Newly Designated 'Disabled Protection Zone' on Roads Around Jeongnip Hall in Gwangjin-gu

Installation of Disabled Protection Zone Completed Around Jeongnip Hall
Vehicle Speed Limited to 30 km/h, Parking Prohibited, and Traffic Safety Facilities Improved

Gwangjin-gu (District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) has newly designated the roads around Jeongnip Hall, a welfare facility for the disabled, as a 'Disabled Protection Zone' and completed the installation of related facilities to ensure a safe mobility environment for people with disabilities.

Jeongnip Hall is a major welfare facility for the disabled used by more than 250 people daily. However, the surrounding area consists of winding roads surrounded by mountainous terrain, making it difficult for drivers to secure visibility. Additionally, the road in front of the main gate is a steep slope, raising concerns about safety accidents.

Accordingly, the district initiated procedures to designate the roads around Jeongnip Hall as a Disabled Protection Zone. After on-site surveys and basic design, and consultations with the Gwangjin Police Station, final approval was obtained from the Seoul Metropolitan Government. On the 31st of last month, a 229m section of Walkerhill-ro and a 105m section of Yeonghwasa-ro 20-gil around Jeongnip Hall were designated as protection zones, and related facilities were installed.

Once designated as a protection zone, terminal road markings and protection zone guide signs will be installed, and vehicle speeds will be limited to within 30 km/h. Traffic safety facilities such as raised crosswalks and speed bumps to induce vehicle deceleration will also be installed. Furthermore, parking of vehicles within the designated section is prohibited, and clear separation between sidewalks and roadways will be mandated by installing sidewalks and pedestrian paths. Violations of traffic regulations within the protection zone will incur fines or penalties up to three times the normal amount.

Hwang Jeong-hyun, Deputy Director of the Safety Facilities Department at the Seoul Branch of the Korea Road Traffic Authority, stated, "Places like Jeongnip Hall, where the surrounding roads are winding and steep, are vulnerable to safety accidents. The designation of this Disabled Protection Zone and the improvement of facilities have greatly contributed to enhancing pedestrian safety for vulnerable road users."

A citizen using Jeongnip Hall said, "I always felt uneasy crossing the crosswalk at the Jeongnip Hall intersection because approaching vehicles were hard to see due to the winding road and trees. With this protection zone designation, drivers are being guided to reduce speed and drive cautiously, so I feel I can be more at ease going forward," expressing gratitude.

Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, said, "The designation of the Jeongnip Hall protection zone is a measure to create an environment where vulnerable road users, including people with disabilities, can travel safely. We will continue to do our best to create a safe road environment without blind spots."