Busan, South Korea – Busan has been chosen as the host city for the 2025 World Smart City Expo, solidifying its position as a global leader in smart city development.

The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport announced that Busan, in collaboration with the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO), had successfully secured the bid to host Asia’s largest smart city exhibition. Previously held annually at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do, the World Smart City Expo (WSCE) showcases the latest smart city technologies from around the world.

A New Era for the Expo

This year, the Ministry introduced a significant change, shifting the focus from a government-led event to a city-centered one. Busan’s successful bid highlights the city’s commitment to smart city development and its ability to host large-scale international events.

Busan's strategic proposal emphasized its unique advantages, including being one of only two Smart City National Demonstration Cities in South Korea, alongside Sejong City. The city's track record of successfully hosting major international events like G-STAR, the ASEAN Special Summit, and the Busan Mobility Show further bolstered its bid.

A Synergistic Approach

To maximize the impact of the expo, Busan proposed co-hosting it with "K-ICT WEEK in Busan," a major ICT event that brings together three exhibitions: AI Korea, IT Expo Busan, and Cloud Expo Korea. This strategic move aims to create a synergistic effect by combining the strengths of both events.

Additionally, Busan suggested developing travel programs that allow visitors to experience firsthand the city's smart city initiatives, including its National Demonstration City and smart villages.

A Bright Future for Busan

Busan Mayor Park Hyung-jun expressed his enthusiasm for the city's selection, stating, "As a global leader in smart city development, ranked 13th worldwide and second in Asia, Busan's selection as the host city for the 2025 World Smart City Expo marks a significant milestone in our journey to become a global hub city."