Opening of 'Diagonal Crosswalk' in Front of Yonsei University Main Gate ... Expansion to 30 Locations in Seoul This Year

50 Billion Won Invested for Installation at Jongno-gu Office Entrance and Itaewon Station

Aerial view of the diagonal crosswalk in front of Yonsei University main gate

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] Pedestrians using the crosswalk in front of the main gate of Yonsei University in Sinchon, Seoul, will find it more convenient as they can now cross not only in the existing straight direction but also diagonally.

Seoul City announced on the 6th that it plans to install 'diagonal crosswalks' at more than 30 intersections with high pedestrian traffic this year, and as the first project, it has opened a diagonal crosswalk in front of the main gate of Yonsei University.

The city is promoting various projects to shift the paradigm of traffic policy from being 'vehicle'-centered to 'people'-centered, aiming to create a city where pedestrians are prioritized in pedestrian and road spaces.

One such project, the diagonal crosswalk, allows pedestrians to cross in their desired direction within the intersection at once with a separate pedestrian-only signal, and all vehicle lanes come to a complete stop simultaneously, preventing safety accidents. Although it may be somewhat inconvenient for vehicle drivers, it is a pedestrian-friendly traffic facility that prioritizes pedestrian convenience.

Previously, Seoul City announced that it would expand the number of diagonal crosswalks from 120 locations as of 2018 to 240 locations by 2023.

In particular, while diagonal crosswalks were mainly installed on narrow roads until now, starting this year, they will be actively installed on arterial roads, points with high shopping and tourism demand, child and elderly protection zones, and green transportation promotion areas to improve pedestrian convenience and safety and provide citizens with a pleasant walking environment.

To this end, a full survey of 5,700 signalized intersections in Seoul was conducted, and 33 locations were selected as a priority, with consultations underway with related organizations. The related budget is also twice the usual crosswalk installation budget, amounting to 5.088 billion KRW.

Among the 33 locations, 17 sites including in front of Yonsei University’s main gate, Jongno District Office entrance, Itaewon Station front, and in front of Eunpyeong Lotte Mall have completed detailed designs and will be installed by the first half of the year. The remaining 16 locations will complete construction by October after consultations with related organizations.

Meanwhile, Seoul City conducted a full survey from January to February this year to improve and maintain the 120 existing diagonal crosswalks where citizens experienced inconvenience. Areas where road curb ramps have not been lowered will be addressed within this year, and locations where passage is difficult due to obstacles such as utility poles will be maintained in the long term.