Seoul City became the first local government to legislate ordinances Tuesday to regulate light pollution ― damage caused by excessive or obtrusive artificial light.
Light pollution is a new type of urban pollution as many outdoor advertisements involve lighting devices.
The artificial light can be irritating to nearby residents and distracting to drivers.
According to the regulations, the city will create a committee with outside experts to devise a long-term plan to prevent light pollution.
Residential areas and regions near cultural heritages will see their use of lighting regulated.
However, downtown commercial areas, including Myeongdong, Dongdaemun and Yeouido, will be exempted from the ordinances.
"Lighting is considered important for advertising and promotional purposes.
But an immoderate use of lights is annoying to citizens," a city official said. "We will restrict such lighting in residential areas."
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