Mapo Hongdae Red Road Designated as "Kickboard-Free Street"... Fines of 30,000 to 60,000 Won for Violations

From May 16, Complete Ban on Personal Mobility Devices, Including Electric Kickboards, from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Joint Promotional Campaign with Seoul Metropolitan Government and Mapo Police Station on May 16

Mapo-gu (District Mayor Park Kangsu) has designated the Red Road (sections R1~R6) as the nation's first "Kickboard-Free Street," where all personal mobility devices (PM), including electric kickboards, will be completely banned from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. starting May 16.

The Hongdae area has a high floating population, and ongoing safety concerns have been raised due to electric kickboards.

In response, Mapo-gu requested in November 2024 that the Seoul Metropolitan Government designate the Hongdae Red Road as a "Kickboard-Free Street." The request was finalized in December 2024 after a traffic safety review by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency.

To enhance the effectiveness of this policy, Mapo-gu will conduct an intensive promotional campaign at Exit 7 of Hongdaeipgu Station at 12:00 p.m. on May 16, in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Mapo Police Station. At the site, citizens will be informed about the designated no-PM zones and safety guidelines to raise awareness of the new policy.

After this, until June 11, four teams consisting of members from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Mapo-gu, and the Autonomous Police Committee will be stationed along the Hongdae Red Road to continue intensive promotion.

Additionally, Mapo-gu will install highly visible supplementary signs to ensure that citizens are aware of the PM-restricted zones. To strengthen pedestrian safety, the district plans to install 24 signboards and 22 road surface markings by May 15. However, as this is the first time in the nation that a PM-restricted road is being implemented, a five-month period of publicity and guidance will be provided to minimize confusion. During this period, violators will not be subject to fines or penalty points, with the focus placed on informing and guiding the public.

Once the guidance period ends, drivers who violate the PM ban will be fined 30,000 won and receive 15 penalty points on regular roads, and fined 60,000 won and receive 30 penalty points in children's protection zones.

Furthermore, electric kickboards left unattended on sidewalks or roadways will be considered illegally parked vehicles and may be towed immediately. In such cases, a towing fee of 40,000 won and a storage fee of 700 won per 30 minutes will be charged.

Park Kangsu, Mayor of Mapo-gu, stated, "I am pleased that the Hongdae Red Road is taking the first step toward creating a safe, pedestrian-centered street culture," and asked for the participation and cooperation of local citizens. He added, "We will continue to promote and manage the site to ensure that citizens can adapt smoothly without confusion."