By Yann Duveau, Alaïs Deligny, Octave Poincignon, Anatole Castelnau, Imane Midafi, Zachary Petit, and Saerom Chong
I. Yonsei - ESSEC - KEY Forum
On April 16th, 2024, KEY was delighted to organize, in partnership with Yonsei University in Seoul, a forum with round-table discussions, bringing together experts from the professional and academic worlds to comment on topics such as architecture, urban planning in Paris and Seoul, and the concept of smart cities. The event focused on bridging academic and practical approaches to urban planning and smart cities, with presentations and discussions highlighting shared challenges and innovative solutions.
Comparative Urban Challenges: Paris and Seoul
A significant part of the discussion revolved around the urban challenges faced by Paris and Seoul. Both cities are characterized by their macrocephalic nature—dominating their national economies and populations. The Grand Paris project, presented during the conference by Professor Dequeker from ESSEC, aims to address the inequalities and congestion in the Paris region by enhancing connectivity between suburban areas and stimulating economic activity through innovation clusters. Similarly, Seoul represents centralized job markets and rapid urbanization, necessitating innovative planning solutions to ensure balanced development. Parallels have been drawn between the Greater Paris project and recent dynamics between the city of Seoul and Gyeonggi province. Both metropolises are increasingly dependent on the surrounding region.
Technological Innovations in Urban Planning
What characterizes the recent evolution of cities in both France and South Korea is the role of new technologies and their usefulness in more and more areas of urban planning. Thus, Professor Kang from Seoul University highlighted the transformative role of smart technologies in urban mobility. Seoul's Smart Mobility reform of 2004, which significantly improved public transportation and reduced car reliance, serves as a model for how integrated planning and technology can enhance urban living. Effective urban planning requires a holistic approach that incorporates new technologies to address issues like pollution, crime, and traffic.
Sustainability and Smart Cities
Sustainability and smart cities emerged as key themes in public debates around urban planning. The concept of a smart city refers to an urban space conceived and designed with advanced technologies, which can collect data to improve the quality of life of its inhabitants. Although the smart city project was originally linked to the idea of technology, thanks in particular to the development of new information and communication technologies, the concept now has an undeniable social and political dimension. Indeed, the smart city must enable residents to live better, but also to express themselves and participate in the administration and management of their living environment. Thus, speakers highlighted the importance of international cooperations and knowledge sharing in order to create urban environments that are both sustainable and technologically advanced, leveraging smart city initiatives to improve urban living.
Smart Cities: Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches
A central point in the smart cities debate is the notion of a top-down or bottom-up approach. The development of smart cities in Korea involves both top-down and emerging bottom-up approaches. Traditional top-down strategies are complemented by grassroots initiatives that engage citizens and monitor their impacts. Examples such as the bike-sharing projects around Yonsei University which actively involve students in their design and implementation were presented by professor Kim from Yonsei University. These initiatives demonstrate how smart city projects can be tailored to meet local needs while mobilizing citizen participation.
Integrating Culture into Urban Architecture
Thanks to the presence of French architect David Pierre Jalicon, the issue of urban planning was also addressed through the prism of architecture. Drawing on his experience in South Korea, where he has been working for several years, Mr. Jalicon explained how he was keen to draw on Korean traditions and culture for inspiration, and to design buildings that would best fit into the Korean urban landscape.This cultural continuity ensures harmony between urban structures and the natural landscape, offering a unique approach to urban planning that blends tradition with modernity.
Collaborative Urban Development
Finally, as this event took place as part of a university trip, Professor Kim from Yonsei University highlighted the importance of university, academic and international cooperation to exchange views on key subjects such as urban planning.It is important to have a multi-sectoral approach and to combine engineering solutions alongside traditional urban planning to enhance the quality of life for citizens.This collaborative approach aims to foster joint projects and academic exchanges that can address complex urban challenges. France and Korea are experiencing similar dynamics, even though socio-economic disparities do persist. Overall, they both have much to learn from each other in terms of urban policy and planning techniques.
The roundtable at Yonsei University highlighted the importance of international collaboration in urban planning. By sharing insights and exploring diverse approaches, participants laid the groundwork for future joint projects that can address the complex urban challenges of today. As cities worldwide strive to become smarter and more sustainable, such exchanges are crucial in shaping the future of urban development.
