Ministry of the Interior and Safety: "Pedestrian-Centered Society Approaches Faster"

Establishment of the 'National Walking Safety and Convenience Improvement Action Plan'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] The Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced on the 5th that it has established the '2023 National Pedestrian Safety and Convenience Promotion Implementation Plan' to shift to a pedestrian-centered traffic safety system (paradigm) through the deliberation of the Central Pedestrian Safety and Convenience Promotion Committee.

This year, the plan will be actively promoted to create a safe pedestrian safety environment with goals of ▲expanding pedestrian environment infrastructure centered on pedestrian safety and convenience, and ▲spreading a pedestrian-centered traffic culture by raising awareness of the value of walking.

On the first day of the enforcement of the Road Traffic Act amendment, which strengthened the obligation to protect pedestrians such as stopping temporarily in front of crosswalks, a right-turning vehicle is stopped on the road near Seoul Station on the 12th. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

The main contents of the '2023 National Pedestrian Safety and Convenience Promotion Implementation Plan' are as follows. First, to eliminate pedestrian hazards on side streets, intersections, and crosswalks where most pedestrian accidents occur, a systematic pedestrian safety risk factor management based on accident data will be promoted.

In addition, to guarantee walking rights without discrimination for everyone, customized systems and infrastructure improvements for vulnerable pedestrians such as children, the elderly, and the disabled will be pursued.

Furthermore, not only securing pedestrian safety but also promoting walking activation through the creation of a pleasant and convenient pedestrian-centered environment will be simultaneously pursued.

Along with this, the plan aims to expand the base for pedestrian policy implementation by establishing a foundation for utilizing data and information communication (IT) technology and fostering an advanced culture of traffic and pedestrian safety.

The government plans to steadily carry out the policy tasks of the implementation plan considering environmental changes such as the increased importance of pedestrian safety for vulnerable road users due to low birth rates and aging population, and the revolutionary development of science and technology applicable to pedestrian safety policies.

Kim Seong-ho, Director of the Disaster Safety Management Headquarters at the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, stated, “This 2023 implementation plan is the first step in promoting a whole-of-government policy shift to a pedestrian-centered traffic safety system (paradigm),” and added, “We ask for the active participation and cooperation of the public to ensure the smooth implementation of the plan.”