City glows with millions of LED lights

City Officials hope LED lights in the Korean capital will brighten the mood of its residents as the credit crisis continues.

Seoul has been decorated with over a million LED bulbs in order to light up the city and save money.

The innovative lights are estimated to use just five per cent of the energy that was needed to power traditional bulbs used in Seoul’s 2007 light display.

A screen incorporating LED bulbs will feature in the city’s New Year’s Eve countdown held at Cheonggye Plaza.

In addition, the Seoul Plaza’s ice skating rink is to be decorated with the lamps as well as Independence Gate and Seoul Metropolitan Council.

A city official told the Korean Times that the festive display could help to raise the spirits of citizens in the area.

“Under the slogan ‘Snow White Winter in Seoul’, we want the festival to lighten up the grim mood weighing on citizens who are struggling under financial difficulties,” the official said.

According to CBS 42, Austin in Texas recently converted to LED lights for its festive display.