II. A Week in Korean Cities: A Comparative Urban Planning Study
From April 15th to 20th, KEY was pleased to organize, in partnership with the French business school ESSEC, an academic trip for master's students specialized in Master ® Urban and Real Estate Management (MUI). A group of 30 French students had the opportunity to discover Seoul and Gyeonggi province through visits to cities and institutions. The forum with Yonsei University was part of this trip. One of the particularities of this group of students was the diversity of profiles it was composed of. Indeed, although ESSEC is originally a business school, this specialized master’s degree includes students with a business background as well as students with an architectural background, which brings various perspectives to topics such as urban and regional planning. Moreover, none of these students had ever been to South Korea or Seoul before. This trip was therefore a real first approach to Korea and its cities.
The students were first welcomed at the Seoul Metropolitan Government in the Urban Planning Division, which gave them an idea of the dynamics of the city of Seoul and the issues it faces. Seoul and Paris are often compared in terms of their importance and place in their respective countries, as the two metropolises can be considered the country's nerve centers. To add further perspective to this introduction to the city of Seoul, the ESSEC delegation also visited the National Museum of Korea to gain insight into the country's history, as well as the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), which allowed them showing an example of how urban space can be re-developed in line with the evolution of the city of Seoul, as well as visiting one of Seoul’s most famous architectural construction.
However, the trip wasn't just focused on Seoul, as visits to Gyeonggi province, the region around Seoul, were also organized. Like Paris, a large metropolitan area has developed around Seoul, offering a number of particularities and infrastructures. Gyeonggi province has its own Government Office, which the students had the opportunity to visit. This enabled them to have an overview of the region's political and economic situation and the various projects undergoing. Following this, they could visit the Pangyo district of Seongnam, to attend a presentation on the Techno Valley project, a start-up incubator aimed at revitalizing the city and part of the metropolitan region project.
Last but not least, the students were able to explore the topic of smart cities during a visit to the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZ). The concept of smart cities is increasingly at the heart of urban planning debates, and South Korea is one of the countries that took a relatively early look at the issue, and has therefore been able to take the lead in certain projects. In Incheon, the students attended a presentation on the city of Incheon, South Korea's gateway to the world via its international port and airport, and on the development of smart cities in Korea. They eventually visited a typical Korean apartment designed by Samsung. Furthermore, the delegation had the honor of being received by the French Ambassador to the Republic of Korea during the trip, to get an overview of diplomatic relations between France and South Korea and the French presence in Korea.
Their feedback will enrich this article by providing an outside perspective on urban planning in Seoul and Korean land-use policy.
III. French and Korean Urbanism: Insight from French Students
The following section was prepared in collaboration with five students (Yann Duveau, Alaïs Deligny, Octave Poincignon, Anatole Castelnau, Imane Midafi) from the group of thirty participating in the study trip, and with KEY NextGen member Saerom Chong. This collaboration aimed to gain insights and reactions to the current urban landscape in Korea from a French perspective.
1. Housing and Density
Context in Korea
Korea's dynamic housing policy has evolved significantly to meet the demands of rapid economic growth and a population that grew by over 300% from the 1960s to the 1990s. After the Korean War, addressing widespread housing shortages became crucial to support the nation's reconstruction and modernization efforts, with the adoption of the apartment format playing a key role in efficiently using limited urban land to accommodate the rapidly increasing urban population.
Korea's housing policy has introduced various measures to address the large-scale housing demand resulting from economic growth and population increase. Notably, the success of the 'apartment' model stands out. This policy can be summarized into three key points: new town development, redevelopment and reconstruction, and public housing supply for the working and middle classes.
Firstly, new town development aims to disperse residential and commercial areas, enhancing residential stability as a major strategy. Representative new towns include Bundang, Ilsan, and Pangyo. For example, the third phase of New Towns development from 1989 to 1996 supplied about 2.85 million housing units.
