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Local governments implement energy-saving measures as oil, gas prices surge due to Iran war

Published: 15 Apr. 2026, 17:28 Updated: 16 Apr. 2026, 15:18

Cheonggyecheon, a stream in central Seoul, flows in darkness after landscape lighting was turned off to support energy conservation efforts. [SEOUL FACILITIES CORPORATION]

Cheonggyecheon, a stream in central Seoul, is a popular nighttime retreat known for its bright lights and romantic ambiance.

However, those lights will temporarily dim amid energy supply concerns stemming from the Iran war.

All scenic lighting along the stream is currently off, leaving only essential nighttime lighting operational, the Seoul Facilities Corporation, which manages the area, said.

Fountains that had been operating since early this month have been shut down. Operating hours for escalators and ventilation systems have also been reduced by one hour at 25 underpasses across the city.

As concerns over an energy crisis grow, local governments across Korea — a country that relies heavily on energy imports — are rolling out measures to cut energy costs wherever possible.

The Expo Bridge crosses the Gap Stream in Daejeon [JOONGANG ILBO]

Daejeon, some 140 kilometers (87 miles) south of Seoul, will fully suspend nighttime landscape lighting on 13 bridges across three major waterways — the Gap, Yudeung and Daejeon streams, the city announced Wednesday.

The city estimates the measure will save about 4 million won ($2,713) per month.

“Given the instability in energy supply, public institutions must take the lead in reducing energy consumption,” a Daejeon city official said. “Since it is unclear when this crisis will end, citizen participation is more important than ever.”

The suspension will remain in place until the global situation and energy supply settle, after which the city will review whether to resume operations.

Daejeon also plans to encourage voluntary participation from the private sector by asking residential complexes to turn off decorative lighting. However, essential lighting, such as streetlights and alleyway security lights, will remain operational to ensure public safety.

Korea Saemaul Undong Center holds a launch ceremony for a nationwide energy-saving campaign at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on April 14. [NEWS1]

Public offices step up energy-saving efforts

Not only are public facilities subject to energy-saving measures, but public officials are also being encouraged to lead the effort.

Daegu, about 240 kilometers southeast of Seoul, introduced a campaign titled “10 Energy Diet Practices Led by Public Officials” (translated) to encourage staff participation.

As part of the campaign, indoor temperatures are to be maintained at 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) or lower for heating and 28 degrees Celsius or higher for cooling. Preheating and precooling meeting rooms is prohibited, and the use of personal heaters and humidifiers has been suspended.

Officials are also asked to minimize the use of lighting and temperature controls on weekends and during overtime, and to turn off work computers when leaving their desks unattended for an extended period.

Gwangju, a city about 270 kilometers southwest of Seoul, rolled out measures to turn off all office lighting during lunch hours and after work, and to turn off 30 percent of the lighting during working hours.

It also stopped operating half of the six elevators in the city hall’s central hall after 6:30 p.m.

A district in Gwangju has implemented an alternating lighting system in shared spaces such as halls and stairways and has banned the use of personal heating and cooling devices.

Public officials in Suwon, Gyeonggi, promote the odd-even vehicle restriction system for public institutions and the five-day rotation system for public parking lots at the entrance of the city hall on April 8. [SUWON SPECIAL CITY]

Gyeonggi requests cooperation from local governments

Gyeonggi, the province surrounding Seoul, sent an official notice on March 11 to its 31 cities and counties, as well as public institutions, requesting cooperation on energy-saving efforts, including the efficient use of lighting and the reduction of standby power consumption.

In response, the city of Yongin has set indoor temperature guidelines of 20 degrees Celsius for heating and 26 degrees Celsius for cooling, and has banned personal heating and cooling devices since last month.

Indoor lighting is to be reduced by 30 percent, and lighting in the underground parking lot by 50 percent, with lights in meeting rooms and restrooms turned off when not in use. Elevators operate on an alternating odd-even floor system, and when not in service, interior lighting is automatically switched off.

Seongnam also implemented an initiative to turn off the lights across all departments during lunch hours. It required employees to turn off their personal monitors when unattended.

The operation schedule for the city hall’s musical fountain, originally set to begin in May, will be redecided depending on the situation, according to the city.

Suwon has implemented energy-saving guidelines for public officials, starting this month. The 10 guidelines include practicing flexible working arrangements, expanding at-home work for pregnant employees and those raising children, increasing the use of virtual meetings, reducing business trips and encouraging leaving work on time.

“Even if the measurable impact of these efforts may seem small, cutting back on lighting and elevator operating hours can still reduce overall electricity use,” a Suwon city official said. “In a national energy crisis, it is important for public institutions to take the lead.”

This article was originally written in Korean and translated by a bilingual reporter with the help of generative AI tools. It was then edited by a native English-speaking editor. All AI-assisted translations are reviewed and refined by our newsroom.
BY SHIN JIN-HO, CHOI MO-RAN, MOON HEE-CHUL [[email protected]]