Event
Visit of the TOPIS and KISA with the Bundesakademie für Sicherheitspolitik

Social media, smartphones, and the internet have become integral parts of our daily lives. However, these habits merely scratch the surface. The topics of digitalization and cybersecurity have impacted every aspect of our lives, from politics to traffic on the streets or scrolling through our phones.

Therefore, it is crucial for both government and private actors to engage with these future issues. That is why the Hanns-Seidel Foundation Korea organized visits to TOPIS (Transportation Operation &Information Service of the Seoul Metropolitan Government) and KISA (Korea Internet Security Agency) for the participants of a seminar by the Bundesakademie für Sicherheitspolitik in Seoul, South Korea. The German delegation aims to gain insights into digitalization and security policies using South Korea and Singapore as examples.

Initially, the participants visited the Transportation Operation and Information Service (TOPIS) of the Seoul Metropolitan Government. This service gathers data from various sources such as the Bus Management System, payment card systems, CCTV systems, and traffic news to control and manage the city's traffic. The state-of-the-art data collection system enables TOPIS to optimize traffic flow and ensure the punctuality of public transportation. Mrs. Anh Young Jin explained the benefits of this system to the seminar participants and highlighted the introduction of test routes for autonomous buses, aimed at supporting commuter traffic outside regular working hours. Finally, the participants had the opportunity to glimpse into the situational analysis room of TOPIS, where responses to irregularities and disruptions in traffic flow are managed.

Subsequently, the group visited the Internet Incident Response Division of KISA to learn more about cyber defense approaches in South Korea. The Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA) is a semi-governmental organization responsible for internet cybersecurity and coordinating emergency measures for government institutions and businesses. Mr. Jee-Ho Kim elaborated on the structure, operation, and responsibilities of the Internet Incident Response Division in his presentation on digital infrastructure and a safe internet environment. At the end, the participants had the chance to tour the department's operations room and take a group photo, concluding a successful seminar day.