North Star Road
North Star Road (북유성대로; map), also known as Bukyuseong-daero, is an 8.78-kilometer road connecting Daejeon, Korea’s fifth largest city, and Sejong City, Korea’s second capitol.
Part of National Road No. 1 (국도 제1호선), it features a 4.6-kilometer dedicated bike path partially covered with overhead solar panels. This shaded path generates approximately 2,200 MWh of electricity annually—enough to power 600 households—while significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Opened in 2012, the project represents South Korea’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and urban planning.
Key Features
The 4.6-kilometer bike path that runs in the median between oncoming lanes is lined with 7,502 solar panels mounted above, forming a tunnel-like canopy that partially shields riders from sunlight. The panels, with an 18% conversion efficiency, are durable enough to withstand wind speeds of up to 100 km/h. To ensure safety, the bike path is bordered by guardrails to separate cyclists from motor traffic.
This infrastructure reduces CO₂ emissions by approximately 3,400 tons annually—equivalent to planting thousands of trees—and supports the local grid by powering streetlights, electric vehicle charging stations, and other utilities. Revenue from electricity sales is reinvested into maintenance and additional green initiatives.
Route and Accessibility
North Star Road begins at Daejeon’s North Star Intersection (월드콜네거리; map; road view) near Daejeon Metro’s Banseok Station (반석역; map) before ending near Sejong Bus Terminal (map) on Sejong City’s border (map; road view).
The route connects urban centers while integrating seamlessly into South Korea’s national highway network.
Cyclists can access the route via public transportation, with nearby rental stations offering conventional and electric bikes.
Cycling Experience
The consistent gradient of the path makes it accessible to all skill levels, from families to seasoned cyclists. Educational signage along the route explains solar energy’s environmental benefits, while annual eco-themed cycling festivals foster community involvement.
Significance
North Star Road exemplifies innovative urban planning by blending renewable energy and cycling infrastructure. It has received multiple accolades, including the National Green Infrastructure Award (2013) and Eco-City Recognition from the Asia Sustainable Development Conference (2015). As a benchmark for future projects, the road attracts sustainability enthusiasts and urban planners seeking inspiration.
Future Plans
Expansion plans include extending the solar-powered bike path by an additional 3.4 kilometers into Daejeon, enhancing regional connectivity. Proposed integration of electric vehicle charging stations will further leverage the clean energy generated by the solar panels.
