[Seoul District News] Typography Artwork Reflecting Youth Spirit of Each Era Displayed on Seodaemun Prison History Hall Exterior...Floor Lighting Featuring Images of Yu Gwansun's Jeogori, Yun Dong-ju's Poetry Collection, and Lee Han-yeol's Sneakers...Crescent Moon-Shaped Bench for Commemorative Photos with Independence Gate Background...Songpa-gu Begins Ogum Water Reservoir Park Project...Jungnang-gu Social Economy Committee Officially Launched...Gangdong-gu Recruiting Students for 'India and the World: Encountering Humanities' Course
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seodaemun-gu (Mayor Moon Seok-jin) is conducting the exhibition program "A Moment in a Star" as part of the '2021 Seodaemun Cultural Heritage Night Walk' until the 12th of this month around Seodaemun Independence Park in Hyeonjeo-dong.
Visitors can enjoy outdoor typography and floor lighting artworks, lettering cubes, and take commemorative photos sitting on crescent moon-shaped benches.
Eight typography works by young artist groups 'Kkol' and 'Amylase' are exhibited on the outer wall of the Seodaemun Prison History Hall.
The works symbolize the spirit of youth in different eras, including resistance against Japanese colonial rule, the desire for independence, and cries to the world, with explanations available for each piece. Viewing at night enhances the atmosphere with lighting and the quiet backdrop of the prison history hall.
Walking down from the exhibition site to Independence Park, visitors can appreciate floor lighting artworks visualizing images such as Yu Gwan-sun's jeogori (traditional jacket), Yun Dong-ju's poetry collection, and Lee Han-yeol's sneakers.
In front of the 'March 1st Independence Declaration Monument' within Independence Park, a lighting installation promoting the '2021 Seodaemun Cultural Heritage Night Walk' is set up.
Additionally, the 'lettering cube' representing the theme 'Youth Counting Stars at Night' changes lighting colors moment by moment, offering a unique visual experience.
Sitting on the crescent moon-shaped bench photo zone allows visitors to take commemorative photos with the Independence Gate as the background.
These exhibitions are open to all without prior registration, and since they utilize lighting, visiting after sunset offers a more beautiful view.
Visitors who share their exhibition viewing and photo zone experiences on Instagram can enter a draw to receive gift coupons.
Mayor Moon Seok-jin of Seodaemun-gu said, "I hope many people reflect on our history through this outdoor exhibition and relieve some of the frustration caused by social distancing." Detailed information about the 'A Moment in a Star' exhibition can be found on the 'Seodaemun Cultural Heritage Night Walk' website and Instagram.
Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seong-su) announced the opening of the upper part of the Ogeum Park water reservoir, which had been strictly restricted for residents' access for 33 years, providing residents with sightseeing and walking courses through the 'Ogeum Park Water Reservoir Park Project.'
The project is part of the Songpa Trail Season 2 initiative, started in 2019, with the winning design selected through a design competition in 2020, followed by design services and consultations with related agencies. Construction began at the end of August 2021, with a total budget of 3.5 billion KRW, and phased construction is planned until 2022.
The Ogeum Park water reservoir has a high hill-like terrain due to an underground retention tank. This year, a barrier-free deck path will be created on the reservoir slope to ensure easy access for everyone, and sky and deck rest areas will be established at the upper and lower parts of the reservoir to provide ample resting spaces for residents.
Connecting with existing walking trails in Ogeum Park, the upper reservoir will be reborn as a Songpa-gu scenic viewpoint where people of all ages can relax while enjoying views of Songpa-gu.
This project is significant as it fully opens previously restricted areas to the public, providing a pleasant environment and securing a 10,000㎡ park without land compensation, resulting in an estimated budget saving of about 43.9 billion KRW.
Additionally, the district started the Ogeum Park barrier-free path project in August, selecting a 242m walking trail section from the central plaza to Ogeum Station for this year's project. The path will be gently sloped for easy use by all groups, with the deck elevated to allow animal movement corridors underneath, minimizing damage to natural scenery and creating a forest path in harmony with nature.
In July, Songpa-gu completed a 21km circular Songpa Trail connecting Seongnaecheon, Jangjicheon, Tancheon, and the Han River. The district is expanding rest spaces using the natural waterway terrain and is promoting the 'Songpa Trail Season 2' project to connect major urban attractions.
