Introduction

Via the conduit of the Seoul Future Conference, the Seoul Shinmun ardently endeavors to provide discerning insights into the momentous queries encompassing human intelligence, artificial intelligence, technology, and the auspicious direction that beckons us forth.

The Seoul Shinmun aims to suggest complex solutions for future issues in this era of change and innovation through the 「Seoul Future Conference」.
Lectures and discussions by top scholars from all over the world at the Seoul Future Conference bring up a meaningful topic about the development of future technologies.

In 2016, we reviewed the Fourth Industrial Revolution, a global trend, and checked the current state of technological development in Korea and countermeasures for our industry and society.
In 2017, under the theme of 'Job and Education in the Fourth Industrial Revolution Era,' we discussed changes in the job due to mechanization, automation and educational innovation to respond to this development.
In 2018, under the theme of ‘Beyond the Age of Connections’, we investigated how the expansion of connectivity caused by technological development affects our society and industry through an analysis of smart cities, blockchain, and big data.
In 2019, under the theme of 'The Era of Imagination, AI Asks,' we focused on how our lives would change with artificial intelligence technology and discussed collaboration between artificial intelligence and humans.
In 2020, under the theme of ‘The Digital Transformation, New Normal for Next Generation’, we discussed a new growth paradigm that will be implemented as digital technology after the coronavirus.
In 2021, under the theme of ‘Age of Hyper-Uncertainty, the Big Change’, we discussed climate change and hyper accelerated change of technology.
In 2022, under the theme of ‘Boundaryless – Adventure to Another World’, we shared the insights on life, technology, city and digital areas that will be newly explored beyond the boundaries.
In 2023, under the theme of ‘Big Question: AI+, Future, Exploration’, we discussing newly explored areas of AI+ in healthcare, robotics, human psychology, and creativity.

Over the past eight years, the event has welcomed approximately 130 domestic and international speakers and 3,500 audience members and served as a significant platform for reflecting on the impact of technological advancements on future society and anticipating innovative changes.

In celebration of its 120th anniversary, the Seoul Shinmun is proud to present the Seoul Future Conference. This year’s theme, “AI Gold Rush: Inflection Point to Evolve or Perish,” will examine the profound impact of artificial intelligence on our world going forward. By bringing together leading global experts, the conference will explore how AI is reshaping fields such as work, mobility, healthcare, and climate change.

We look forward to your participation and support. Thank you.

SFC Ei

SFC Ei

A symbol of the Seoul Future Conference (SFC) is inspired by the human brain and its complicated and circuit-like structure. It symbolizes the SFC leveraging unlimited potential and creative ideas to touch upon various issues of tomorrow.

It also represents human fingerprints that are unique to each person, demonstrating respect for independent and different viewpoints. At the same time, fingerprints can act as a gateway. As such, the SFC would like to become a key to reveal the unknown future.

The color orange stands for the SFC as creative, bold, open-minded and forward-looking.

CEO Message

The theme of the 2024 Seoul Future Conference is “AI Gold Rush: Inflection Point to Evolve or Perish.” AI has become deeply integrated into our daily lives, serving as a powerful tool in education, work, information search, content creation, and even specialized fields such as law and medicine. Its influence extends across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, services, and construction, where it enhances productivity and addresses complex climate challenges beyond human capacity.

This year’s Seoul Future Conference aims to illuminate pathways to a brighter future by bringing together leading experts from around the globe for insightful presentations and discussions.

The Keynote Session will feature renowned technology and media futurist Gerd Leonhard and Hanyang University Professor Sang Wook Yi in a thought-provoking dialogue on AI and humanity. They will delve into AI’s profound impact on our daily lives and discuss essential strategies for human adaptation as its influence continues to grow exponentially.

Session I will explore the effects of AI on the evolving workforce, featuring insights from Nicole Scoble-Williams, Global Future of Work Leader at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu LLC; Young-yik Rhim, CEO of Intellicon Lab; and Eunsun Gil, Research Fellow at Korea Institute for Industrial Economics & Trade.

Session II will focus on the intersection of AI and mobility under the theme “Intelligent Computers Opening the Sky-Road.” Panelists will include James Wang, Professor at Nanyang Technological University; Jeong-il Kim, Vice President of SK Telecom; and Min Chul Jung, Head of the Innovative Air Mobility Office at Korea Airport Corporation.

Seoul Insight will feature Annette Hicks, Strategic Lead Client Executive at Oracle Health, and Hyeonmin Bae, Professor at KAIST, who will redefine the relationship between AI and healthcare under the topic “Changing the Health Paradigm.” Together, they will illuminate how AI is revolutionizing healthcare and enhancing quality of life.

SFC Talk will address the critical issue of climate change through the lens of C-Tech. We are honored to host world-renowned climate scientist Mark Maslin, Professor at University College London; Jiyun Kim, President of Green Environment Youth Korea; and Sung-Hyun Nam, Professor at Seoul National University. These dedicated scientists and youth activist will explore pathways to a sustainable future in this era of rapid technological advancement.

We sincerely request your generous support.

Thank you.

서울신문

Since founded in 1904, The Seoul Shinmun has been serving as the only public newspaper in the country for 120 years with employees and public shareholders as main shareholders. The Seoul Shinmun has been regarded as a reasonable media that represents the people and public interest

It’s well-received as accurate and fair media and trusted by opinion readers. Based on balanced perspectives, The Seoul Shinmun delivers exclusive stories and critical facts through in-depth coverage. It aims to place the value of news on national reconciliation, peace and unification as well as social justice.

Directions

Venue
Grand Ballroom, 1F The Westin Josun Seoul
(04533) 106, Sogong-ro, Sogong-dong, Jung-gu
Transportation
지하철

Line 2, Euljiro Station > Exit 7 (7 minutes walk)
Line 1, City Hall > Exit 6 (8 minutes on foot)

버스

Lotte Department Store
- Straight (Blue) : N15, N30, 100, 143, 151, 152, 202, 261, 262, 405, 501, 701, 702A, 702B, 705
- Branch line (green) : 7017, 7021

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