Seoul's 'Green Transportation Zone' Expanded from Hanyangdoseong to Gangnam and Yeouido

Visible Effects Such as 45.9% Decrease in Grade 5 Vehicle Traffic After Designation of Green Transportation Zone
Official Designation to Be Announced Within This Year... Special Comprehensive Measures to Be Established and Announced in the First Half of Next Year

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] The 'Green Transportation Zone,' proven effective in reducing fine dust and managing traffic demand, will be expanded from Seoul's Hanyangdoseong to Gangnam and Yeouido.

On the 4th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced plans to designate the Gangnam area and Yeouido region as 'Special Measures Zones for Green Transportation Promotion' within this year. The mayor can designate such zones if deemed necessary in areas with severe traffic congestion and excessive greenhouse gas emissions. Since announcing this plan in November last year, Seoul has reviewed and decided on the designation scope and proceeded with related procedures.

Previously, in March 2017, Seoul became the first nationwide to designate 16.7㎢ inside Hanyangdoseong, including 8 neighborhoods in Jongno-gu and 7 neighborhoods in Jung-gu, as a Green Transportation Zone. The city established a special comprehensive plan aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% and private car traffic volume by 30% by 2030, and has been implementing detailed projects accordingly.

Since the driving restrictions implemented from December last year, traffic volume in this area has decreased by 12.8% compared to July 2019, and it is predicted that approximately 2 tons of PM (particulate matter) will be reduced annually as an effect of decreased air pollutants such as fine dust.

Through road space reorganization in the designated area, pedestrian spaces have increased and traffic volume has decreased. Various detailed projects such as expanding the public bike system 'Ddareungi,' installing bicycle lanes, and enforcing the 5030 speed limit are being promoted.

Accordingly, the city plans to push for the expansion of the Green Transportation Zones in Gangnam and Yeouido within this year and to establish and announce a special comprehensive plan in the first half of next year. In accordance with relevant laws, consultations have been held with nearby local governments such as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Incheon City, and the relevant districts including Gangnam-gu. After completing the review by the Local Transportation Committee and administrative procedures such as public notice and citizen opinion collection, the designation will be officially announced within this year.

The Gangnam Green Transportation Zone includes major commercial areas around Teheran-ro, Gangnam-daero, and Yeongdong-daero, centered on the urban boundary of Gangnam in the city's urban plan. The scope was set to include large traffic-generating facilities such as department stores and the Express Bus Terminal in Gangnam, as well as major development plans like the International Exchange Complex District and GBC, with boundaries defined at the administrative neighborhood level.

The Yeouido zone includes major commercial areas around Yeongdeungpo and Yeouido urban boundaries. The scope was set to include large traffic-generating facilities such as IFC, 63 Building, the National Assembly, and the Stock Exchange in Yeouido, as well as major development plans like the Yeouido regeneration plan, with boundaries defined at the administrative neighborhood level.

The Gangnam Green Transportation Zone covers approximately 30.3㎢, spanning three districts: Gangnam-gu, Seocho-gu, and Songpa-gu, while the Yeouido Green Transportation Zone covers about 8.4㎢, designated in Yeoui-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu.

Hwang Bo-yeon, Director of Urban Transportation at Seoul City, explained, "We are expanding the Green Transportation Zones to solve traffic and air quality problems in Yeouido and Gangnam, the central areas of Seoul, and to present a new vision for a smart city. These areas will be transformed into transportation hubs where smart and eco-friendly means such as public transportation, bicycles, and autonomous shuttle buses can be used more conveniently."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.