Mayor Park Seong-su said, "With increased leisure activities in nearby parks due to COVID-19, the Ogeum Park water reservoir park project is expected to provide residents with a safe and distinctive rest and leisure space. We will continue to preserve and utilize the natural ecological landscape of the Songpa Trail through the Season 2 project, developing it into a representative urban healing space along the 21km waterfront path."
Jungnang-gu (Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi) officially launched the Jungnang-gu Social Economy Committee with an appointment ceremony held at Jungnang-gu Office on the 3rd.
At the ceremony, nine private members including representatives of social economy organizations, field activists, district council members, and social economy experts were appointed, sharing meaningful discussions on revitalizing the social economy.
The committee will deliberate on discovering, supporting, and fostering social economy organizations in the future.
Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi of Jungnang-gu expressed gratitude to the committee members for joining the start of the Social Economy Committee and pledged to spare no effort to revitalize the local social economy.
Jungnang-gu was selected for the Seoul City social economy ecosystem creation project this year and is currently promoting 16 projects across four fields.
Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon) will operate a 10-week course titled 'India and the World: Encountering Humanities' from October 7 to December 9 in collaboration with the Hankuk University of Foreign Studies India Research Institute.
'India and the World: Encountering Humanities' is a free humanities program established as part of the 'HK+ Project Group Regional Humanities Center Project' sponsored by the India Research Institute of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and the National Research Foundation of Korea.
The district signed an agreement with the India Research Institute to broaden the base of Indian cultural heritage this year, aiming to provide quality opportunities for the general public to access India's humanities assets.
The course consists of 10 lectures, with invited professor Jo Jun-ho, an expert in Indian thought from the India Research Institute, delivering lectures to explore Indian philosophy and culture.
Lectures will be held every Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. via real-time online classes using the video conferencing platform 'ZOOM,' allowing immediate communication with the instructor. The course is free of charge.
Anyone aged 20 or older can apply, with registration starting at 10 a.m. on September 6 via the Seoul Amsa-dong Historic Site website, accepting 80 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. The course fee is free.
Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon of Gangdong-gu said, "We expect this humanities course to satisfy residents' interest and curiosity about India. We will continue to offer various high-quality cultural lectures for residents' cultural enjoyment."
Gangseo-gu, Seoul (Mayor Noh Hyun-song) will operate a 'Non-face-to-face Direct Transaction Market' from September 6 to 17 to celebrate the Korean traditional holiday Chuseok.
The market aims to support farmers struggling due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and help residents purchase healthy food conveniently and affordably.
The market includes 12 sister cities: Imsil-gun, Sangju-si, Taean-gun, Gangneung-si, Yeosu-si, Haman-gun, Suncheon-si, Jeongeup-si, Goesan-gun, Namwon-si, Nonsan-si, and Cheongyang-gun.
Over 40 excellent agricultural and specialty products such as fruits, traditional Korean sweets, songpyeon (rice cakes), and kimchi produced and processed directly in sister cities will be sold at prices lower than the market.
Details on products and prices can be found by accessing the 'Chuseok Direct Transaction Market' banner on the district website.
For residents unfamiliar with the internet, promotional leaflets are available at each community service center, allowing orders by phone without accessing the website.
Seongbuk-gu (Mayor Lee Seung-ro) has completed the selection of specialized resident autonomy committee BIs (logos) reflecting local characteristics for 10 newly launched resident autonomy committees in 2021, the inaugural year of full implementation of resident autonomy in all neighborhoods.
From April 19 to May 23, Seongbuk-gu conducted a logo contest targeting 10 neighborhoods expanding resident autonomy committees (▲Donam 1-dong ▲Donam 2-dong ▲Anam-dong ▲Jeongneung 1-dong ▲Jeongneung 3-dong ▲Jeongneung 4-dong ▲Gireum 2-dong ▲Wolgok 1-dong ▲Jangwi 2-dong ▲Jangwi 3-dong) to establish a brand based on resident participation.
A total of 218 works were submitted, averaging 20 entries per neighborhood, demonstrating high resident interest and participation in the resident autonomy committees.
After judging and resident preference evaluation, 1 to 3 winning works and one grand prize per neighborhood were selected, totaling 40 winning works and 10 grand prizes.
The selected logos will be widely used as representative images of each neighborhood's resident autonomy committee across various online and offline media, events, and promotions.
Mayor Lee Seung-ro of Seongbuk-gu expressed gratitude to residents for their enthusiastic participation and pledged active support for further development of the resident autonomy committees, reflecting the unique characteristics of each neighborhood in the new logos.