Secondly, redevelopment and reconstruction are modernizing outdated residential and commercial areas, particularly noticeable in large cities like Seoul. As of 2022, approximately 131 urban regeneration projects are underway nationwide. In Seoul, urban regeneration projects have modernized old residential areas since 2008, with target areas including Gaepo-dong and Apgujeong-dong in Gangnam, as well as the Shinchon area.
Lastly, the supply of public housing for the working and middle classes plays a crucial role in alleviating housing insecurity and increasing housing supply rates. In the early 2000s, the primary type of public housing was national rental housing. However, recently, various types of public rental housing have been added. The diversification of target groups means that, while the early 2000s focused mainly on providing housing for low-income families, recent efforts include "Happy House" for newlyweds and young couples, and "Public Rental" and “National Rental” for the low/middle income class. The supply number was 28,230 units in 2017 and 34,246 units in 2019. The reason is because 25 gu-district offices, accompanied with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, are supplying Happy House units also.
Context in France
At the end of World War II, 2 million housing units were destroyed in France. Additionally, the country experienced a baby boom, rural exoduses, and waves of immigration. The context was unprecedented. From 1965 to 1975 the population grew from 40 to 50 million. The housing situation became critical: there was a need to build quickly and at low cost.
Large housing complexes were proposed as a solution on the outskirts of cities to absorb the population. The results are spectacular: a steady increase from 12 million housing units in 1946 to 21 million in 1975, and most of them were large complexes. However, residents were far from their workplaces and vibrant living areas. A return to a suburban policy was seen, emphasizing individual houses. Wealthy families could afford these houses, unlike low-income populations, who, like the large complexes, were neglected. Today, the situation remains, and these complexes are a symbol of social and political failure.
In the 1960s, new towns were created to relieve congestion in the capital, such as Cergy around Paris- where ESSEC Business School is located. The problem stays put; Paris has more than 20,000 inhabitants per km², making it one of the most densely populated cities in the world.
In 1953, France introduced low-rent housing, meaning rents regulated by the state to curb the growth of rent prices according to market prices. Additionally, to promote social diversity, since the 2000s, the state has imposed a quota up to 25% of social housing upon municipalities.
Today, France and many European countries are experiencing a housing crisis explained in various ways. First, there is the rise in housing prices, with an average cost in Paris of 10,000 euros per m². There is also an increase in divorces, leading to more households with fewer members. The COVID crisis and the war in Ukraine have direct impacts on the cost of construction materials. Finally, inflation and rising interest rates directly affect the economic balance sheets of real estate players, who may be unable to build housing. On one side, demand is rising, but supply is dwindling.
The energy transition is a major challenge for the housing sector in France. Currently, about 7 million homes are considered "energy sieves," meaning poorly insulated and energy inefficient. To address this, the government has set ambitious goals: renovating 500,000 houses per year to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2020, about 400,000 new homes were built. Public policies include financial incentives and renovation aids to encourage homeowners to undertake energy renovation work. The overall goal is to bring the French housing stock to a higher energy performance standard, aligning new constructions and renovations with future environmental norms.
Reactions from the ESSEC students
After the war and for the following decades, South Korea experienced multiple economic and demographic growths. A substantial demand for housing followed. This logic can also be found in France after the Second World War. To meet this urgent demand, both countries developed large housing complexes. Today, these complexes are criticized in France, whereas in Korea, these housing towers have become models of housing.
France is culturally attached to the house with its garden, which does not align with the principle of large complexes. Aesthetically, these buildings are considered "ugly" and represent an economically disadvantaged population. For Korea, this model called "apatu complex" is a success. In 2021, 61% of Koreans lived in these housing buildings. Beyond the aesthetic aspect, these complexes are functional, and unlike in France, these apartments attract wealthy populations.
This is immediately noticeable upon arriving in Seoul: the urban logic of density. Indeed, we are surrounded by skyscrapers or towers of at least twenty stories. This choice of density has been made by Seoul as well as the surrounding cities, notably in the Gyeonggi Province, where we witnessed the development of new towns in response to Seoul's expansion. This issue of density is also at the heart of debates in France with the Zero Net Artificialisation law (which aims to significantly reduce urbanization and urban sprawl and plans to achieve a state of zero net artificialization of land by 2050) which presents the challenge of raising existing buildings.
