H. Yoo
Research expert covering South Korea
Civil infrastructure in South Korea - statistics and facts
South Korea's infrastructural foundations have played a critical role in its ability to become a globally strong economy. From the creation of the Gyeongbu Expressway in 1971 to now being able to sending its own heavy construction capabilities abroad, South Korea’s civil engineering and planning have become star examples of development for other burgeoning economies. The country’s robust infrastructure has facilitated reliable and resilient residential services, improving the quality of life for its citizens and bolstering urbanization.
Indeed, South Korea's main strengths come from its investments in research and development, focusing on ICT and patent registrations. Despite such innovation, South Korea still has challenges to overcome in this industry. Climate change strains existing disaster prevention infrastructure every year, and 2023 saw the first budget cut in social overhead capital in six years. The question remains whether smart cities and technology-based infrastructure will see returns in the face of harsher conditions in the future.
What is residential infrastructure’s role in quality of life?
On top of having a well-integrated public transportation system, most neighborhoods in large cities have public parks, convenience stores, doctor's offices, and community centers, all within walking distance from residential buildings. Multi-story commercial buildings commonly sit in these areas, offering almost every essential service needed within one structure. In South Korea, the average person takes around 23 minutes to reach a large commercial store via public transport or walking. In Seoul, the average time is less than half that. With so many services centered toward residential availability and ample opportunity for community building in these shared spaces, the quality of life for the average suburban resident in South Korea can be relatively high. Furthermore, the government is pushing for greater use of information and communications technology (ICT) to make roads safer, reduce carbon emissions, and provide essential services more efficiently.Smart cities and technology
In 2023, Seoul was ranked 16th among smart cities worldwide, successfully integrating technological solutions to provide various necessary services to residents. Heavy investment into education has seen returns in the form of having a society that is adept with technology and integrates it in various aspects, from business to personal affairs. The country has already taken full advantage of near-field communication (NFC) tags, using them to consolidate electronic payments and other digital information in almost every societal function.Indeed, South Korea's main strengths come from its investments in research and development, focusing on ICT and patent registrations. Despite such innovation, South Korea still has challenges to overcome in this industry. Climate change strains existing disaster prevention infrastructure every year, and 2023 saw the first budget cut in social overhead capital in six years. The question remains whether smart cities and technology-based infrastructure will see returns in the face of harsher conditions in the future.
