Seeking relief from the overcrowded capital of Seoul, South Korea, Songdo was envisioned as a beacon of sustainable, high-tech urban living. Constructed on nearly 1,500 acres reclaimed from the Yellow Sea, this planned city, an extension of Incheon, offers seamless access for international and domestic travelers. Conceived in the early 21st century, Songdo promised a utopian blend of cutting-edge technology and Western-style sustainable design. However, by 2024, the lived reality within Songdo's residential complexes starkly contrasts with its visionary ideals. Home to around 200,000 residents, including 5,000 foreigners, Songdo's urban landscape reveals a tapestry of urban heterogeneity, high-end lifestyles, and sprawling mega-housing developments. These elements raise questions among residents and urban experts: Does Songdo truly embody the Smart, Better-Living Utopian Dream it claims, or does its self-designation as a smart city merit scrutiny? I am exploring the functionality of smart urban public spaces in Songdo, assessing their role in fostering community engagement and ensuring long-term healthy living. By examining these aspects, I aim to determine whether Songdo's smart city credentials hold up under closer inspection or if its smartness is merely a façade.

Authors:
Reazul Ahsan, University of Utah, United States
Idil Ayral, University of Utah, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Reazul Ahsan
Associate Professor
Department of City and Metropolitan Planning
The University of Utah (Asia Campus)
Research Interest: Smart urbanism, climate-adaptive urban design, urban resilience, and Sustainability

Connect on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/reazul-ahsan-8944449/

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria-Teresa-Martinez-Garcia-2

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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