Seoul Metro sets up an exhibition hall at COEX Hall A on the first floor for Smart Life Week — showcasing an AI catenary inspection system, smart station technology and hands-on train simulation experiences
Seoul Metro will showcase its AI-based subway safety and maintenance technology at Smart Life Week 2026 (SLW), a three-day event running Tuesday through Thursday at COEX in Seoul, the agency said.
Now in its third year, Smart Life Week is a global ICT expo co-hosted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government and the World Smart City Organization (WeGO). Held under the theme "Everyday Life in the AI-Powered Future City," the event brings together more than 500 cities and companies from around the world to offer visitors a firsthand look at how AI, robots, smart mobility and other advanced technologies will reshape urban life.
Seoul Metro has set up an exhibition hall in the Innovation Zone of Hall A on COEX's first floor. The entrance features an actual subway gate and a scale model of a train's undercarriage, giving visitors an immersive feel as they explore a total of 10 exhibits.
The centerpiece technologies on display include an AI catenary inspection system that diagnoses the condition of tracks and overhead power lines in real time while a train is in motion, and an AI track inspection robot that detects early signs of track abnormalities. Also on show is the Smart Station platform, which enables real-time monitoring and remote control of subway stations.
Hands-on experience zones let visitors engage directly with subway technology. A stamp tour is also on offer: visitors who try five or more of the 10 exhibits will be entered into a draw for commemorative gifts.
Interactive attractions include a train simulation ride that puts visitors in the driver's seat, a fire-suppression VR experience that teaches emergency reporting and evacuation procedures during a subway fire, and a rolling-stock facilities VR experience that lets visitors examine key components inside and outside a train in three dimensions.
"Through this exhibition, we hope visitors can see firsthand how Seoul's subway is transforming the daily lives and safety of citizens through AI and advanced technology," Seoul Metro President Kim Tae-kyun said. "We will continue to actively adopt field-centered AI technology to build a smart subway environment where all citizens can ride with confidence."
seouldream01@heraldcorp.com
