Imagine exploring the bustling streets of Seoul, the cultural and economic heart of South Korea, without leaving your home. That’s what the world’s first urban metaverse app, launched by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, offers to its users. The app allows you to create your own avatar and immerse yourself in a virtual replica of Seoul, where you can visit famous attractions, such as N Seoul Tower, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and the mayor’s office, as well as interact with other metaverse citizens.
But this is not just a game; it’s a visionary project that aims to transform the way people experience and participate in urban life. Seoul has invested $180 million to build its metaverse ecosystem, which will expand in three phases. The second phase, starting in 2024, will connect local entrepreneurs with global investors through the app, while the third phase, from 2026 onwards, will incorporate augmented and virtual reality technologies into the city’s core functions.
Seoul’s metaverse app is a glimpse into the future of urban living, where physical and digital spaces are seamlessly integrated. By 2030, it is estimated that nearly 700 cities will have some form of metaverse infrastructure, which will provide various benefits, such as eGovernment services, virtual tourism, and remote work opportunities.
Metaverses can also contribute to sustainability goals by reducing the need for physical travel and promoting energy efficiency.
Comments