Creative industries have emerged as a key driver of urban economic growth amid digital transformation and the global expansion of K-content. In Seoul, these industries occupy a central role in the national content sector; however, rapid shifts in the business environment—including platform-based distribution, technological innovation, and intensifying global competition—have introduced new structural challenges. This study proposes policy strategies to revitalize Seoul's creative industry ecosystem by examining industrial conditions, spatial clusters, and the business environment across three major sectors: webtoon and comics, film and broadcasting, and games. Spatial autocorrelation analysis combined with location quotient analysis was employed to identify cluster patterns, and a survey of 299 creative firms was conducted to assess business conditions, technology adoption, collaboration networks, and policy needs.
The findings indicate that Seoul functions as the core hub of Korea's creative industries, with major clusters concentrated in areas such as Mapo–Sangam, Gangnam, and Guro–Geumcheon. While these clusters foster innovation and inter-firm collaboration, companies face persistent difficulties in financing, human resource development, intellectual property creation, and global market expansion. The diffusion of artificial intelligence, platform-based distribution, and digital production technologies is rapidly reshaping the industrial ecosystem, necessitating policy approaches that reflect structural changes in the value chain.
Based on these findings, this study proposes several policy directions for strengthening Seoul's creative industry ecosystem. First, given limited policy resources, selective concentration is warranted, prioritizing high-growth sectors such as webtoon, film and drama, games, and music. Second, policy support should target the managerial and financial constraints of small and medium-sized creative firms through expanded funding programs, talent development initiatives, and technological assistance. Third, cluster-based ecosystem development should be advanced by designating creative industry promotion districts and improving spatial infrastructure to facilitate collaboration among firms, creators, and supporting institutions. Beyond these measures, it is essential to strengthen support systems for intellectual property development, global market access, and the adoption of emerging technologies in order to keep pace with the rapidly evolving industrial landscape. Finally, an integrated policy implementation framework should be established to consolidate fragmented support programs and ensure the continuity and effectiveness of creative industry policy.
Revitalizing the creative industry ecosystem is essential not only for sustaining the growth of Seoul's creative economy but also for reinforcing the city's position as a globally competitive creative hub. Achieving this goal will require a comprehensive policy framework that integrates industrial support, spatial strategy, and ecosystem-based governance to promote the long-term development of creative industries in Seoul.