We also observed that this density has been built around the few remaining traditional neighborhoods from the post-Korean War era, which sometimes provides an interesting contrast between modernity and history, especially with the Bukchon Hanok and Ikseon-dong Hanok neighborhoods. Being surrounded by such heights can sometimes be dizzying compared to the urban landscape we are accustomed to, but it also gives a futuristic aspect to this city of Seoul.
Examples of architectural heritage from various eras persist, creating a juxtaposition that is both discordant and fascinating. Visiting the city allowed us to feel these dynamics, particularly in the Hongdae district, embraced by the youth. This vibrant neighborhood has become a hub of creativity and freedom of expression, where street art, fashion, and gaming thrive. The younger generations display a marked extraversion, in contrast with the older generations.
Having had the opportunity to visit Samsung's model houses, one can see the significant role of technology, particularly screens, within the housing: a screen on the refrigerator capable of determining and displaying its contents, screens in bedrooms and bathrooms. These screens serve as monitors for manipulating and controlling all the electronic devices within the apartment. In a French social context where technology is seen as omnipresent and a source of distraction for young people, these apartments appear exciting but also potentially addictive due to their digital aspect. On the other side it is interesting to see that engineering and technology in French housing is put to reduce the energy use and not necessarily simplify the user life which seems the case in South Korea.
2. Transports
Context in Korea:
Due to rapid economic growth and population increase in the 1960s and 1970s, the need for public transportation grew, leading the government to invest on large-scale transportation infrastructures. Especially after the opening of Seoul Subway Line 1 in 1974, a nationwide network comprising 23 lines and over 700 stations has been established by 2022.
The first feature is the extensive subway network. Major cities in Korea, particularly Seoul and Busan, boast extensive subway networks. Seoul's subway system spans approximately 330 kilometers in total length and serves over 7 million passengers daily. Recent efforts focus on expanding the metropolitan and intercity rail networks (GTX, KTX etc) to achieve regional balance. According to a Seoul Statistics report issued in 2017, the average time it takes to reach public transportation from home is 8.69 minutes, featuring an advanced accessibility.
The second feature is the convenient transfer system. With a single transportation card, passengers can access all modes of public transportation, including subways, buses, and taxis. Cards like T-money are universally accepted nationwide. Transfers between subway lines are free, and Tmoney users can transfer for free between bus and subway lines.
The third feature is the integration of advanced technology. Real-time information application subways are accessible through smartphone apps and digital displays, aiding passengers in efficient use of public transportation. Subway users can report inconveniences, such as heating or cooling issues, and emergencies, including medical emergencies. Subway patrol officers and policemen can identify the location of the reporter immediately. The average processing time is 13 minutes.
Context in France
Paris, much like Seoul, has been grappling with the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and the need to provide efficient public transportation to its growing population. Historically, the city had a well-developed public transport system, with the Paris Métro being one of the oldest in the world, inaugurated in 1900. Today, the Paris Métro consists of 16 lines spanning over 200 kilometers and serving approximately 4.16 million passengers daily.
1. Extensive Subway Network:
Paris' public transport network is extensive, including not only the Métro but also the RER (Réseau Express Régional) suburban trains, tramways, and buses. The Grand Paris Express project, currently under development, aims to add 200 kilometers of new lines and 68 new stations by 2030, significantly expanding the reach of the current system and improving connectivity between suburban areas and the city center. This expansion is expected to alleviate congestion in the city and promote a modal shift from cars to public transport.
2. Convenient Transfer System:
The Parisian public transport system, managed by RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités, offers a unified fare system that allows seamless transfers between different modes of transportation. The Navigo card, much like Seoul's T-money, enables passengers to access the Métro, RER, buses, trams, and even regional trains. This integration simplifies the travel experience and encourages the use of public transport over private vehicles. In 2019, Paris reported approximately 1.5 billion trips across its various public transport modes, highlighting the system's extensive use.
3. Integration of Advanced Technology:
Paris has been increasingly integrating technology into its public transport system. Real-time information on arrivals and departures is available through various smartphone apps and digital displays in stations and on buses. The implementation of contactless payment options, such as Apple Pay and Google Pay, has further enhanced convenience for passengers. Additionally, the city has invested in modernizing its fleet with eco-friendly buses and expanding its bike-sharing program, Vélib', to promote sustainable urban mobility.
