South Korea Street Light Market Overview,2030

The adoption of smart lighting systems began in the early 2000s when the South Korean government recognized the potential of LED and intelligent lighting technologies to improve energy efficiency and enhance city infrastructure. This transformation was further accelerated by the government’s “Smart City” vision, which aimed to integrate Internet of Things (IoT)-based technologies into public infrastructure, including transportation, energy, and lighting systems. South Korea’s major cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Incheon have been at the forefront of this transition, deploying smart lighting systems that reduce energy use, lower maintenance costs, and enhance safety. The increasing demand for sustainable infrastructure and environmental management has made smart lighting a key focus area in urban development plans. Advanced lighting solutions in South Korea now include adaptive brightness control, motion and presence sensors, wireless connectivity, and integration with real-time data systems. These technologies not only reduce energy consumption but also improve public security, allowing lights to adjust brightness automatically depending on traffic or pedestrian movement. Furthermore, aesthetic illumination has become an important part of city planning, with LED-based systems enhancing public spaces and landmarks while maintaining energy efficiency. Regulatory frameworks have significantly influenced this market’s growth. The “Smart City Development Act, 2018,” introduced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, provided clear guidelines and funding support for municipalities to adopt intelligent infrastructure.

According to the research report ""South Korea Street Lighting Market Overview, 2030,"" published by Bonafide Research, the South Korea Street Lighting market is anticipated to grow at 6.05% CAGR from 2025 to 2030.South Korea’s emphasis on technological innovation has enabled the creation of highly efficient, multifunctional lighting systems that not only illuminate streets but also serve as nodes in intelligent urban networks. A prominent example is Seoul’s “smart poles” initiative, where traditional streetlights have been transformed into multi-purpose urban assets equipped with Wi-Fi hotspots, CCTV cameras, air quality sensors, emergency call buttons, and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. These smart poles contribute to real-time traffic and environmental monitoring, support public safety measures, and enhance the overall connectivity of urban environments. The market’s growth is further fueled by strong government initiatives such as the Korean Green New Deal and the National Smart City Master Plan, which prioritize digital transformation, energy efficiency, and carbon reduction. These policies encourage municipalities to adopt smart infrastructure solutions that align with the nation’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Public-private partnership (PPP) models have played a significant role in accelerating smart lighting deployment across cities, as local governments collaborate with domestic technology firms, energy companies, and semiconductor manufacturers to develop innovative lighting solutions. South Korea’s well-established electronics and semiconductor industries also give it a competitive edge in producing advanced sensors, controllers, and communication modules that enhance the functionality and reliability of smart lighting networks.

Smart street lights are increasingly being deployed in major cities such as Seoul and Busan, integrating Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, adaptive lighting, and real-time monitoring to enhance energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and improve public safety. These systems enable dynamic brightness control, predictive maintenance, and centralized management, allowing municipalities to optimize energy use and maintain infrastructure more effectively. Conventional street lights, including high-pressure sodium lamps, remain in use in suburban and rural areas due to their established infrastructure and lower upfront costs. However, they are less energy-efficient and require frequent maintenance, prompting a gradual shift toward modern alternatives. Hybrid street lighting systems, which combine grid electricity with renewable sources such as solar power, are gaining traction, particularly in regions emphasizing sustainability and reliable energy supply. These systems help lower electricity costs, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure consistent lighting even during power interruptions. Government policies promoting smart city development, energy efficiency, and renewable energy adoption have further accelerated the uptake of smart and hybrid solutions. Public-private partnerships are also playing a key role in large-scale projects, integrating street lighting with broader urban management systems, including traffic monitoring, environmental sensing, and emergency response networks.

The Less Than 50W segment is predominantly used in residential neighborhoods, pedestrian pathways, parks, and other low-traffic areas where minimal illumination is sufficient. Municipalities in cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Incheon favor these fixtures for their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and low maintenance requirements, which help reduce operational costs while maintaining public safety. Smart features, including motion sensors and adaptive dimming controls, are increasingly being integrated into this segment, allowing lighting to respond dynamically to pedestrian and vehicular activity. This adaptive functionality optimizes energy consumption and reduces light pollution, aligning with South Korea’s strong emphasis on environmentally conscious urban planning. The Between 50W and 150W segment serves urban streets, medium-traffic roads, commercial zones, and public spaces where higher illumination levels are required for visibility and safety. LED fixtures in this wattage range provide a balance between brightness and energy efficiency, making them suitable for main roads, city centers, parking areas, and public squares. Many South Korean municipalities are integrating these lights with smart lighting systems that enable real-time monitoring, adaptive dimming, and remote control based on traffic and pedestrian flow. These systems contribute to energy savings, lower operational costs, and enhanced public safety, while supporting broader smart city initiatives across the country.

In urban and suburban streets and roadways, traditional high-pressure sodium and metal halide lamps are increasingly being replaced with LED lighting systems, which provide lower energy consumption, longer lifespans, and improved visibility for both pedestrians and drivers. Smart street lighting solutions with adaptive brightness, motion detection, and remote monitoring are being widely implemented in major cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Incheon, enabling authorities to optimize operational efficiency, enhance safety, and reduce light pollution. On highways and expressways, lighting solutions prioritize durability, high performance, and reliability under varying environmental conditions, including heavy rainfall, snow, and fog. LED fixtures dominate this segment due to their energy efficiency, long lifespan, and low maintenance requirements, with adaptive highway lighting systems gradually being adopted to adjust brightness based on traffic flow and ambient lighting, improving driver safety and reducing energy consumption. Other end-use applications, including tunnels, bridges, parking areas, and recreational zones, require specialized lighting solutions that meet strict safety, functional, and aesthetic standards. Tunnel lighting ensures uniform illumination to prevent accidents, while bridge and recreational area lighting balances functionality with visual appeal to enhance user experience. Government-led smart city programs and energy efficiency initiatives have accelerated the deployment of advanced street lighting technologies across South Korea.

Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2019
• Base year: 2024
• Estimated year: 2025
• Forecast year: 2030

Aspects covered in this report
• Street light Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product Type
• Smart Street Lights
• Conventional Street Lights
• Hybrid Street Lights

By Wattage Type
• Less Than 50W
• Between 50W and 150W

By End Use
• Streets & Roadways
• Highways
• Other End-uses Show more