Gangnam is a place where people can meet up to 700,000 people walking its streets every day.

The place is chaotic and packed. So Gangnam's main avenue was chosen as part of a city project called "Design Seoul Streets" aimed at improving the appearance of the Korean capital and reducing the amount of visual clutter.

A total of W8.2 billion was spent in Gangnam to unify all signboards on buildings, change trees and remove street vendors (US$1=W1,331). Following a media-based theme, the district set up special poles to create what officials call the "U-street," allowing "ubiquitous" access to media right on the street.

The 12 meter-tall poles allow people to search maps, read news and check transport information. These expensive media poles even provide services in English, Chinese and Japanese. People can also play games while waiting for their friends.

At the back of the touchscreen, people can enjoy a selection of art displays. About 25 percent of those who visit the media stations use the photo mail service, which enables people to take photos and send them via e-mail.

The stations have been on the street for more than a month now. However, people are concerned that if the district doesn't perform the necessary check-ups and maintenance, these ambitious multimedia obelisks might end up being forgotten.