4. Accessibility and Inclusivity:
Paris has also been focusing on making its public transport more accessible with the example of line 14. Efforts are underway to ensure that more stations are equipped with elevators and ramps for people with reduced mobility. Dedicated spaces for wheelchairs in buses and trams, as well as visual and auditory aids, are being enhanced to cater to all passengers. However, only the new stations are equipped and accessible, a lot of work still has to be done in order to have fully accessible stations.
In conclusion, while Paris has a robust public transport system, there are lessons to be learned from Seoul's experience, particularly in terms of expanding the network, improving transfer convenience, integrating advanced technology, and enhancing accessibility.
Reactions from the ESSEC
The major challenge for large metropolises today is to reduce the modal share of cars. Seoul has taken on this challenge by developing a highly efficient public transport system, which now accounts for nearly two-thirds of the modal share for transportation. Could the Grand Paris network take inspiration from Seoul?
As French students using public transport, our experience in Seoul was remarkable. The infrastructure is respected, the queues for boarding the train are orderly, and the stations and subway cars are impeccably clean. More importantly, the network’s efficiency is impressive: there are no delays or stopped trains, which is crucial for maintaining public confidence in the system and thus essential for encouraging a modal shift.
From a social perspective, Seoul is ahead with clearly reserved spaces for people with reduced mobility, an important aspect for inclusivity and accessibility. Additionally, the affordability of Seoul's public transport makes it accessible to a wider range of people, encouraging higher usage rates and reducing the dependence on cars. Furthermore, Seoul's integration of technology into its public transport system, such as real-time updates and contactless payment options, enhances the user experience and convenience.
In conclusion, Paris could take inspiration from Seoul to improve its public transport and reduce car use. Implementing similar measures could lead to a more efficient, inclusive, and sustainable transportation network, ultimately benefiting the environment and the quality of urban life.
3. Smart cities
Context in Korea:
A smart city utilizes Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to efficiently manage urban resources and enhance the quality of life for its citizens. South Korea is a leading nation in this field, with numerous cities actively engaged in diverse smart city projects. This section will examine the current state and features of major smart cities in South Korea, comparing specific initiatives in each city.
Smart cities in South Korea are characterized by the extensive use of ICT to maximize the efficiency of urban management and services. They aim to expand the use of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency, introduce autonomous vehicles to reduce traffic congestion, and enhance the quality of life through air quality monitoring and smart waste management systems. These smart city projects are being implemented in various cities, including Sejong, Busan, and Incheon, each with its own distinct goals and characteristics.
Sejong Smart City aims to become an eco-friendly and autonomous driving-focused city, featuring autonomous vehicles, smart traffic systems, and green energy solutions. Sejong Smart City spans 2,741 1,000㎡ and has received an investment of around 1.4 trillion KRW. Busan Eco Delta City focuses on water management and ecosystem preservation, with features such as smart water systems, green infrastructure, and smart homes. Busan Eco Delta City covers about 2,773 m2 with an investment of around 2.2 trillion KRW. Incheon Smart City comprises Songdo International City, Cheongna International City, and Yeongjong International City, each with unique goals and characteristics. Songdo International City aims to be a high-tech global business hub, Cheongna International City focuses on autonomous driving and Yeongjong International City aims to be a smart airport city. South Korea’s smart cities are enhancing urban efficiency and citizens’ quality of life through a variety of technologies and solutions.
Context in France
The smart city model seems to have fallen out of favor in France. This is reflected in the global ranking of smart cities, where the first French city, Paris, is the 49th. Zurich is at the first spot and Seoul 17th.
Nevertheless, the smart city has gradually become a daily reality for many residents and local authorities. France and Western Europe are very concerned with environmental issues and energy usage. Furthermore, the war in Ukraine and France's historical dependence on Russian gas are forcing it to rethink its energy strategies.
