Oh Se-hoon Launches Night Economy Initiative in Seoul

 
Seoul's new mayor, Oh Se-hoon, has made the night economy a central focus of his administration's first policy drive.
 
During the first regular executive meeting of his term on July 15, Oh announced that revitalizing the night economy would be a key policy agenda, aiming to transform Seoul's nightlife into a significant economic driver.
 
He emphasized that the night economy should not be viewed merely as support for local businesses but as a future growth strategy that connects culture, tourism, commerce, and transportation into a cohesive ecosystem. The goal is to transform Seoul into a vibrant global city that thrives 24 hours a day.
 
Oh Se-hoon stated, "Setting the night economy as the core agenda for the first executive meeting reflects our commitment to changing the future growth axis of Seoul. The night economy is not just about supporting local businesses; it is a new growth strategy for Seoul that will change citizens' leisure culture and enhance urban consumption and vitality."
 
He urged all departments to work collaboratively, breaking down silos to achieve results quickly.
 
To facilitate this initiative, the city will activate a task force led by a night economy special advisor, involving seven key departments, including the Planning and Coordination Office, Economic Office, Cultural Headquarters, Transportation Office, Public Relations Planning Office, Tourism and Sports Bureau, and the Labor and Livelihood Bureau. A dedicated team will also be established within the Economic Office.
 
Additionally, the city plans to develop a unified brand for nighttime content across Seoul and will select a brand name through a public contest, aiming to promote Seoul's nightlife as a tourist attraction.
 
Key projects include the 'Night Economy Coexistence Zone' and 'Seoul Moonlight Night Market.' The city will explore designating coexistence zones around major nighttime hubs such as the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Han River, and Seoul Arena, offering incentives for nighttime operations, easing regulations, and expanding late-night public transport. A new ordinance to support the night economy is also in the works.
 
The growing night market culture in areas like Jongno 3-ga and Euljiro will be formalized, with plans to expand the 'Seoul Moonlight Night Market' from five locations this year to 25 by 2028. Selected commercial districts may receive up to 2 billion won for environmental improvements, branding support, and additional incentives based on operational success.
 
The city will also increase nighttime access to major cultural facilities such as museums and palaces, introduce integrated arts programs in the Gwanghwamun area, and develop unique content like 'Night Sauna' at Han River parks and 'Winter Sleep Contest' at DDP. Transportation and safety measures will include expanding late-night buses, introducing autonomous buses and taxis, and enhancing the operation of Seoul's security personnel, all aimed at creating an urban ecosystem where nighttime activities naturally lead to consumption and tourism.
 
Oh remarked, "The night economy is not just the responsibility of one department; it requires collaboration across culture, tourism, transportation, and economic policy to be fully realized as Seoul's new growth strategy. We will ensure it becomes a flagship policy that transforms citizens' lives and enhances Seoul's competitiveness."
 
He added, "Following initiatives like 'Seoul Without Loneliness,' 'Climate Companion Card,' and 'Revitalizing Gangbuk 2.0,' I urge you to make this a representative policy that citizens can feel in their daily lives."
 
The night economy is a key growth axis for Oh's vision of making Seoul a 'Global Top 3 City.' The G3 Seoul Planning Committee has already discussed it as a core strategic task in the fields of future economy and global appeal, with plans to develop a new urban economic model that connects increased tourism with local business consumption and job creation.
 
Based on the discussions from the executive meeting and the G3 Seoul Planning Committee, the city plans to announce a comprehensive 'Seoul Night Economy Revitalization Plan' early next month and begin implementing its representative growth strategy.