Seocho-gu, Nation's First 'Installation of Photoluminescent Evacuation Guidance Lines in Underground Parking Lots'

Prompt Evacuation Guidance During Emergencies Such as Fires
Application of New Construction Permit Conditions for Multi-Use Buildings

Seocho-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jeon Seong-su) announced on the 14th that it will be the first in the nation to promote the “Installation Project of Photoluminescent Evacuation Guidance Lines in Underground Parking Lots” to prevent casualties caused by emergencies such as electric vehicle fires and natural disasters in underground parking lots.

This project originated from an idea selected at the “Joyful Imagination Shelter,” an excellent employee proposal presentation held last September.

Appearance after applying improved photoluminescent evacuation guidance line. Provided by Seocho-gu.

Over the past five years, as the supply of electric vehicles has rapidly expanded, electric vehicle fire accidents have increased more than 20 times. In particular, underground parking lots are difficult to evacuate in emergencies such as fires, blackouts, and floods, making it highly likely that accidents will lead to significant casualties. However, many underground parking lots currently only have emergency lighting and evacuation guide signs installed, making it difficult to quickly identify evacuation routes and evacuate safely during emergencies.

The “Evacuation Guidance Line Installation Project” was initiated to address these issues. The photoluminescent paint used for the guidance lines works on the principle of absorbing light and then emitting it by itself even in dark environments. This allows evacuees to clearly identify evacuation routes even during power outages or blackouts.

In particular, during blackouts, the photoluminescent light helps recognize the evacuation direction, and if the upper field of vision is blocked by smoke caused by fire, the lower evacuation guidance lines and floor signs guide the evacuation. In flood situations, the upper signs guide the fastest evacuation routes.

The district expects that this project will significantly enhance the safety of underground parking lots and minimize casualties among residents during emergencies such as fires, blackouts, and floods.

Meanwhile, to promote this project, the district collaborated with local companies KCC Co., Ltd. and Central City Co., Ltd. to pilot the installation of evacuation guidance lines in the underground parking lot of Shinsegae Department Store on the 8th. After reviewing the effectiveness in an actual underground parking lot and deriving the optimal colors and designs, the district plans to continuously strengthen underground parking lot safety by making the installation of photoluminescent evacuation guidance lines a permit condition for new multi-use buildings with underground parking lots.

Mayor Jeon Seong-su stated, “We will continue to examine every corner of daily life and promote various projects for residents’ safety.”