Seongdong District in Seoul announced on the 24th that it will operate the 'Seongdong-style pedestrian safety zone,' restricting automobile traffic in certain sections of Yeonmujang-gil in Seongsu-dong every Saturday afternoon.
The Yeonmujang-gil area has famous shops nearby, such as 'Christian Dior Seongsu,' leading to a high number of pedestrians on weekends and holidays. However, the lack of separation between the roadway and the sidewalk raises concerns about accidents.
The 'Seongdong-style pedestrian safety zone' operates by temporarily restricting automobile traffic during peak pedestrian hours. It does not completely block vehicle access to minimize inconvenience for residents and nearby workers.
The target section includes Seongsuil-ro 40 to Yeonmujang-gil 56-1, Seongsu-i-ro 7-gil 46 to Seongsu-i-ro 7-gil 36, and the Yeonmujang-gil area (entrance and exit road of Geumho Town 2nd Apartment). The operating period is every Saturday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., starting on the 29th and continuing until Nov. 29.
The operation will be temporarily suspended on Sept. 20, the day of the 'Creative X Seongsu' event, during the Chuseok holiday, and when weather advisories are issued due to extreme heat in August.
Earlier, Seongdong District piloted the pedestrian safety zone in certain sections of Yeonmujang-gil on April 27, 2024, and operated it for 12 occasions from Aug. 31 to Nov. 30 of the same year. A survey found that 90.8% of nearby residents, workers, and visitors were satisfied with the pedestrian safety zone operation. Seongdong District has expanded the areas of the pedestrian safety zone compared to last year.