Seocho District Residents Receive 50% Discount on Umyeonsan Tunnel Toll Fees

Seocho District Council Member Ahn Jong-sook (Democratic Party, Yangjae 1·2, Naegok, Umyeon-dong) Proposes Umyeonsan Tunnel Toll Support Ordinance... One Round-Trip Toll Discount Per Day During Weekday Commute Hours for Seocho Residents... Additional Discounts Expanded for Sub-1000cc Compact and Eco-Friendly Vehicles

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Ahn Jong-suk, a member of the Seocho District Council (Democratic Party, Yangjae 1·2, Naegok, Umyeon-dong), proposed an ordinance to support the toll fees of the Umyeonsan Tunnel to reduce the economic burden on Seocho residents using the tunnel.

The Umyeonsan Tunnel, which opened in 2004 charging a toll of 2,000 won, saw an increase to 2,500 won after restructuring projects following the inauguration of then Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon in 2011, as a measure to reduce the city's financial burden. The toll has been frozen at this rate until 2033, resulting in a somewhat increased burden on citizens.

The ordinance for supporting Umyeonsan Tunnel toll fees allows a 50% discount on tolls for private vehicles owned by Seocho residents who possess a discount card issued through a business agreement between Seocho District and the private concessionaire, limited to one vehicle per household. For compact cars with engine displacement under 1000cc and eco-friendly vehicles, full toll exemption or additional support is provided.

The discount applies once per day for one vehicle, limited to round trips during weekdays excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, specifically during commuting hours from 6 AM to 9 AM and 6 PM to 9 PM, and is subject to budget availability.

The specific details of this ordinance may change during the council review process, and once enacted, it is expected to be implemented as early as July 1 of this year through business agreements and supplementary budget allocations.

Council member Ahn Jong-suk expressed her thoughts on proposing the ordinance, saying, “In the Year of the Ox 2021, I hope this becomes a meaningful opportunity to enhance the welfare and mobility convenience of Seocho residents using the Umyeonsan Tunnel, which is shaped like an ox.”