Guro-gu (Mayor Lee Seong) remodeled the 'Gung-dong Youth Culture House.'
Guro-gu stated, "To provide better cultural services for youth, we created a media room and a multipurpose lecture room in the unused space of the Gung-dong Youth Culture House," adding that construction started in June and was recently completed.
The 'Gung-dong Youth Culture House' (949 Buil-ro) was built by Guro-gu in Sugung-dong in 2015 to satisfy diverse cultural needs of youth and nurture their talents.
With a total area of 1,181㎡, one basement floor, and three above-ground floors, it includes a large auditorium, dance practice room, sports space, book cafe, and program rooms, offering various cultural programs for youth.
Previously, the third floor was operated as a youth counseling welfare center, but it became vacant after relocating to Cheonwang-dong Youth Culture House (1115 Ori-ro) in February. Guro-gu decided to expand program spaces for youth on the second and third floors.
Considering youth demand for media content, a media room was created on the second floor, where various cultural programs using media, such as youth film production programs, will be operated.
On the third floor, small lecture rooms scattered throughout the facility were integrated into a multipurpose lecture room, and a shared kitchen was installed. These spaces will be used for program rooms, club meeting rooms, and community spaces.
Geumcheon-gu (Mayor Yoo Seong-hoon) is conducting the 'Neighborhood Happiness Card' support project for children at risk of food insecurity ahead of the Chuseok holiday.
The 'Neighborhood Happiness Card' project provides prepaid cards usable within the community along with Chuseok greeting cards to children at risk of food insecurity to prevent feelings of isolation during the holiday.
The support targets 1,566 children currently using the Child Meal Card (Dream Tree Card) or receiving food support at community service centers as of September 2021, or children using meals at group meal centers.
Recipients can receive the card by visiting their local community service center with a student ID or other identification documents from the 9th without separate application. For preschool children who cannot verify identity, guardians can collect on their behalf.
The 'Neighborhood Happiness Card' can be used from September 13 to the end of the year at general restaurants in Geumcheon-gu (excluding convenience stores and entertainment establishments) with a limit of 30,000 KRW per person.
Mayor Yoo Seong-hoon of Geumcheon-gu said, "Supporting children at risk of food insecurity is fundamental to child welfare and greatly affects children's emotional well-being. We hope the Neighborhood Happiness Card helps children enjoy a happy Chuseok with their families."
Dobong-gu (Mayor Lee Dong-jin) operates psychological counseling services to help residents overcome anxiety, depression, and stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 confirmed patients and those in self-quarantine may experience psychological symptoms such as anxiety, insomnia, stigma, depression, and lethargy during hospitalization and isolation.
General residents also may experience stress, lethargy, and excessive anxiety due to the prolonged pandemic.
Dobong-gu has been operating psychological counseling services since February 2020, providing 15,832 cases in 2020 and 32,199 cases as of the end of August 2021.
Eligible clients include confirmed patients and their families, self-quarantined individuals (overseas entrants, close contacts), and residents experiencing anxiety and stress due to COVID-19. Counseling covers stress from isolation, interpersonal communication methods, adapting to lifestyle changes, and overall COVID-19-related concerns and stress.
The district provides promotional materials and text messages to quarantined individuals and families of confirmed patients, offers telephone counseling to help with relaxation and psychological support, and connects clients with community centers, medical institutions, and psychological support centers after quarantine to assist their return to daily life.
The Dobong-gu Mental Health Welfare Center is located on the first floor of Dobong-gu Public Health Center. Counseling and inquiries can be made through the center.
Mayor Lee Dong-jin of Dobong-gu said, "Residents needing help due to COVID blues should not hesitate to call anytime."
Yongsan-gu (Mayor Seong Chang-hyun) installed an additional eco-friendly Effective Micro-organisms (EM) complex machine at the entrance of Yongsan-gu Dream Tree Complex Town (329 Baekbeom-ro) to expand the distribution of EM fermented liquid and promote eco-friendly living practices.
The district installed a similar 500ℓ machine near the back gate of the district office in April, providing free EM fermented liquid. A satisfaction survey showed 90% of users were satisfied or very satisfied, with high popularity among women in their 60s and weekly pickups being the most common. Most users reside near Itaewon-dong and Bogwang-dong, close to the installation site.
The additional machine operates from September 1, Monday to Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., distributing 1.8ℓ per session, one bottle per person on a first-come, first-served basis. Users must prepare their own 2ℓ empty bottles.
