[Report] First Day of 'Roads with Cars'... Yeonse-ro, Coexistence of Expectations and Concerns

Citizens "Less inconvenience, many benefits expected from vehicle traffic"
Merchants "Welcome the first step to revitalize commercial areas, urgent need for parking spaces"
Environmental groups "Must consider environmental issues like traffic congestion-induced air pollution"

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Taewon] Around 5:20 PM on the 20th, the area of Yonsei-ro in Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Unlike usual when only buses occasionally passed by, that day was bustling with passenger cars crossing the Sinchon downtown area. It looked as if it was never a 'car-free road,' with both pedestrians and vehicles flowing smoothly. Na Mo (28), who came out to Sinchon, said, "I come to Sinchon often, and I don't feel it is more inconvenient than before," adding, "Rather, there were many cases where I had to take a detour when using a vehicle, so it seems the advantages of vehicle traffic are greater," expressing satisfaction.

Around 5:20 PM on the 20th, the public transportation-only zone was temporarily lifted in the Yonsei-ro area of Seodaemun-gu, Seoul. Unlike usual, the streets of Sinchon’s bustling district are crowded with passenger cars./Photo by Tae-won Choi skking@

The public transportation-only zone on Yonsei-ro in front of Yonsei University was temporarily lifted on the 20th. Citizens expressed expectations for revitalizing commercial districts and improving traffic convenience, but also voiced concerns about effectiveness and pedestrian inconvenience.

According to Seodaemun-gu, from midnight on the 20th until midnight on September 30th, the Sinchon Yonsei-ro public transportation-only zone will be temporarily lifted as a pilot. Yonsei-ro is a 550-meter section from Sinchon subway station to the main gate of Yonsei University, established in January 2014 as Seoul's first 'public transportation-only zone.' With this lifting, all vehicles (except two-wheelers), including passenger cars and taxis, which were previously prohibited on Yonsei-ro, will be allowed to pass 24 hours a day.

Citizens cited that one of the biggest improvements was that they no longer need to detour through the heavily congested Sinchon Rotary or Sinchon Train Station directions to bypass Yonsei-ro.

Lee Mo (34), who lives in a villa near Yonsei-ro, said, "I expect it will be very convenient to use vehicles. Until now, to cross to the other side, I had to take a detour, but the roads were congested and took a long time," adding, "If they change the signal system around Sinchon Rotary as well, traffic flow might become even smoother," praising the change.

Lee Mo (56), who runs a convenience store in the downtown area, also said, "Previously, it was difficult for cars to enter and exit the alleys. Moreover, if you took a wrong turn, you had to circle around," expressing, "I hope the commercial district will be revitalized as accessibility improves."

Sinchon merchants welcomed the first step toward revitalizing the commercial district but unanimously agreed that securing parking spaces is urgent.

Jung Mo (52), the owner of a pub, said, "There are many opinions that increased vehicle traffic will somewhat help sales," but added, "I don't know if it will be very effective unless the parking problem is solved. Even if cars come, people won't visit stores if there is nowhere to park."

Lee Mo (59), the owner of a Japanese restaurant, said, "Parking lots are the most urgent issue. In Sinchon, even if you park briefly in an alley, you get a ticket. But there are no proper parking places," adding, "How can customers come by car?"

Seodaemun-gu is also reportedly working on securing parking spaces. Since last year, the district has been promoting a shared parking lot project in the Sinchon area. On December 26th last year, they signed a 'shared parking lot' agreement with Yonsei University and plan to sign similar agreements with Hyundai Department Store, Changcheon Church, Severance Hospital, Ewha Womans University, and others.

On the morning of the 20th, civic groups including Yeonse-ro Joint Action held a press conference condemning the lifting of the Yeonse-ro public transportation-only zone in Yeonse-ro, Sinchon, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

There were voices of concern from some quarters. The 'Yonsei-ro Joint Action,' composed of 10 organizations including the Seoul Environmental Federation, held a relay one-person protest and banner action at 11:30 AM that day condemning the temporary suspension of the public transportation-only zone operation. Their position is that the pedestrian-friendly intent is fading, and environmental issues such as air pollution caused by traffic congestion must also be considered.

There was also an argument that consideration for students, who are mostly pedestrians in the university area, is necessary. Jeong Mo (33), a graduate student at Yonsei University met on the street, said, "It is such a big issue among students that the school conducted a survey," expressing regret, "From the perspective of most students who do not use cars, it is indeed inconvenient."

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