Yeongdeungpo District Becomes First in Seoul to Allow Police Substations on Roads

Legal Basis Established Through Ordinance Revision
Riot Squad Rest Area Now Permitted

Yeongdeungpo District in Seoul (Mayor Choi Hogwon) announced on January 14 that it has revised the relevant ordinance to allow the installation of police substations on roads, becoming the first among Seoul's 25 districts to do so. The ordinance was promulgated on January 8. This measure aims to enhance on-site response capabilities in areas where rallies and protests are frequent and to systematically ensure the safety of residents.

Choi Hogwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo District, and officials attending the Yeouido Police Substation opening ceremony are cutting the ribbon. Provided by Yeongdeungpo District Office.

Under the revised ordinance, the Yeongdeungpo Police Station has established a "Yeouido Area Police Riot Squad Rest and Standby Facility" on a side street near the National Assembly with low traffic volume (12-2, Gukhoe-daero 66-gil). The facility consists of three containers, each measuring 3 meters wide and 8 meters long, and is used in shifts by approximately 60 riot squad members. The interior is equipped with heating and cooling systems, and separate spaces have been provided for male and female officers.

Yeouido, where the National Assembly is located, hosts more than 1,000 rallies and protests each year. Although a large number of police officers have been stationed in the area on a regular basis, there had not been an adequate standby or rest area for on-site personnel. Officers had to remain on duty in police buses even during extreme heat or cold.

Taking into account the characteristics of Yeouido, which is densely packed with office buildings, the district reviewed ways to utilize side streets with low traffic and began revising the ordinance to include police substations as eligible for road occupancy permits. As there was no precedent for this in Seoul, the district analyzed similar cases from local governments across the country to prepare the amendment.

Kim Cheolsoo, Chief of Yeongdeungpo Police Station, said, "Providing a stable standby and rest area will be of practical help for prompt action and maintaining order at rallies in the Yeouido area. I would like to thank the Yeongdeungpo District Office and residents for their cooperation in strengthening on-site public safety."

Choi Hogwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo District, stated, "Creating conditions that allow our uniformed heroes to respond stably will directly lead to stronger public safety in the area. I hope our sincere appreciation for the police's hard work will serve as the foundation for a safer Yeongdeungpo."