Seongdong-gu Kumho-dong Riverside Expressway Electronic Billboard 'Light Pollution' Solution

Efforts Including Official Letter Sending, Protest Visit, and Strategy Meeting to Korea Local Finance Association... Leading to Complete Ad Suspension and Planned Removal

Light Pollution Damage Inside Nearby Apartments Caused by Digital Outdoor Advertisements on Gangbyeonbuk-ro

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jung Won-oh) resolved the issue of the digital outdoor advertisement (large electronic billboard) on Gangbyeonbuk-ro that had been causing severe light pollution and obstructing the view for residents of apartments in the Geumho-dong area since January.

The billboard, which began trial operation last January, immediately faced strong backlash and collective complaints from residents of Hills State Seoul Forest River, Seoul Forest Prugio Phase 1 and 2 apartments located to the west of the billboard in Geumho-dong, Seongdong-gu, as well as drivers passing through Gangbyeonbuk-ro, due to intense light pollution, obstruction of the Han River view, and driving interference.

Residents expressed their distress through the district office bulletin board and online communities, saying, “It is impossible to sleep at night. The flashing lights enter the entire house, making life unbearable and mentally very difficult.”

In response, Seongdong-gu inspected the level of light pollution, conducted multiple site visits to gather residents’ complaints, and thoroughly assessed the situation.

The billboard was installed by the Korea Local Finance Association (Korea Outdoor Advertising Center), under the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, to secure funds necessary for the successful hosting of major international events. The district office continuously sent official letters and made protest visits to the Korea Local Finance Association, strongly conveying the complaints.

Additionally, through meetings involving the installation entity, construction company, residents, and related agencies such as the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Finance Association, immediate resolution of residents’ inconveniences was urged.

The residents also took action. They formed the “Geumho-dong LED Billboard Removal Emergency Committee,” submitted petitions for removal, held residents’ briefings, and organized activities such as hanging banners.

As a result, the Korea Local Finance Association shortened the billboard’s operating hours by two hours starting June 1, and from June 30, completely turned off the power on both sides of the advertising surface. After negotiations regarding relocation are completed, removal will also take place.

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, said, “This is a result achieved together by the district office and residents,” adding, “We plan to thoroughly manage whether the promises such as removal to alleviate residents’ inconveniences are properly kept, and will continue to do our best to create a pleasant urban environment through active and prompt responses to complaints that threaten the safety of residents and cause inconvenience in daily life.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.