Sangmoo Kim works in Urban, Rural & Social Development Unit, the World Bank as an urban specialist based in Washington, D.C. His area of expertise covers urban design and planning, urban regeneration, and local economic developement. Prior to joining the World Bank, he worked in urban-related national research institutes in Korea; Korea Research Institute for Human Settlements (KRIHS) and Architecture and Urban Research Institute (AURI). He served as an engineering officer in the Republic of Korea army, leading various military-related construction projects in North-Eastern territory of Korea. He has a lifelong interest in improving efficiency and quality of urban domain in developing countries, finding practical ways to promote safety, sustainability, economic vitality, and civility.