Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology (KICT) said on the 30th that it has developed a "smart lighting system dedicated to everyday health spaces," which integrates AI, IoT, solar power, and optimal lighting technology, and completed pilot applications at three sites: Bansong Park in Changwon, Solbaram-gil in Namwon, and Yi Sun-sin Park in Tongyeong.
The number of walking trails and perimeter paths established nationwide exceeds 17,000. However, many sections are dark or have uneven lighting brightness, limiting safety, and the problem of light pollution caused by excessive lighting continues.
In response, a research team from the Road and Transportation Research Division at KICT analyzed domestic and international pedestrian lighting standards and, through various empirical tests, scientifically derived brightness levels and light distribution methods (the shape and direction in which light from a fixture spreads in space) optimized for walking trails. As a result, they not only ensured the safety of nighttime pedestrians but also minimized light pollution, and applied the findings in the field.
The newly built smart lighting system goes beyond simply installing lights on walking trails, featuring the integration of various intelligent safety management technologies. It detects pedestrians with laser sensors to control lighting, uses AI video analysis to assess user accident situations, and sends alerts to the control center immediately when an accident occurs. Real-time data collection and management enable more systematic pedestrian safety management.
It also applies an independent power supply system based on solar power and long-life capacitor batteries suitable for outdoor mountainous weather conditions such as severe cold and high heat, allowing eco-friendly application even in sections with weak power infrastructure, including ecological conservation areas, wetlands, and coastlines.
At Bansong Park in Changwon, the new lighting system was installed by completely replacing the existing lights. Under the same power consumption conditions, it secured more than three times the brightness compared with the previous system and, through a light distribution design using special lenses, achieved uniform road-surface brightness without glare.
According to a pedestrian survey of users of this section, more than 93% among respondents said safety and the visual environment had improved significantly compared with before installation, and the smart features also received positive evaluations.
Starting with Changwon last year, KICT installed and is operating the smart lighting system on Solbaram-gil walking trail in Namwon in Aug. this year and at Yi Sun-sin Park in Tongyeong in Oct. It is currently verifying the effects of improving walking trail environments by region and is in discussions to expand application with Goyang, Ansan, and Hwaseong in Gyeonggi Province, as well as Busan and Haenam County in South Jeolla Province.
President Park Sun-gyu said, "This achievement scientifically derived and applied optimal brightness and light distribution methods, and by integrating AI, IoT, and solar power, presented a new paradigm for walking trail safety," adding, "We will continue to work with local governments to expand everyday health spaces nationwide so that everyone can use them with peace of mind."