South Korea Launches AI Smart City Pilots in Five Southeast Asian Countries to Revolutionize Urban Living

South Korea has announced the launch of pioneering AI-based smart city projects across five Southeast Asian nations to combat urban challenges and boost its tech exports.

The 2026 K-City Network program, spearheaded by the land ministry, features six selected initiatives designed to test Korean smart technologies in real-world settings.

Pilot Projects Transforming Southeast Asian Cities

In Brunei, an advanced AI-powered platform will optimize water management and enhance disaster response capabilities nationwide.

Bacoor in the Philippines will deploy a smart traffic management system to dynamically adjust signal operations and reduce congestion.

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is set to introduce an innovative on-demand transport service leveraging AI for efficient mobility.

Meanwhile, Can Tho in Vietnam will pilot an AI-based smart intersection control system to improve traffic flow and safety.

In Thailand's Surin province, a specialized safety management solution targets vulnerabilities in aging buildings.

Penang, Malaysia, will benefit from a traffic management system that detects accidents in real-time and alleviates urban gridlock.

Impacts, Legacy, and Future Horizons

These pilots build on South Korea's rich history of smart city innovation, exemplified by pioneering developments like Songdo City, positioning it as a global leader in urban digitalization.

By addressing critical issues like traffic, disasters, and infrastructure decay, the projects promise significant improvements in quality of life and economic efficiency for host cities.

Looking ahead, successful validations are expected to unlock export deals, attract investments, and foster deeper international collaborations in smart urban solutions.