Monorail, Elevator... Improvement of Mobility in 7 High-altitude Areas in Seoul with 'New Transportation Means'

?Hill Area Mobility Improvement Project? Site Selected Through Resident Contest
Transportation Means Finalized After Expert Consultation

[Asia Economy Reporter Onyu Lim] # By the end of next year, an elevator connecting the high-altitude Yaksu-dong Village Square in Jung-gu, Seoul, directly to Yaksu Station will be installed. Currently, residents around Yaksu-dong Village Square must descend steep stairways to reach the subway station. Wheelchair and stroller users have to take a detour of over 400 meters using a sloped path. Safety has been a particular concern during winter when snow accumulates.

On the 1st, Seoul City announced the final decision on new transportation facilities to be installed at seven sites targeted by the 'Hilly Area Mobility Improvement Project,' which aims to enhance walking convenience for citizens living in high-altitude areas.

The target sites were selected through a resident contest to provide the desired transportation means at locations preferred by the residents. Subsequently, through expert consultations in architecture, transportation, and environment, the transportation facilities to be installed were finalized by comprehensively considering structural safety and harmony with the surroundings, and the basic plan was completed.

The confirmed transportation facilities by site are: ? 2 monorails (① Daehyeonsan Park in Seongdong-gu ② Daehyeonsan Reservoir Park in Jung-gu) ? 1 inclined elevator (③ 251-99 Bukahyeon-dong, Seodaemun-gu) ? 4 vertical elevators (④ Geumdong Elementary School in Geumcheon-gu ⑤ Jangmi Park in Geumcheon-gu ⑥ Next to Oksu Church in Seongdong-gu ⑦ Retaining wall next to Geumho Tunnel in Jung-gu).

It is expected that more than 27,000 residents living in these seven areas, as well as office workers and visitors, will benefit from practical mobility improvements.

The remaining steps before construction are the basic and detailed designs. Although the routes and types have been decided, the specific forms and colors will be designed by each autonomous district to ensure residents' voices are sufficiently reflected during the design process. Construction will begin simultaneously in the first half of next year and be completed by the end of the year. Seoul City plans to promote the project through continuous communication among the city, autonomous districts, and residents during the design and construction phases.

Ryu Hoon, Director of Seoul City's Urban Regeneration Office, said, “Once the new transportation facilities at the seven confirmed sites are installed, they will not only improve mobility for local residents but are also expected to become landmarks of the respective areas.”