Mayor Kim Kyungho of Gwangjin Returns Sidewalks to Citizens by Removing Corporate-Style Street Vendors Blocking Walkways for 30 Years

Over 100,000 Pass Through Konkuk University Station Daily
46 Illegal Street Vendors Removed by District Enforcement
Remaining Vendors to Be Cleared Soon

"The streets have become cleaner and wider."

"The once narrow paths are now completely open, and it feels refreshing."

"This measure has restored the essential right to walk for those with mobility challenges."

Konkuk University Station, which serves subway lines 2 and 7, is a major commercial hub in eastern Seoul, with over 100,000 people passing through daily. However, for decades, 75 illegal street vendors occupied the sidewalks, reducing the effective walking width to just over 2 meters. The proliferation of temporary structures, tents, and signs led to ongoing concerns about safety hazards, hygiene issues, and damage to the cityscape.

Kim Kyungho, mayor of Gwangjin District Office, explaining the situation at the 'Illegal Street Vendor Cleanup Briefing around Konkuk University Station Area.' Provided by Gwangjin District Office.

Gwangjin District Office in Seoul, led by Mayor Kim Kyungho, recently launched a cleanup of illegal street vendors around Konkuk University Station, returning pedestrian space that had been occupied for more than 30 years back to the public. On the morning of September 24, the district held a briefing in the main auditorium to explain the procedural legitimacy and necessity of the cleanup, according to an announcement on September 26.

On September 8, the district prioritized the removal of 46 out of the 75 illegal street vendors. Although some vendors raised objections about procedural violations, the district explained that it had notified them to restore the illegally occupied space as early as May last year, but after 10 months of non-compliance, all preliminary steps-including guidance for voluntary removal and official warnings-had been completed. The district also cited the legal basis under Article 74 of the Road Act, which allows for nighttime enforcement without a warrant in cases of repeated illegal occupation and when swift action is required.

Regarding claims that these were "small, livelihood-based vendors," the district stated that this was "not true." Illegal practices were rampant, including corporate-style operations running multiple stalls, third-party proxy management, resale and subleasing activities, as well as tax evasion and unfair practices such as posing as basic livelihood recipients while driving luxury cars.

The local residents have responded positively. A resident of Hwayang-dong said, "Having lived here for decades, I have long awaited the day when the illegal street vendors would be gone. It was distressing to see vendors operating without paying taxes, and I appreciate the hard work of the district staff."

Mayor Kim Kyungho emphasized, "We will no longer overlook acts that have illegally occupied sidewalks for over 30 years, causing unfair competition and inconvenience and danger to residents. We will ensure that the remaining 29 street vendors are also removed." He added, "We will continue to do our best to secure pedestrian rights and create walkable streets, and I urge residents to join us in these efforts."

Since the launch of the 8th popularly elected administration, Gwangjin District has removed 172 out of 279 illegal street vendors at major subway stations, including Gangbyeon Station, Guui Station, and Konkuk University Station. The district announced plans to continue expanding pleasant pedestrian environments through ongoing sidewalk improvements, bus stop upgrades, green belt creation, and street festivals.

Briefing scene. Provided by Gwangjin District.