Notably, we speak of energy networks, the "smart grids." These are discreetly but constantly evolving. Thanks to new technologies and real-time information collection, these electricity networks optimize the production of electricity from renewable energy sources. Integrated today into the development of eco-districts, they will be indispensable tomorrow in dealing with the massive electrification of vehicles. Drinking water networks are also becoming "smart." Since 2018, the Île-de-France Water Authority has been implementing sensors in its network. The data collected, thanks to artificial intelligence, improves leak detection and allows for preventive repairs.
The Batignolles district in Paris is a striking example of implementing the smart city in an eco-district. This project aims to create a sustainable living space by integrating advanced technologies for managing energy, water, and waste. The district uses intelligent energy management systems to reduce energy consumption and promote the use of renewable energies. Sustainable mobility initiatives, such as bike lanes and charging stations for electric vehicles, are also in place. Citizen participation is encouraged through online platforms where residents can propose ideas and participate in decisions regarding the district's development.
However, the smart city relies on mastering digital tools, which, due to numerous "barriers to entry" (age, socio-professional category, income level, location, etc.), almost spontaneously generates exclusion. Digital illiteracy, or "illectronism," affects 15% of the French population. This illiteracy may explain the French disenchantment with the smart city, deemed unnecessary, particularly because it is not visible. Additionally, the security of citizens' personal data is also a major concern in a highly connected environment.
Reactions from the ESSEC students
We had the opportunity to visit the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZ). This data collection enables the development of an intelligent transportation system and better traffic management with connected public transport. It also involves smart buildings that enhance energy efficiency, security, and comfort for inhabitants, citizen participation for easier communication with local authorities, decision-making, and urban security through the extensive use of surveillance cameras to prevent and manage incidents.
We visited the integration control room which was one of the most impressive visions of our journey: A 10 meters high room with a wall full of screens showing the city's urban traffic. Some of our classmates were a bit scared and it shows the cultural differences between France and Korea about digital and screens.
In a French social context, technology is seen as omnipresent and a source of distraction for young people. For example, some french citizens would say that screens killed social interactions in the subway. In the Seoul Subway, this observation does not exist: everyone is on their phone; maybe because the subway is not seen as a social place in Korea.
Another example would be Samsung's model apartments, where we could see the significant role of technology, particularly screens, within the housing: a screen on the refrigerator capable of determining and displaying its contents, screens in bedrooms and bathrooms. These screens serve as monitors for manipulating and controlling all the electronic devices within the apartment. It is the smart city in the apartment or a smart apartment. That suppose that people have to submit their personal data to perform their apartment and make it efficient for their use. It is also a difference with France, where citizens would disagree to give their information. They would feel spied on and controlled.
4. Security and Control
Context in Korea
South Korea has developed a globally recognized security and control system utilizing advanced technology to enhance public safety, national security, and social stability. The comprehensive approach encompasses cyber security, physical infrastructure protection, and intelligent surveillance systems.
The strong foundation of South Korea's security system stems from the unique geopolitical circumstances of the Korean Peninsula. The aftermath of the Korean War highlighted the critical importance of national security, laying the groundwork for a systematic and robust security system. Furthermore, since the democratization movements of the 1980s and amid economic growth, there has been an increasing demand from citizens for rights awareness and safety, prompting the government to prioritize the improvement of security systems.
As one of the most digitally advanced nations, South Korea ensures the safety of its digital infrastructure from cyber threats through rigorous cyber security measures. In 2024, the Ministry of Science and ICT allocated a total budget of KRW 18.6 trillion, corresponding to 12 billion euros, with KRW 61 billion specifically earmarked for cyber security.
South Korea enhances public safety and security through intelligent surveillance systems employing artificial intelligence (AI) and facial recognition technology. As of 2023, the nationwide installation of CCTV cameras in public institutions totals 1,767,894 units. In addition, recent advancements in facial recognition technology are achieving higher accuracies. The government actively supports the development of facial recognition technology, including sharing data collected from Incheon International Airport. Moreover, the 'Smart City Challenge Project' launched by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport in 2020 is changing the daily lives of citizens in major cities such as Incheon, Daejeon, and Bucheon in terms of decreasing the crime rate. The Smart City Challenge is a project that uses information and communication technology (ICT) to solve urban problems such as transportation, environment, and safety, and 240 smart infrastructures and services have spread in a total of 64 cities. In the 'smart city', citizens' travel time was shortened by one hour and illegal parking was eliminated, improving traffic congestion by 21%. The dispatch time for 119-112, which is often the last call, is faster and the crime rate has decreased by 10%.
