Seoul's Gangbuk-gu district has launched an AI-based fast-search system for missing persons, designed to help authorities respond quickly when vulnerable residents — including dementia patients, children and people with developmental disabilities — go missing.
The district built the system using approximately 200 million won ($145,000) secured from the Seoul Metropolitan Government budget. The AI CCTV fast-search system uses AI video analysis technology to rapidly process large volumes of CCTV footage and track the movements of missing individuals.
The system can analyze up to 100 hours of CCTV footage in as little as 7 to 25 minutes, dramatically cutting the time previously required when control center operators had to manually review multiple camera feeds one by one.
Searches can be conducted using a face or full-body photo of the missing person, or based solely on clothing and physical description. The system can process both previously recorded footage and live feeds simultaneously.
A continuous cross-camera tracking function identifies the same individual across multiple CCTV units in sequence, allowing operators to quickly determine the direction and route of travel. The system can also search for multiple subjects at the same time. Results are delivered in report form with movement routes mapped out, providing direct support for police search and investigation efforts.
The district said the new system will strengthen the analytical capabilities of its integrated CCTV control center while deepening coordination with the Seoul Metropolitan Government's smart city safety network. Beyond locating missing persons, the district plans to deploy the system in response to a range of incidents and accidents to protect residents' lives and safety.
"Speed of initial response is everything when someone goes missing," Gangbuk-gu District Mayor Jeong Chang-su said. "We will make full use of the AI CCTV fast-search system to cut the time it takes to find missing persons and build a safer Gangbuk-gu where residents can go about their lives with peace of mind."
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