It is required impressive expression of urban night environment that makes city as the safe pleasant, convenient place for the economic activity, cultural pleasure and landmarks. This study aims to establish the proper direction to the outdoor lighting in Seoul by analyzing and comparing the lighting situation and policies among Seoul, Shanghai and Yokohama. 1986 Asian Game and 1988 Olympic Game became very important role of activation of outdoor lighting in Korea. Then, outdoor lighting were facilitated in the cultural heritages and bridges along Han river. Millenium Light Plan, Outdoor Lighting Field of Seoul Architectural Award, 2002 Lightscape Local Plan, hosting 2002 World Cup have been good opportunities for the improvement of outdoor lighting in Seoul. In China, outdoor lighting was introduced to the city of Shanghai according to the orders of the president in 1988. Outdoor lighting of Shanghai have created unique lighting with beautiful color and intensive brightness under the direction of city government. Outdoor lighting of Shanghai needs the standard of lighting design and improvement of lighting facilities. Outdoor lighting was introduced to Japan with 1964 Tokyo Olympic games. Urban outdoor lighting plan was carried out in Yokohama in 1986. In Yokohama, outdoor lighting of civilian and public facilities have been harmonized. And the city government of Yokohama established the committee of promotion of outdoor lighting in its government to support and manage the outdoor lighting with corporation of civilian organization. As the result of comparative analysis on Seoul, Shanghai, Yokohama, Seoul Metropolitan Government needs the criteria and incentive system of outdoor lighting.
