Seoul City Pilots 'Car-Free Streets' on Cheongwadae-ro and Inwangsan-ro...Improving Visitor Convenience

Weekend Yeongbinmun~Chunghumun 'Car-Free Street to Cheongwadae'... Ensuring Visitor Safety and Convenience
Introducing 'Inwangsan-ro Car-Free Street' Linking Hiking Trails and Historical Cultural Sites

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Seoul Metropolitan Government is introducing a new "car-free street" to enhance convenience for visitors and local residents in connection with the opening of Cheongwadae (the Blue House). In line with the purpose of allowing citizens to visit freely, an additional pedestrian-only "car-free street" will be established in the city center, which is expected to improve convenience for families on weekends, visitors from other regions, and hikers.

On the 14th, Seoul City announced that the current Cheongwadae Opening Task Force (TF) plans to pilot the operation of a car-free street on Cheongwadae Road so that it can be regularly operated even after the opening. The pilot will run 12 times on weekends and public holidays from April 28 to June 26, covering a 500-meter section of the road in front of Cheongwadae, from Yeongbinmun to Chunchumun.

For the safe visit of citizens, the city will control vehicles on the Cheongwadae section and deploy traffic police and exemplary drivers to ensure smooth operation. To block vehicle access to Cheongwadae, the car-free street will be enforced on weekends and public holidays from noon to 6 p.m., controlling the uphill section from the Embassy of Brazil in Korea to Chunchumun. Additionally, the currently operating city loop bus No. 01 will be rerouted from Hyoja-dong Fountain towards Seochon.

Since Cheongwadae Road includes the Blue House entrances, Chunchumun and Yeongbinmun, it is expected to greatly enhance visitor convenience. Based on the effects of the pilot operation, Seoul City plans to actively promote regular weekend operations to facilitate the smooth opening of Cheongwadae. Moreover, small-scale street performances and photo zones will be created for visitors’ enjoyment. Various street performances, music concerts, and photo zones will be held to promote participatory events with citizens.

‘Inwangsan-ro,’ which had high demand from nearby residents, will also have a pilot car-free street operation in May. This covers approximately 1.5 km in both directions from the Tiger Statue to the Hill of Poet Yun Dong-ju. Inwangsan-ro will also implement full vehicle control on its two-lane road to create a pedestrian-only environment. The controlled section includes Inwangsan-ro and the uphill entrance to Bukak Skyway Bridge No. 3.

The pilot car-free street on Inwangsan-ro is expected to increase satisfaction among citizens visiting the hiking trails. In line with the spring season, visitors can actively observe plant ecology and enjoy hiking courses. The operation section also includes Cheongun Park, Changuimun Gate, and the Hill of Poet Yun Dong-ju, where the Yun Dong-ju Literature Museum is located, allowing visitors to walk to various historical and cultural sites up to the summit of Inwangsan.

Meanwhile, Seoul City plans to expand the pedestrian culture in the city through the newly promoted "car-free streets." Especially since the addition of car-free streets and on-site events were difficult due to COVID-19 social distancing measures over the past two years, the city will continue multifaceted support so that citizens can enjoy pedestrian culture through this opportunity.

The promotion of car-free streets on Cheongwadae Road and Inwangsan-ro is also expected to revitalize local commercial districts. To facilitate convenient visits to nearby areas, public transportation use will be actively encouraged, and tourist buses will be guided to use designated parking lots. In particular, cooperation with related agencies such as the police will be actively maintained to ensure regular operation after the pilot phase.

Baek Ho, Director of Urban Transportation at Seoul City, said, “Now that Cheongwadae has returned to the people, we will spare no effort to support more people to visit this historic landmark conveniently and safely.” He added, “During the car-free street operation hours, we hope visitors will use public transportation or walk to experience the city’s nooks and crannies up close.”

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