The Seoul Metropolitan Government, established in 1946 as the Seoul City Government and rebranded as the Seoul Metropolitan Government in 1949, operates as the local governing body for South Korea's capital. Elected every four years, the mayor oversees a centralized system responsible for various city functions, including correctional facilities, public education, libraries, safety, recreation, sanitation, water, and welfare services. Comprising 5 offices, 32 bureaus, and 107 divisions, the government is headquartered at Seoul City Hall in Taepyeongno, Jung-gu. Seoul is organized into 25 autonomous gu and 522 administrative dong. Additionally, the Seoul Institute (SI), previously known as The Seoul Development Institute (SDI), was established in 1992. This think tank collaborates with local and global research entities, aiding municipal policy-making by conducting in-depth research. The SI aims to engage with Seoul's residents to ensure the credibility of its policy studies.

Seoul Metropolitan Government - Wikipedia