Elevators to Be Installed on Steep Slopes in Muak-dong and Sungin-dong in Jongno District

37% Gradient, 85 Steps
Improving Walking Conditions for Mobility-Vulnerable Residents in High-Altitude Areas

Jongno District in Seoul (Mayor Jung Munheon) is moving to improve the walking environment in high-altitude residential areas by introducing elevators on steep slopes in Muak-dong and Sungin-dong.

Jung Munheon, Mayor of Jongno District, is climbing stairs while visiting a safety-vulnerable area. Provided by Jongno District.

The Muak-dong project was finally selected this month in the Seoul Metropolitan Government's contest for "installation of convenience facilities for mobility-vulnerable residents in high-altitude areas." A total project cost of 4 billion won (3.6 billion won from the city budget and 400 million won from the district budget) will be invested to install an elevator along a 43-meter section with a height difference of 16 meters and a gradient of 37%.

The target area around 83-2 and 60-5 Muak-dong is a representative high-altitude residential route with a gradient of over 30%, where elderly people, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and children have faced significant constraints in getting around. From this month through August, the district will conduct a feasibility study and investment review, then begin basic and detailed design after the budget is allocated in September. Construction is scheduled to start in 2027.

An inclined elevator will also be installed in the section around 2-2 Sungin-dong (from Exit 2 of Changsin Station to Sungin Church). With a total investment of 5.215 billion won, a 15-passenger facility will be installed along a 115-meter section that is 2 meters wide with a gradient of 26%, and three boarding platforms will be built at the upper, middle, and lower points.

This section has raised serious safety concerns due to icy conditions in winter, and people who find it difficult to use the stairs have had to make a detour of about 1 kilometer. With Myungshin Elementary School and a large apartment complex clustered nearby, the need to improve walking conditions has been continuously raised. Basic and detailed design work is currently underway, with construction scheduled to begin in April and be completed within this year. The beneficiary population is expected to reach about 8,000 people.

Jung Munheon, Mayor of Jongno District, said, "The installation of elevators in Muak-dong and Sungin-dong is not only about improving residents' safety and everyday convenience, but it is also an important step toward creating a community that includes people with limited mobility," adding, "We will work to create an environment where everyone can move about conveniently and safely."

Projected appearance of the Muak-dong elevator upon completion. Construction scheduled to begin in 2027. Provided by Jongno-gu.