A city does not stop when the sun sets. Citizens finish their workday at the office, then eat and exercise. They enjoy cultural life by watching performances. Tourists encounter another side of the city's character and charm. The night economy is not merely about extending business hours for restaurants and shops. It is an urban competitiveness strategy that connects culture, tourism, transportation, safety, and commercial districts to extend the city's daytime concentration of time and space into the night.
The night economy generally refers to consumption, cultural, tourism, and service activities occurring from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. the following day. The global night economy market is estimated at 3 trillion won to 4 trillion won annually (approximately 4,000 trillion to 5,400 trillion won). Analysis suggests that one in every ten workers worldwide is directly or indirectly involved in the night economy. This means extending nighttime consumption hours can lead to new revenue for alleyway commercial districts and create jobs.
Major countries and cities abroad recognize the night economy as a core driver of urban economic growth. New York City in the U.S. established an office dedicated to 'Nightlife.' Japan has revised regulations on late-night business operations and incorporated the night economy into its national tourism strategy. In China, which designated the development of a 'nighttime culture and tourism consumption hub' as a new consumer pilot project, Shanghai, Fujian, and Jiangsu have formally included the night economy in their official work reports.
In Korea, events such as the Busan Gwangalli Drone Light Show, Daejeon Street Parade, and Daegu Seomun Night Market have demonstrated that nighttime content can boost visitor stays and commercial district spending. Seoul has recently announced its '24-Hour Vitality Economy City Seoul' plan, focusing on developing four major nighttime landmarks: Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), Namsan, Gwanghwamun, and the Han River, while also revitalizing alleyway commerce through initiatives like moonlight night markets. The goal is to generate an additional 5 trillion won in nighttime consumption by 2030 through the activation of the night economy.
The government has pledged to usher in an era of '40 million foreign tourists' this year. To achieve this, it plans to move beyond the existing concentration on Seoul and the metropolitan area by fostering regional tourism and developing tourism products linked with 'K-culture' from the perspective of foreign visitors. In this context, 'nighttime content' is also crucial because nighttime can become a 'golden time' for tourists. Nighttime tourists are more likely to stay overnight at accommodations, extend their length of stay in the region, and spend larger amounts. This is why there must be supporting content and transportation options that allow foreign visitors to stay safely and consume after evening hours.
Ultimately, success depends less on the number of content pieces than on the operational system. The night economy should not be treated as a one-off project under the tourism department but rather as an urban management task jointly overseen by departments responsible for transportation, culture, economy, and safety. Above all, it is essential to establish late-night transportation systems and pedestrian safety measures. Late-night buses, subways, safe walking paths, public restrooms, and rest areas must be designed as a single integrated route. Multilingual guidance and convenience in payment and reservation systems must also be strengthened to prevent foreign tourists from getting lost.
A standing consultation body involving shop owners, residents, and cultural artists is also necessary. Deregulation and resident protection must go hand in hand. While outdoor business operations and cultural events should be permitted, clear standards for noise, waste, and public safety must be established. Conflicts between businesses and residents should be resolved through pre-emptive mediation rather than post-facto enforcement. For instance, New York's 'MEND NYC' (a type of resident dispute mediation center), which handles disputes between businesses and residents, recorded a mediation success rate of 86% as of last year. Safe return journeys for late-night workers and appropriate working environments are also essential conditions for night economy policies.
What truly matters is not whether it is a 'city that never sleeps.' It must be a city that provides leisure and safety in daily life for citizens, gives tourists reasons to stay longer, and offers sustainable revenue for small business owners. When we design safe and prosperous nights, the night economy can become more than a temporary festival—it can transform into a new asset for the city.
in OPINION