Another critical factor enabling the effective operation of South Korea's security and control system is the high level of civic consciousness among its citizens. South Koreans demonstrate a strong awareness of public safety and social stability, which translates into strong support and trust in government security policies and systems. Citizens generally view security measures such as CCTV installations positively, accepting personal privacy limitations for the sake of public safety.
Context in France
In 2010, as part of the national plan for videoprotection equipment, the Paris Police Prefecture initiated a project aiming at enhancing citizen protection and addressing security challenges in Paris. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize the command capabilities of the police prefecture, including the creation of a unified command center and the use of decision-support technologies like radio and geolocation. To ensure the ethical application of these technologies, an ethics committee was established.
On May 19th, 2023, the "Olympic Law" concerning the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games authorized the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in videoprotection within a clear legal framework that protects fundamental and individual liberties. This law explicitly prohibits facial recognition and any form of cross-referencing with databases, focusing instead on assessing the potential benefits of ethical and trustworthy AI for securing large-scale events.
The goal of integrating AI with traditional videoprotection systems is to enhance the operators' ability to detect unusual situations without replacing human decision-making. Alerts generated by AI are reviewed by operators, who then decide whether to escalate the situation within the operational chain.
Only national police, gendarmerie, municipal police, fire and rescue services, and the internal security services of RATP and SNCF are permitted to deploy these AI solutions, subject to authorization by the relevant prefect. This careful control underscores the importance placed on both security and ethical considerations.
Given its unprecedented societal and security implications, the experiment is overseen by a steering committee that includes all stakeholders and is chaired by the director of security partnerships and arms. An independent evaluation report will be submitted to Parliament in December 2024 to assess the effectiveness and societal impact of these measures.
Reactions from the ESSEC students
As French students, we were struck by the impressive number of surveillance cameras deployed, particularly during our visit to the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZ). We were introduced to several smart city projects and had the opportunity to visit a control center. In France, such a high density of surveillance cameras might be perceived negatively, viewed as an attempt at control, raising concerns about privacy and individual freedom.
This stay in South Korea allowed us to understand the issue from a different perspective. Contrary to our initial perception, Koreans do not feel oppressed by the presence of cameras; instead, they see them as protective infrastructures rather than instruments of control. This difference in perception also reflects the cultural and social values differences between our two countries.
Our stay in Seoul made us reconsider our view on urban surveillance. What we initially regarded as a tool of control turned out to be an effective means of enhancing public safety and alleviating the sense of insecurity. "I could go for a jog at 3 AM without any problem, something unimaginable in Paris," said one of our classmates during the trip. This stay helped us realize that technology, when well-regulated and accepted by the population, can significantly contribute to the quality of life for residents.Indeed, in Paris, as citizens, we are aware that there is a probability, rare but still of robbery or other insecurity issues. We have integrated some reflexes that we do daily and more specifically in public transports: checking our pockets frequently, being defensive when someone unknown is too close to us and being sure that all our pockets are closed.In Seoul, by urban surveillance all these reflexes were deleted from our mind and we had the biggest sensation of liberty walking in Seoul streets.
About the Authors
Yann Duveau
Yann Duveau is a real estate professional, and he is currently pursuing a master in real estate at ESSEC Business School (France), Accredited by RICS. With architecture background as a student at Versailles School of Architecture then a junior architect, he designed projects ranging from Parisian buildings to private homes. He worked in electrical development projects in Electra, a French unicorn.
Alaïs Deligny
Octave Poincignon
Octave Poincignon is currently a Strategy Consultant at Mensia Conseil, where he specializes in the Mobility and Planning sector with a focus on railway market liberalization. He holds an engineering degree from INSA Lyon and completed a specialized Master in Urbanism and Real Estate at ESSEC Business School.
Anatole Castelnau
Imane Midafi
Zachary Petit
Saerom Chong
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