Eco-friendly EM fermented liquid is cultured from over 80 beneficial microorganisms including yeast, lactic acid bacteria, nuruk bacteria, photosynthetic bacteria, and actinomycetes. It can be used for preventing plant pests, removing odors from refrigerators, shoe racks, and drains, hair washing, bathroom cleaning, laundry, dishwashing, and washing vegetables and fruits.
After adding the machine, the weekly free distribution volume is 1,000ℓ (1 ton). When supply runs out, a microbial culture preparation period follows before resuming distribution the next Monday. The fermented liquid can be stored undiluted for one month and diluted liquid must be used within 24 hours. It is not for drinking.
Mayor Seong Chang-hyun of Yongsan-gu said, "COVID-19 has increased disposable product use and diminished carbon-neutral lifestyle efforts. We will promote EM fermented liquid distribution and continue resident education for a green environment."
The district plans to encourage eco-mileage enrollment for greenhouse gas reduction through the Yongsan-gu 2050 Carbon Neutral Citizen Practice Group (led by Kim Young-sook) starting this month.
Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Seon-gap) will identify additional children at risk of food insecurity due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and provide meal support.
The support targets children under 18 from low-income, near-poverty, single-parent families, and households receiving temporary livelihood support due to income reduction from COVID-19, excluding the existing 1,031 supported children.
Support runs from September to December, with applications accepted anytime at community service centers or via the Bokjiro website.
Selected children will receive a Child Meal Card (Dream Tree Card) usable at general restaurants in Seoul, with support of 7,000 KRW per meal and up to 21,000 KRW per day.
Mayor Kim Seon-gap of Gwangjin-gu said, "We will identify and support children who cannot have proper meals due to economic difficulties caused by COVID-19. We hope many children apply and receive some help."
Dongjak-gu (Mayor Lee Chang-woo) announced the operation of 'Challenge! Walking Alone Following Boramae Park' from September 1 to 30 to promote physical activity reduced by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
Walking practice rates among Dongjak residents dropped from 66.4% in 2019 to 49.2% in 2020 due to COVID-19.
However, participation in the monthly 'Walking Alone' event has steadily increased from 53 participants in March to 140 in August.
The district decided to promote easy and continuous walking courses centered on representative local parks and hold events through 'Walking Alone Following Boramae Park.'
The challenge is held at Boramae Park and open to Dongjak residents and local workers.
Participants install the walking app 'WalkOn,' join the 'Dongjak-gu Walking Alone' community, participate in the '[Dongjak-gu] Walking Alone Challenge Following Boramae Park' during the period, walk in Boramae Park, take mission photos at the park's lake, grass plaza, and air park, and send the photos to the Kakao Plus Channel 'Dongjak-gu Health Center Let's Walk Dongjak!'
The district will give coffee coupons to 200 participants by lottery and provide foldable backpacks and tumblers to the first 200 who complete additional missions after adding the Kakao Plus Channel as a friend, encouraging non-face-to-face walking.
Additional events will be developed to increase interest in small physical activities in daily life. Health Center Director Mo Hyun-hee said, "We prepared a safe non-face-to-face walking challenge to promote outdoor activities amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. We hope this challenge helps residents develop interest in walking, reduce physical and mental stress from decreased activity, improve immunity, and foster a safe walking culture."
Jungnang-gu (Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi) announced it will conduct animal protection education visiting schools to cultivate respect for life and establish a proper companion animal culture.
The education targets kindergarteners and 3rd and 4th-grade elementary students, with a total of 50 classes planned by the end of the year. KOHAI, a specialized animal protection education company, visits institutions to conduct class-by-class education, with non-face-to-face education also available.
The education begins with understanding that animals have emotions and needs like humans, followed by content such as how to greet dogs and cats, the situation and difficulties of abandoned animals, and caring for animals around daily life, lasting about 40 minutes. Interactive lessons include watching videos, singing animal songs, and quizzes to engage students.
Institutions wishing to participate can contact the Jungnang-gu Health Center Health Administration Division or KOHAI. Those unable to participate this year can apply for next year's education.
Mayor Ryu Gyeong-gi of Jungnang-gu said, "Since values formed in childhood last a lifetime, early education on animal protection is important. We will strive to spread awareness of animal welfare beyond protection."
Since the 7th local government term, the district has actively promoted animal welfare projects, establishing a dedicated team, enacting related ordinances, and implementing various projects such as companion dog behavior correction education, street cat feeding stations, abandoned animal adoption support, and emergency medical hospital operation.
