Gyeonggi-do to Implement Universal Design Projects for Transportation-Disadvantaged at 5 Locations This Year

Gyeonggi Province is promoting a universal design project for transportation-vulnerable groups this year in five locations: Gapyeong-gun, Gwacheon, Guri, Anseong, and Anyang.

Universal design refers to urban spaces or environmental designs that can be safely and conveniently used by everyone regardless of nationality, gender, age, or disability.

Since 2014, Gyeonggi Province has been implementing universal design projects in 38 locations through city and county competitions. From 2023, to improve living environments for transportation-vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled, the province has carried out a ‘Universal Design Project for Transportation-Vulnerable Groups’ in a total of 10 locations over two years, five locations each year.

This year’s target sites are ▲ creation of a pedestrian-friendly street section on Seokbong-ro in Gapyeong-gun ▲ improvement of Byeolyang Children’s Park in Gwacheon-si ▲ improvement of the pedestrian environment at the Agricultural and Marine Products Wholesale Market in Guri-si ▲ improvement of the entrance to the riverside space of Anseongcheon in Anseong-si ▲ and improvement of green spaces within the former Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency in Anyang-si.

Each of these project sites will receive 150 million KRW in support, with 500 million KRW allocated per site, totaling 2.5 billion KRW in project costs to improve facilities and spaces such as tourist sites, parks, and sidewalks for transportation-vulnerable groups within the province.

A project complex completed last year through the universal design project promoted by Gyeonggi-do. Provided by Gyeonggi-do

Starting this year, Gyeonggi Province will support consulting from universal design advisory groups across various fields to create a better environment. To build consensus with residents and provide reference for related work by the province, cities, counties, and affiliated organizations, an electronic book (e-book) of Gyeonggi Province’s universal design case studies has been produced and posted on the Gyeonggi Provincial Government website.

Park Jong-geun, Director of the Architectural Design Division of Gyeonggi Province, stated, "With environmental changes such as entering a super-aged society, the need for universal design to create an environment where everyone can live without discrimination is increasing. Through the active expansion of various universal design policies and projects, we will provide a better environment and communication for all residents."

Meanwhile, four universal design projects for transportation-vulnerable groups completed last year include Shwimpyo-gil in Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun; Playground for Everyone in Sinjang-dong, Hanam-si; environmental improvement of Sanjeong Lake parking lot in Pocheon-si; and improvement of the children protection zone in Hobeop-myeon, Icheon-si.