delivery robot service at its DH Daechi Edelweiss complex, developed in collaboration with startup Movin. This system enables parcels and food to be delivered seamlessly from the main gate to each resident’s front door.
According to Hyundai, this is the beginning of a new urban paradigm where robotics and AI become everyday companions, supporting mobility, convenience, and safety in residential life.
Yongsan International Business District: Seoul’s Smart Core
Meanwhile, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is investing ₩84.1 billion (approx. $61 million USD) to transform the Yongsan International Business District (IBD) into a world-class smart city hub.
Covering 456,000 square meters around Yongsan Station, the project will implement:
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A centralized operations center managing real-time data on energy, traffic, safety, and the environment.
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Digital twin technology to simulate and optimize wind flows, sunlight exposure, and traffic circulation.
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Smart underground infrastructure, consolidating utilities (water, power, heat, telecom, logistics) with IoT sensors for efficient maintenance.
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Smart mobility and logistics services, including autonomous vehicles and advanced freight handling systems.
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Robot-friendly, energy-efficient buildings with intelligent façades and seamless integration into the wider city system.
The project, scheduled to begin in 2026, aims to position Yongsan as the “Seoul Smart Core”, a global testbed for next-generation city solutions.
A Unified Vision for the Future
Together, Hyundai E&C’s robot-friendly housing and the Yongsan Smart Core initiative illustrate Korea’s dual approach to smart cities: human-centered residential innovation paired with citywide digital transformation. By integrating robotics, AI, and green infrastructure, Korea is not only reimagining daily life but also setting a global benchmark for sustainable, intelligent urban development.
Example of UAM Wind Path Simulation in Yongsan IBD
Robots to Be Introduec in Apgujeong
Key features include:
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Unmanned shuttles powered by Hyundai Motor Group’s “Shucle” platform for on-demand mobility.
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Personal mobility robots that transport groceries or assist residents with reduced mobility.
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Unmanned fire-fighting robots (Hyundai Rotem) capable of operating in hazardous conditions.
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EV charging robots that automatically connect and disconnect charging cables.
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Automated valet parking robots (Hyundai WIA) that optimize parking space in tight areas.