Nowon-gu (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced the additional installation of companion animal waste bag dispensers to establish a proper companion culture.
The dispensers aim to minimize residents' inconvenience when they forget to bring waste bags or run out during walks with companion animals in parks and public places, and to reduce unpleasantness caused by abandoned animal waste.
The new dispensers are installed at three locations: Jungnangcheon, Uicheon, and Bulamsan Butterfly Garden, selected considering CCTV installation and high companion dog traffic.
The dispensers are 1.2m high, simple and uniform in design, stocked with disposable waste bags in tissue form that can be easily pulled out one by one.
The bags measure 250mm wide by 350mm long and are made of eco-friendly biodegradable plastic. Each dispenser has a signboard indicating the fine amount for leaving waste and requesting users to collect used bags.
With this addition, the total number of companion animal waste bag dispenser locations increases to seven, including four existing sites: in front of the Gyeongchun Line Forest Trail Visitor Center, Dongshin Apartment, Youth Training Center, and near Saessakgyo.
Three more locations are planned for installation within this year on Yeongchuksan Circular Trail and Jungnangcheon, with continuous expansion based on resident response.
The district urges residents to follow basic pet etiquette by immediately bagging and disposing of waste during walks and carrying water bottles to rinse urination spots.
Complaints related to companion animals increased from 194 cases in 2020 to 120 cases in the first half of 2021, especially due to increased use of rivers and park trails during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, making these measures expected to effectively prevent resident conflicts.
The district pursues various policies to establish a proper companion culture. In October last year, the Nowon Companion Animal Culture Center 'Healing Doggy! Dangdang House' opened, offering temporary care and adoption support for abandoned and lost animals and behavior correction programs. The district also operates annual 'Companion Animal Culture Festivals' and 'Companion Dog Shelters' during holidays.
Mayor Oh Seung-rok said, "We expect the installation of waste bag dispensers to reduce residents' displeasure over companion animal waste on walking trails. We will do our best to establish a proper companion culture and realize a harmonious coexistence of people and animals in Nowon."
Seongbuk-gu (Mayor Lee Seung-ro) in Anam-dong plans to hold a warm relay sharing event from September 9 to 16 ahead of Chuseok to comfort and support vulnerable groups amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.
The relay sharing event was proposed by the Anam-dong Community Security Council (Chairman Han Byung-hee) and supported in unison by Good Connection (Chairman Yoon Ki-jung) and Won Buddhism Anam Church (Pastor Park Se-hoon). Local residents made 100 handmade blankets, Daeyang Food Co. donated 100 sets of seasoned seaweed, and the council provided 2.5 million KRW in funds. Good Connection pledged 80 boxes of songpyeon (rice cakes) worth 1.2 million KRW, and Anam Church pledged 20 fruit sets worth 1 million KRW, planning the event in a relay format.
Before the event, Chairman Han Byung-hee said, "We thank various local organizations and residents who joined the relay with supportive hearts. We hope isolated neighbors gain strength despite ongoing difficulties due to COVID-19."
Mayor Lee Seung-ro of Seongbuk-gu responded, "I deeply thank Anam-dong residents who continuously engage in social contribution activities for neighbors in greater need during these difficult times. I hope this opportunity helps alleviate emotional isolation among low-income groups overcoming COVID-19."
Approximately 8 million KRW worth of donated goods will be delivered sequentially to 200 households from September 9 to 16 in a non-face-to-face manner following social distancing guidelines.
Jongno-gu (Mayor Kim Young-jong) is conducting a 'View Box Rental Project' emphasizing the importance of proper handwashing to prevent infectious diseases.
The View Box is a device where users apply fluorescent lotion and insert their hands into a screen, revealing white fluorescent substances. Assuming the lotion represents dust or bacteria, users can visually confirm how much was removed after washing hands as usual, making it highly effective for learning proper handwashing methods.
Since August last year, the district has been lending View Boxes free of charge to infection-vulnerable facilities such as daycare centers, kindergartens, schools, and welfare facilities as part of the Jongno Health School project.
Interested institutions can apply by phone to the Health and Hygiene Division and pick up the device at the Public Health Center (36 Jahamun-ro 19-gil).
The rental period is up to one week, and a report must be submitted after completing education. More details are available on the Jongno-gu Public Health Center website.
Additionally, the website provides an infectious disease notice page with detailed information and reporting procedures for residents, including frequently asked questions about COVID-19 such as proper mask removal and disposal, and medical institution response guidelines for prompt handling.
