Installation of Entry Barriers and Voice Guidance Devices at Ui Stream in Gangbuk-gu

Integration of Remote Control System for River Access Blocking and Voice Guidance Device

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gangbuk-gu (Mayor Park Kyum-soo) is expanding the operation of disaster prevention facilities to prepare for river isolation accidents caused by sudden heavy rain.

The district installed one entry/exit barrier and 32 voice guidance devices along Uicheon, a high-risk area for isolation accidents. A new riverside school route leading from Uicheon to a nearby middle school was created, prompting the addition of another barrier. The entry/exit barrier is a facility that controls access to riverside walkways when flooding is expected due to typhoons, monsoons, or sudden heavy rain.

The voice guidance devices were installed on remotely operated entry/exit control facilities. When visitors approach the barrier, an automatic voice message informs them of the access restrictions. These devices work in conjunction with the 32 existing entry/exit barriers installed along Uicheon, serving as supplementary equipment to signal emergency situations.

In 2017, the district introduced the first remote-controlled river entry/exit barrier system in Seoul. This was to quickly control access when water levels rise rapidly due to heavy rainfall, preventing river isolation accidents. When the water level exceeds a certain threshold, the barrier operates automatically. Additionally, if the district office’s flood control situation room staff determine a risk such as river flooding, they can immediately activate the barrier using the Internet of Things (IoT) network.

This remote control system originated from a creative proposal by a Gangbuk-gu official. Subsequently, Seoul City supported the installation costs as a pilot project, expanding the system to rivers managed by other autonomous districts. Before the introduction of the remote barrier system, emergency measures such as access control signs and tapes required much more time to implement.

Mayor Park Kyum-soo of Gangbuk-gu said, “In crisis situations, proactive response is more important than anything else,” adding, “Ensuring residents’ safety starts with thorough accident prevention, and we will work hard to prevent disasters from occurring along the rivers.”

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