Seoul Metropolitan Government has launched “My Seoul,” a mobile phone application to make everyday life simpler for the city’s expats.

Officials said that it was the nation’s first app of this kind, and offers free services in five languages ― Korean, Chinese, Japanese, English and Vietnamese.

Launched Monday, the app is available for Android phones only, but from early July, it will available on iPhone as well. The number of languages will also increase to eight.

My Seoul provides information on everyday life regarding immigration, transportation, housing, finance, Seoul government affairs and others.

Users will also be able to access a telephone directory of call centers that provide services in foreign languages, district offices, embassies, hospitals and clinics as well as a video program on Korean language education.

The app has community functions such as a search for same-language buddies and one-on-one or group messengers. Users also can make international calls at domestic call rates.

About 200,000 foreign nationals were living in Seoul in 2007, and their number doubled to 400,000 by 2012, making up 4 percent of the Seoul population.

“My Seoul is expected to draw a lot of foreign users and help them enjoy a more comfortable life in the capital,” said Cho Hyun-ok, head of women and family policy affairs office of Seoul Metropolitan Government.

By Chun Sung-woo (swchun@heraldcorp.com)