Seoul Metropolitan Government

Seoul Metropolitan Government

Seoul Voluntary Local Review 2025

Insights of the Report

Seoul’s first Voluntary Local Review outlines the city’s long-term sustainable development strategy extending to 2045. The sustainable development strategy is structured around inclusive governance and the principle of “Leaving No One Behind,” aligning with the 2030 Agenda. Developed through a participatory process involving youth, older adults, persons with disabilities and civil society, the strategy sets clear goals, actions and indicators aligned with the SDGs. Key priorities include enhancing mental health services (SDG 3), expanding public daycare and lifelong learning (SDG 4), boosting renewable energy and energy equity (SDG 7), supporting AI and tech startups (SDG 9) and reducing inequality through improved rights protection (SDG 10). Seoul also targets safer, greener communities (SDG 11), carbon neutrality (SDG 13) and stronger civic institutions (SDG 16). The VLR emphasises Seoul’s data-driven approach, its focus on vulnerable populations, and highlights best practices from local districts, reinforcing the city’s commitment to inclusive, sustainable urban development.

City Profile

Seoul, officially the Seoul Special Metropolitan City, is the capital and largest city in the Republic of Korea, and the political, economic and cultural heart of the nation. As of 2025, the city is home to approximately 9.6 million residents, although its population is gradually declining. Once emblematic of rapid urban growth and industrial development, Seoul now faces a complex mix of challenges, including a super-ageing population, climate change and economic uncertainties. In response, the city has developed a long-term vision to 2045 focused on resilience, inclusivity and sustainability. Seoul is pursuing an ambitious carbon neutrality agenda: under its 2050 Carbon Neutrality Plan, the city aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2045, down to 8.2 million tonnes of CO2.

The Report and more

The VLR report is available here:
Seoul Voluntary Local Review 2025