Suwon Special Metropolitan City Introduces National-First AI-Based Safety Management System for Suwon Hwaseong

[Suwon Ilbo = Reporter Jung Jun-sung] Suwon Special Metropolitan City has become the nation's first to adopt an artificial intelligence (AI)-based safety management system for cultural heritage.

The Suwon Hwaseong Project Office announced on the 11th that it has established an advanced disaster prevention system by collaborating with innovative companies within the city and integrating AI and digital twin technology to implement a 'three-dimensional (3D) digital twin imagery smart automatic monitoring system for disaster and crime prevention.' The system will significantly strengthen fire prevention and safety management for Suwon Hwaseong, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Following its selection as a '2026 Procurement Innovation Pilot Project' in early this year, the system underwent refinement work and is now complete. The digital twin system, which links real-time disaster safety infrastructure, implements machines, equipment, and objects from the real world into a virtual world within a computer.

When AI detects unauthorized intrusions, fires, and falls, it immediately links the digital twin with the location and secures golden time through real-time sharing of field video and audio technology. Additionally, the system monitors aging facilities in real-time through a 'three-stage alert system' based on inclinometers and seismometers. Thermal imaging cameras and spark detectors have been introduced to enhance fire detection capabilities.

Entire Suwon Hwaseong to be Implemented as Virtual 'Digital Twin'

Through the establishment of the advanced disaster prevention system, the entire Suwon Hwaseong area will be implemented as a virtual 'digital twin.'

The system uses artificial intelligence (AI) image analysis technology to detect risk events—such as unauthorized intrusions, fires (flames and smoke), tourist falls (fainting), and crowding—the moment they occur. When a risk event is detected, the digital twin screen automatically links to the specific location, allowing managers to intuitively grasp the real-time field situation without complicated processes and take swift action.

The Suwon Hwaseong Project Office has further elevated disaster prevention and safety levels by additionally introducing inclinometer, seismometer, and thermal imaging camera technology to respond quickly if cracks occur in the Jangandae gate fortress walls.

The inclinometers and seismometers continuously measure structural safety, and when abnormal signs occur, a 'caution-alert-occurrence' three-stage alarm system is activated. Additionally, thermal imaging cameras detect minute temperature rises that are difficult to confirm with the naked eye, blocking fire risks at an early stage.

Advanced Sensors Concentrated at Key Locations Including Jangandae Gate Area

In particular, various advanced sensors have been concentrated at key locations such as the Jangandae gate area where tourist visits are concentrated. If a fire or emergency safety accident occurs, the system immediately detects it and transmits automatic warning broadcasts to the scene.

Additionally, utilizing digital twin video and audio sharing technology, on-site personnel and managers share the situation in real-time, identify detailed locations, and perfectly secure response golden time.

An official from the Suwon Hwaseong Project Office stated, "Through the establishment of this system, we are now able to safely protect world cultural heritage through advanced technology and provide a safer environment for citizens and tourists," and added, "Moving forward, we will actively utilize artificial intelligence (AI) and digital twin technology to gradually expand and introduce the system." The official continued, "Suwon City will lead the way in establishing a standard model for World Heritage Site safety management."