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Seoul Dims Digital Glow to Soothe Glaring Eyes
2 Apr
Summary
- New guidelines reduce digital billboard brightness in Seoul.
- Motorists' complaints about glare prompted the dimmer regulations.
- The city aims to make Gwanghwamun Square a media gallery.

Seoul is set to reduce the intensity of its vibrant digital billboards following a surge in public complaints, primarily from nighttime motorists experiencing glare. New recommendations, implemented on Wednesday, advise significantly lowering luminous intensity, especially after dark, and avoiding jarring visual effects. These measures are designed to alleviate visual fatigue and enhance road safety.
The city is also pursuing a broader initiative to establish Gwanghwamun Square as a premier 'media gallery' by 2033, aiming to surpass the iconic Times Square in New York. Despite these efforts to create a visually stimulating urban environment, the recent influx of complaints has necessitated a more considerate approach to the ubiquitous large-scale displays.
Authorities hope the new guidelines will not only address citizen concerns but also contribute to energy conservation, projecting a potential 15% reduction in electricity usage from these installations. While some residents appreciate the aesthetic and convenience offered by the billboards, safety and comfort remain paramount considerations for the city's urban planning.