Introduction of Digital Screen 'Smart Media Pole' on Myeongdong-gil, Seoul

Installation of 30 Units by Year-End via Donation Method

Smart Media Pole Design. Provided by Jung-gu, Seoul.

By the end of the year, 30 'Smart Media Poles' will be installed along Myeongdong-gil and Myeongdong 8-gil in Jung-gu, Seoul, which are bustling with foreign tourists. Smart Media Poles combine streetlights with smart technology and provide various information through digital screens.

On the 5th, the district held the Jung-gu Public Design Promotion Committee meeting to complete the design review, and plans to finalize it after the Seoul City design review in mid-next month.

The upper part of the Smart Media Poles to be installed in Myeongdong will feature streetlights, public Wi-Fi, and security closed-circuit (CC) TV. The upper-middle screen will broadcast district promotional videos, media art, advertisements, and more. The lower-middle section will have a screen displaying various text information such as weather and an emergency safety bell. Pressing the emergency bell connects directly to the police station and the district’s smart control center.

This project is led by the Korea OOH Association, a non-profit organization, and is carried out through a donation and delivery method. The project operator manufactures and installs the facilities, then donates them to Jung-gu, recovering installation costs through advertising operation rights.

A portion of the advertising revenue is allocated as public contribution funds to help revitalize the local economy. Jung-gu stated, “It is especially meaningful as small and medium-sized enterprises with advanced technology and financially strong large corporations participate together, leading coexistence and creating social value.” They added, “Large corporations install large electronic billboards to brightly illuminate Myeongdong, while small and medium-sized enterprises light up the deep alleys throughout Myeongdong.”

Of the 30 media poles, 24 will replace existing streetlights, and 6 will be newly installed. The installation locations are along the L-shaped road from the busiest area across from Lotte Department Store on Myeongdong Street toward Myeongdong Art Theater and Myeongdong Station.

The number of installations may be adjusted considering light pollution, pedestrian safety, and traffic flow. Installation angles will also be carefully considered to avoid obstructing views, and screen brightness will be adjustable to minimize light pollution.

Regarding the Myeongdong Square project promoted by Jung-gu, an electronic billboard will be installed at Shinsegae Department Store on November 1st this year, with a first lighting ceremony held. In the first half of next year, electronic billboards will be installed sequentially at Hana Bank, Lotte Department Store, and the Kyowon Building.

Kim Gil-seong, the district mayor, stated, “We will renovate every corner of Myeongdong to perfectly complete the landmark Myeongdong Square of Korea,” adding, “We will improve old areas and add sophisticated designs to impress visitors to Myeongdong.”

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