Finding Your Way in Seoul Parks Made Easier... Development of Information Guidance System Applying UD

Pilot Application in Olympic Park
UD Guidebook Production and Distribution

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on the 26th that it has developed a pedestrian-centered information guidance system applying the concept of UD (Universal Design) to enable easy and safe wayfinding within parks, and has pilot-applied it in Olympic Park. They are also preparing a UD guidebook (information booklet) that can be utilized when developing similar types of spaces.

The 'UD-applied information guidance system' provides information concisely and systematically to reduce accidents caused by navigation errors or anxiety caused by information recognition errors.

The 'UD-applied information guidance system' consists of ▲‘information guidance content’ such as colors distinguishable by colorblind individuals and difficulty levels by route, and a ▲‘facility-type-specific guidance system’ for systematic route guidance. In addition, ▲‘pedestrian guidance maps’ and ▲‘convenience and safety facilities’ have been developed to support convenient and safe walking.

The city plans to produce and distribute a UD guidebook (information booklet) containing design development methods so that it can be expanded and applied to parks, plazas, and mountain trails in the future, and will disclose it through the Seoul Metropolitan Government website.

At the Hansung Baekje Museum in Seoul, the project site, it was stated, “Since this is a park with a long history, it was difficult to provide systematic information due to signs installed at different times, but with this project, we will do our best to install the systematically developed guidance facilities throughout Olympic Park so that visitors can find their way safely and conveniently.”

Choi In-gyu, Director of Design Policy at Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, “This is a meaningful project as the first in Korea to develop an information guidance system applying universal design from a cognitive perspective. Building on this outcome, we will apply it to various walking environments such as parks and mountains within Seoul to provide a clearer and more intuitive wayfinding environment, supporting citizens’ safe and convenient accessibility and mobility.”