The SMG uses the dictionary as a basis for standardizing spellings in Seoul, especially in publicly visible signs and menus.
[2] In August 2013, the dictionary was expanded to include Chinese and Japanese, making it the first such standard for these two languages in the country.
It was maintained by an advisory committee (서울시 외국어 표기 자문위원회), which consisted of around 30 experts (10 for each language).
[3] The dictionary covers concepts in twelve categories: administrative districts, public institutions, natural places, transport, tourist sites, shopping, food, hospitality, education, medical/welfare, press/religion, and residential.
[5] The SMG has run multiple public campaigns in the past, wherein citizens are rewarded with cash for reporting incorrect spellings per the dictionary on government-owned signs.