Get ready for one of the most future-forward experiences in Asia this fall. Smart Life Week (SLW) 2025 is returning to Seoul from September 30 to October 2, and this year it’s bigger, smarter, and more immersive than ever before. Taking over COEX Convention Center in Gangnam, this massive event brings together tech innovators, global cities, robotics experts, and the general public for a three-day showcase of how artificial intelligence and smart technology are reshaping the urban experience.
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re planning to visit or follow SLW 2025.
What Is Smart Life Week?
Hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and WeGO (World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization), SLW is a global smart city and tech event that explores the intersection of urban living, digital innovation, and inclusive technology. With the theme “AI for Inclusive Cities”, this year’s edition emphasizes how AI can empower communities, improve public services, and promote accessibility in rapidly evolving cities.
Expect more than 200 global cities, 300 companies, and over 60,000 attendees.
What to See at SLW 2025
Main Venue: COEX (C Hall, The Platz, and Surrounding Areas)
SLW 2025 will span multiple exhibition halls at COEX, one of Korea’s largest convention centers. The event is split into several key zones:
Smart ICT Exhibition
- See real-world smart city solutions from cities and companies around the world.
- Themes include smart mobility, AI health, urban safety, green energy, and civic tech.
- Tech demos range from autonomous vehicles to digital twin cities and IoT-powered neighborhoods.
Seoul Smart City Prize
- An international award honoring innovative, inclusive urban projects from across the globe.
- Past winners include projects focused on digital democracy, climate resilience, and accessible transport.
- The prize ceremony is one of the event’s marquee moments.
Global Forums & Conferences
- Global Chief Digital Officers Forum
- Smart Life Conference on AI ethics, policy, and digital equity
- Mayors’ Roundtable – where city leaders share smart governance strategies
- Startup pitch sessions and investor roundtables
All panels will offer English-Korean interpretation.
Debuting This Year: Seoul AI Robot Show
One of SLW 2025’s most anticipated additions is the Seoul AI Robot Show, taking place in tandem with the main event. It’s designed to make robotics accessible and exciting for all visitors, from kids to experts.
Highlights Include:
- Extreme Robotics Competition: A live event where rugged robots tackle rescue missions, stairs, wildfire zones, and other challenging environments.
- Quadruped Robot Demos: Think Boston Dynamics-style robots navigating urban terrain.
- Citizen Interaction Zones: Try out assistive robots, delivery bots, and more.
- Startup Showcases & Investment Meetups: See who’s leading the next wave in service robotics and AI.
If you’re a robotics fan or investor, this is a must-visit.
Surrounding Events – Culture Meets Tech
Seoul is going all in this fall by syncing several major public festivals with SLW:
- Seoul Autumn Festa – Music, street art, and food events across Gangnam and Jongno.
- Seoul Sculpture Festival – Massive public art installations blending urban design and interactivity.
- Seoul Light: Hangang Bitseom Festival – Nighttime riverfront displays using smart lighting and projection mapping.
Perfect for unwinding after a day of panels and tech demos.
Tickets & Registration
The best part? SLW 2025 is completely free.
However, online pre-registration is highly recommended, especially for:
- AI Robot Show access
- Conference sessions and expert panels
- B2B business matching
- City tech tours
Register here: https://www.slw.kr/eng/main.do
Key Dates & Hours
- Tuesday, Sept. 30 – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday, Oct. 1 – 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Thursday, Oct. 2 – 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Most forums start at 10:30 AM, and major demos begin around noon.
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Nearest Subway: Samsung Station (Line 2) – Direct access to COEX.
- Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi throughout the venue.
- Language Support: English is widely spoken; translation services available for events.
- Food Options: The COEX Mall beneath the venue offers global and Korean dining options.
For overseas visitors, Incheon International Airport is about an hour away via AREX + subway or direct bus.
Whether you’re a city planner, a developer, a startup founder, or just a curious citizen, Smart Life Week 2025 offers a rare chance to experience what the future of city living looks like—now. With everything from AI ethics panels to hands-on robot demos, it’s where civic innovation and public imagination come together.
If you’re in or near Seoul this fall, SLW is the place to be.
