Expansion of Youngpoong Elementary School Zone and Safety Facilities
First in the Nation to Introduce "Dotted Anti-Slip Pavement"
"Children's safety is our top priority. We will continue to expand school zones and enhance facilities to ensure safe routes to and from school," he said.
Sogangseok, Mayor of Songpa District (second from the left), is holding a discussion meeting related to the improvement project of the school zone at Youngpung Elementary School, explaining to parents and school officials. Provided by Songpa District.
On the morning of August 28, a special "tea meeting" was held at Youngpoong Elementary School in Geoyeo-dong, Songpa District. After completing construction work to install protective fences, U-shaped bollards, sidewalks, and to expand the designated school zone along the routes used by Youngpoong Elementary School students, district officials met with parents on site to discuss the improvements.
Youngpoong Elementary School, located near Geoyeo Station on Subway Line 5, has seen an increase in student numbers and a wider catchment area due to new apartment complexes built across the street as part of local redevelopment. As a result, concerns about student safety during commutes have grown, especially among parents from the new apartment complex, which consists of over 2,000 households and requires students to cross a major road.
Songpa District secured a budget of 400 million won, including special adjustment grants and funding from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and completed the construction by August 22. New school zone signs, road markings indicating a 30 km/h speed limit, yellow crosswalks, and speed bumps were installed or repainted.
Strengthening safety facilities along school routes has been a key priority for Mayor Seo Gangseok since the beginning of his term in the 8th popularly elected administration. In fact, following improvement projects for the school routes of Mundeok Elementary School, Boin Middle and High School, and Jamsil Girls' High School in 2022, the district also enhanced safety by installing sidewalks along the routes to Songpa Elementary School, Pyeonghwa Elementary School, Singa Elementary School, and Samcheon Elementary School.
The improvement project for the school route to Boin Middle and High School was the first civil petition addressed by the transition committee before the mayor took office. Songpa District also became the first in the country to install "dotted anti-slip pavement" in more than 10 school zones near elementary schools, to ensure drivers can immediately recognize the protected areas. This month, construction will begin to install new pedestrian walkways along the routes to Songpa Yujeong Kindergarten, Seokchon Kindergarten, and New Hangaram Daycare Center.
Mayor Seo Gangseok stated, "The foremost duty of the administration is to protect the safety of students and residents," adding, "We will continue to do our best to expand practical, everyday safety infrastructure that residents can truly feel."
Sogangseok, Mayor of Songpa District (second from left), is inspecting the improvement site of the school zone in front of the main gate of Yeongpung Elementary School. Provided by Songpa District
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