Almost No Use Due to Extremely Short Length, Criticism of "Rushed Administration"
Additional Budget Unavoidable Even for Removal... Ongoing Concerns
Controversy is growing over an approximately 5-meter-long moving walkway installed in the underground public pedestrian passage connecting Magok Station and Magongnaru Station in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, with many calling it a "waste of taxpayer money." The moving walkway is rarely used by citizens due to its excessively short distance, and there are ongoing criticisms that additional budget will inevitably be required for its removal.
Recently, a video titled "I've never seen such a short moving walkway" was posted on a social networking service (SNS) account. According to the uploader, the installation of a moving walkway was included as a condition for project approval by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. However, since there was no clear standard for its length, an approximately 5-meter-long moving walkway was installed simply to meet the requirement.
Netizens have continued to question the legitimacy of the budget spending. Comments such as "I can't understand this every time I see it," "The administrative process was sloppy," and "This is the result of rushed administration" have been posted in criticism.
There have also been reports that the moving walkway is usually not in operation. Some citizens who frequently pass by the area expressed their dissatisfaction, saying, "I've hardly ever seen it running," and "I don't understand why it was installed if it's not even operating."
According to Gangseo-gu Office, the district recommended installing a moving walkway during the review process by the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Architecture Committee to improve user convenience. However, the developer opposed the idea, citing concerns over maintenance costs and the installation of fire safety facilities. As a result, the original plan to install the moving walkway only on public land was approved, leading to the current situation.
The district is now considering removing the moving walkway in response to ongoing citizen complaints. In a response to a public inquiry, Gangseo-gu Office stated, "We are reviewing various options, including installing alternative facilities or sculptures after removing the moving walkway, in consultation with relevant departments and stakeholders," and added, "We are working to ensure that the underground passage remains a pleasant and convenient connection."
However, since its removal would also require additional budget, some argue that "demolishing an already installed facility is yet another waste of taxpayer money," and "It might be better to just leave it as it is." The controversy is expected to continue for the time being.
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