Can a City Hall Exist Inside the Metaverse?

When Public Services Move Beyond Buildings

For generations, public administration has depended on physical spaces. Citizens visit government offices, wait in lines, submit documents, and attend in-person meetings. While digital portals improved efficiency, the experience often remained transactional and fragmented.

Seoul’s Metaverse Public Services Platform introduces a different model. Built by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in South Korea, this initiative creates a virtual city hall inside a digital 3D environment. Instead of navigating static websites, citizens enter an interactive space where they can submit applications, receive administrative guidance, attend policy briefings, and join town hall discussions. The shift is not simply about digitizing forms — it reimagines how government interaction feels and functions.

More Than an Online Portal

Unlike traditional e-government systems, the Seoul platform operates within an immersive environment. Citizens access services through avatars, interact with public officials, and explore virtual representations of government offices. This structure supports activities such as business consultations, youth mentorship sessions, civil complaint handling, and public forums.

The platform is designed to reduce physical barriers. Residents who may struggle to visit municipal buildings — whether due to distance, time constraints, or mobility limitations — can participate remotely. Additionally, interactive features aim to make policy communication more transparent and engaging. Instead of reading static announcements, citizens can attend digital briefings or consult officials in real time.

Rethinking Government Accessibility

The Seoul Metaverse Public Services Platform reflects a broader shift in public sector innovation. Governments worldwide have invested in online portals, yet many services remain document-driven and impersonal. Seoul’s approach introduces spatial interaction into governance.

By extending public administration into a virtual environment, the city explores how immersive technology can support civic engagement. Town hall meetings no longer require physical attendance. Youth programs and educational sessions can reach broader audiences. Administrative access becomes less dependent on geography.

The initiative also signals how governments may adapt to increasingly digital societies. As work, education, and commerce expand into virtual environments, public services are beginning to follow.