Seodaemun-gu "Full Traffic Access for General Vehicles on Yeonse-ro, Expecting Revival of Sinchon Commercial Area"

Seodaemun-gu, Seoul (Mayor Lee Seongheon) welcomed the announcement made by the Seoul Metropolitan Government on the 19th to lift the ‘Yonsei-ro Public Transportation-Only Zone,’ stating that “the long-held dream of the residents has become a reality.”

Seongheon Lee, Mayor of Seodaemun-gu, held a press briefing at Sinchon Parang Whale on January 19, 2023, one day before the pilot release of the Sinchon Yonsei-ro public transportation-only zone. Provided by Seodaemun-gu.

The Yonsei-ro Public Transportation-Only Zone, which has been in effect since 2014, will be lifted as of January 1 next year, allowing all vehicles, including taxis and private cars that were previously prohibited, to travel on Yonsei-ro 24 hours a day.

Since the implementation of the public transportation-only zone, Yonsei-ro has been improved into a pedestrian-friendly environment by expanding sidewalks and reducing lanes. However, complaints have continuously arisen from nearby merchants requesting vehicle access due to commercial area stagnation, as well as from residents concerned about pedestrian safety and noise on side streets caused by increased detour traffic.

In August 2022, 1,984 merchants in the Sinchon area submitted a petition to the Seoul Metropolitan Government requesting that general vehicle traffic be allowed on Yonsei-ro. In response, the city conducted a pilot lifting of the Yonsei-ro Public Transportation-Only Zone from January 20 to September 30 of the same year. As a result, compared to the first half of 2022 when only public transportation was allowed, the total sales on Yonsei-ro in the first half of 2023, when general vehicles were also permitted, increased by 22%, showing the highest growth rate compared to similar university commercial districts in Seoul.

However, Seoul changed its original policy and reinstated the public transportation-only zone starting October 2023. Consequently, sales during the three-month reinstatement period (November 2023 to January 2024), when only route buses were allowed, decreased by 6.1% compared to the three-month lifting period (February to April 2023). This repeatedly confirmed that allowing general vehicle traffic helps revitalize the commercial area.

Based on these results, the Seoul Metropolitan Government made the final announcement to lift the designation of the public transportation-only zone on the 19th. Seodaemun-gu plans to closely cooperate with the city to promote local commercial revitalization, ensure smooth public transportation operation, and maintain pedestrian safety.

For large events such as the ‘Sinchon Countdown Concert’ held on the 31st of this month, vehicle traffic on Yonsei-ro will be temporarily suspended as needed, while regular performances will be supported at Star Plaza and the famous street on a daily basis.

Lee Seongheon, Mayor of Seodaemun-gu, said, “Although it took some time, I am pleased that the long-standing wish of Seodaemun residents has finally been fulfilled. We will devote ourselves to restoring Sinchon’s reputation through the revitalization of the local commercial district.”