Dongdaemun District, "Illegal Street Vendors Demolished, Lane Expansion at Gyeongdong Market Intersection"

Improved Traffic Flow Following Demolition of Illegal Street Vendors

Dongdaemun District in Seoul (Mayor Lee Pilhyung) announced on October 22 that the demolition of illegal street vendors and the lane expansion project in the area around Gyeongdong Market Intersection, heading from Jegidong Station toward Cheongnyangni Station, has entered its final stage. The project was initiated with the goal of alleviating traffic congestion and improving the street environment.

Lee Pilhyung, mayor of Dongdaemun District Office (right), is visiting the site of the lane expansion at Gyeongdong Market Intersection and receiving an explanation. Provided by Dongdaemun District Office.

This section has long suffered from frequent vehicle congestion and encroachment of pedestrian spaces due to illegal street vendors and stored items, causing inconvenience for both citizens and merchants. In particular, the road connecting Gyeongdong Market Intersection to Cheongnyangni Station is one of the main arterial roads in the northeastern part of Seoul and has been identified as a chronic bottleneck area.

In response, since August, the district has carried out a phased maintenance project through the collaboration of relevant departments, including the Road Division, Urban Landscape Division, Garden City Division, and Traffic Administration Division. After the Urban Landscape Division, Garden City Division, and Traffic Administration Division handled the demolition of illegal street vendors and the relocation of obstructions, the Road Division began the main construction to expand the existing two lanes to three, adding a right-turn lane. Currently, only asphalt paving and road markings remain, and all work is expected to be completed within this month.

As a result of reducing part of the sidewalk and expanding the vehicle lanes, visible improvements have been achieved, such as a significant reduction in traffic congestion during rush hours.

Additionally, the district has planted landscaping to prevent the re-entry of illegal street vendors. By introducing green spaces rather than relying solely on physical barriers, the district has improved the urban landscape and created a more pleasant street environment, which has been well received by residents.

Lee Pilhyung, Mayor of Dongdaemun District, stated, "The area around Gyeongdong Market Intersection is a major commercial hub and transportation center for the district. Through this maintenance project, the area has been transformed into a street where pedestrian safety and smooth vehicle flow coexist. We will continue to address illegal street vendors and disorderly street environments that cause inconvenience to citizens, building a clean and orderly urban image."