Smart cities being promoted with a focus on environment and safety
Unlike hardware-centric U-CITY, rapid expansion expected as a 'software' platform

In autumn, the yellow-tinged maple trees and the yellow streetlights are truly beautiful. However, one day, the streetlights were replaced with white LEDs. I thought, "What a civil servant who knows nothing of romance." I never dreamed that those pale LED lights were actually smart lights that pinpointed my exact location when I was coming home late.

Smart streetlights equipped with IP cameras and LoRa communication modules can transmit a user's location to others via an application while returning home late at night, and can also connect with relevant agencies to request assistance. Controlled via beacons, they can also be expanded to support services for finding missing children.

Smart cities are selecting demonstration areas to verify about 20 ideas from local residents. Goyang has been conducting projects for the second year focusing on the environment, and Busan for the third year focusing on safety and transportation.

Sensors have been installed at the Lotte Department Store in Centum City, Busan, to prepare for disaster situations. The sensors detect fires or disasters and provide route guidance even if communication power is cut off.




Smart crosswalks designed to promote pedestrian safety have been introduced in school zones. They utilize existing CCTVs. They provide guidance to pedestrians crossing against a red light using safety lights or voice prompts. A system that displays vehicle speeds on electronic display boards to encourage slowing is also in operation. An employee of Deliai, which provides related services, stated, “We have introduced and are operating it in 47 locations in Busan and Daegu.”

Busan City operates a wireless traffic information application. In the vicinity of Gwangan Bridge, a section that is always congested during the summer due to beachgoers and complex road conditions, the application analyzes traffic volume, vehicle speed, and density to guide users to alternative routes.



For large-scale above-ground parking lots like the BEXCO parking lot, you can check for available spaces via the app. In the case of BEXCO, electronic display boards are installed within the parking lot to guide users to available spots. Vehicles are detected using CCTV footage and sensors, and the update time is approximately 5 to 10 seconds.

Environmental services introduced in Goyang City include water quality, air quality, trash cans, and security lights. Sensors are installed in the fountain where children play in the summer to analyze water quality in real time and manage the water supply.

The air quality environment provides health indicator information on fine dust, weather, and climate, centered on daycare centers, to help children refrain from going outside and maintain appropriate indoor temperatures.

Lee Myeon-seong, a team leader promoting smart cities at the Ministry of Science and ICT, stated, “The most representative service is the smart trash can, which compresses waste using solar power and sends an alarm to sanitation workers when the trash can is full,” adding, “Its utility has been recognized internationally, and the same service has been installed and is currently operating in Washington D.C., USA.”

Team Leader Lee stated that a key task during the smart city initiative was the “establishment of an open platform.” The ultimate goal is to enable the collection and utilization of data via sensors. He believed that if the government-led project establishes a platform, corporate participation would be facilitated, thereby realizing sustainable operations. He added, “Unlike U-CITY, which is centered on control platforms, the smart city is structured around IoT technology, service platforms, and software, so the speed of service expansion is expected to be rapid.”