Myeongdong and Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul will be transformed into advertising and media hotspots like Times Square in Manhattan, New York.
The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on Dec. 28 that these areas have been designated as ‘outdoor advertising free display zones’.
An outdoor advertising free zone is an area that loosens regulations on the shape, size, and color of outdoor advertisements such as billboards, allowing various types of outdoor advertisements to be installed.
It was introduced to create a global advertising and night view spot like Times Square and Dotonbori in Osaka, Japan. Times Square has attracted more than 50 million tourists annually with advertisements and videos by world-famous companies. Korean companies such as Samsung, LG, and Kia have also advertised their brands in Times Square.
The government currently operates the COEX area in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, as a free outdoor advertising zone, but has decided to activate three more areas.
The Ministry of Interior and Safety said, “All three areas have high foot traffic and are located in symbolic spaces such as squares and tourist spots, making them highly effective areas for billboards,” adding, “We plan to make these areas a testing ground for various digital advertising and media.”
In the Myeongdong area, which has more than 400,000 visitors per day, new billboards will be installed at the Myeongdong Theater, Shinsegae Department Store, and Lotte Department Store Young Plaza. The Gwanghwamun Plaza area includes KT, Kyobo Life, Sejong Center, Dong-A Ilbo, and Koreana Hotel.
“The Gwanghwamun Square area, a symbolic space representing Korea, will be transformed into a representative space where the past, present, and future coexist through the fusion of digital outdoor advertisements and cultural heritage,” said an official from the Ministry of Interior and Safety.
