Seoul Drops Free Wi-Fi Bombshell, Promises Public Access By 2017

Gabe Zaldivar
by Gabe Zaldivar
Last updated: 4:30 PM ET, Tue March 1, 2016

Photo courtesy of Thinkstock

One day far from now, the world will be draped in the comfort and luxury of ubiquitous Wi-Fi. Until then, enjoying free flowing Internet city by city will have to suffice.

According to reports, Seoul, South Korea, will be the next stop for the digital watering hole that is free public Wi-Fi.

Yonhap News Agency (h/t Forbes, Tech Insider) reports government officials are busily ensuring they meet their lofty goal, providing "free Wi-Fi networks at every public place by 2017."

This comes as tremendous news to locals but also travelers who would otherwise have to deal with their respective roaming charges as they attempt to enjoy the region with modern means.

READ MORE: Seoul Searching

Now we all make do with expensive modes of Internet access, which is just how the global infrastructure is maintained at the moment.

But little by little, cities are embracing the concept of plentiful Internet access for the masses.

Just this past January we reported on the initial throes of New York City's LinkNYC, which is a set of repurposed pay phones that now pump out crucial Wi-Fi.

According to the report, Seoul's Wi-Fi reach will extend to buses and subways, which means you don't have to put on hold that social media heat until you get out into the open.

READ MORE: This Abu Dhabi Hotel Has The World's Fastest Wi-Fi

When you have that clever tweet or powerful image of South Korean beauty, it must be posted immediately, obviously.

Now the venture will cost the city, handsomely. The report states the following: "Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said the metropolitan government plans to invest 460.5 billion won (US$373.9 million) over the next five years to grow the so-called 'diginomics' industry, a term combining the words digital and economics."

A big chunk of that monetary investment will go to the city's Internet of Things (loT) technology initiative.

Seoul continues to lead in innovation, which is welcomed by the millions who will enjoy its confines from 2017 and beyond.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Related Videos

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Puerto Vallarta Specialist ProgramEnveloped in the beauty of a by-gone time, this colorful town on Mexico’s Pacific Coast is sure to win...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Costa Rica Specialist ProgramCosta Rica Specialist Program academy ENROLL NOW Costa Rica offers golden shores, fish-filled waters,...
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Korea Travel Specialist ProgramThis course will allow you to explore this fascinating country's incredible diversity of experiences...

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...
Upcoming Webinar
Discover KLM Royal Dutch AirlinesThursday, June 4, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Travel Weekly and Air France-KLM for deep dive into the world of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. You’ll...
Upcoming Webinar
Unveiling Oceania Cruises’ New Voyages, Plus Caribbean GetawaysWednesday, June 10, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
This exclusive webinar will showcase what’s new, what’s next, and how these immersive itineraries are...
Upcoming Webinar
Small Groups, Big AdventuresThursday, June 18, 2026
2:00pm ET
Join Trafalgar and Insight Vacations for an exclusive launch webinar introducing 56 new Small Group...