The View Box experience space on the second floor of the Public Health Center was previously operated but is temporarily suspended due to COVID-19 spread prevention. It will resume later to help residents learn proper handwashing while waiting for medical treatment.
Mayor Kim Young-jong said, "Even if you wash your hands, bacteria remain if not done properly, so forming a habit of washing for over 30 seconds is very important. The View Box experience will help establish a proper handwashing culture and thorough personal hygiene."
Eunpyeong-gu (Mayor Kim Mi-kyung) is conducting the 'Visiting Woodworking Service' project until October, repairing wooden items for vulnerable residents in need within the district.
The 'Visiting Woodworking Service' is a five-month pilot project started in June, providing woodworking services to vulnerable groups such as elderly living alone, single-parent families, basic livelihood security recipients, near-poverty groups, and local children's centers through Eunpyeong Hope Woodworking Workshop. Services include length adjustment and repairs of wooden items like bookshelves, shelves, storage cabinets, doors, doorknobs, thresholds, and chairs.
Recently, woodworking services were conducted for six locations including elderly living alone households, where items were moved to the woodworking workshop in Tapgol Ecological Park for repair and reinstalled. Strict COVID-19 prevention measures were followed to minimize on-site repair time.
The 'Eunpyeong Hope Woodworking Workshop,' established in July last year, produces wooden crafts using dead trees within Eunpyeong-gu and places them in parks. The workshop offers various woodworking programs and has strengthened non-face-to-face and ZOOM-based visiting woodworking programs due to enhanced social distancing.
Applications for the 'Visiting Woodworking Service' can be made through the local community service center or the Eunpyeong-gu Parks and Greenery Division.
Yangcheon-gu (Mayor Kim Soo-young) will carry out improvement work on old streetlights along Woljeong-ro starting from the 6th to create a safe and pleasant passage environment.
Yangcheon-gu has been conducting annual streetlight improvement projects for streetlights installed over 15 years ago. The Woljeong-ro section targeted for improvement was installed 18 years ago. The district plans to fully renovate the streetlight foundations, poles, fixtures, conduits, and wiring.
The construction section spans approximately 1.2 km from the intersection in front of Woljeong Elementary School to Sumyeongsan Apartments. Since the area is densely populated with residential houses and includes elementary and middle schools, the district will coordinate with residents and related agencies to minimize inconvenience during construction.
Mayor Kim Soo-young of Yangcheon-gu said, "We will comprehensively renovate old streetlights along Woljeong-ro. We will conduct the work carefully to avoid inconveniencing residents and provide a pleasant and safe passage environment."
Jung-gu (Mayor Seo Yang-ho) announced a pedestrian environment improvement project investing 2 billion KRW in the Sindang Station area, where pedestrian conditions have been inconvenient due to poor walking environments.
The project covers a total 2.2 km section from the intersection in front of Hanyang Technical High School to Seongdong High School intersection, including Sindang Station and Jungang Market areas.
The sidewalk width, previously about 2 meters, will be expanded to 3 to 5 meters to secure ample walking space. Old and damaged sidewalks, curbs, and gutters will be repaired, transforming the area into a pedestrian-friendly street.
Braille blocks will also be refurbished to ensure walking safety for visually impaired people.
In August, the district fully improved the sidewalk environment near the Jungang Market entrance, widening the sidewalk in front of the market crosswalk by more than 1.2 times and rearranging stalls to secure walking paths, which were previously congested with stalls and facilities.
Since February, the district has been lowering subway ventilation shafts by more than 10 cm at four locations within the improvement area to enhance pedestrian safety.
Construction schedules will be coordinated by section, with work conducted at night to minimize resident inconvenience. Major processes are expected to be completed within the month, aiming for completion in October.
Additionally, the district newly designated Kyungdong Daycare Center as a children's protection zone and expanded existing zones around Sindang Elementary and Cheonggu Elementary Schools. Aging side roads are being renovated, and yellow carpets are installed to clearly separate pedestrian and vehicle paths.
Other measures include red anti-slip pavement, additional safety signs, and road markings to prevent child traffic accidents and secure safe school routes.
Mayor Seo Yang-ho said, "Residents who have experienced inconvenience in Sindang Station and Jungang Market can now walk safely and comfortably thanks to the pedestrian environment improvement project. We will ensure a safe walking environment for vulnerable pedestrians such as children, seniors, and the disabled."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
