Seocho District Installs "All-Directional Crosswalk at Express Bus Terminal Intersection," Fulfilling 17-Year Wish

Significant Improvement in Pedestrian Convenience for Residents and Tourists

Seocho District in Seoul (District Mayor Jeon Seong-su) announced on December 10 that it had installed an "all-directional crosswalk at the Express Bus Terminal Intersection," a project that residents of Banpo and Jamwon-dong had been hoping for over the past 17 years. The crosswalk was completed on December 8.

The appearance of the crosswalk at the Express Bus Terminal Intersection after construction. Provided by Seocho District.

The Express Bus Terminal Intersection is an area with a high concentration of large facilities such as the Express Bus Terminal, Shinsegae Department Store, and Goto Mall. With the development of large-scale residential complexes like Banpo Xi and One Bailey through reconstruction, pedestrian demand has surged in the area.

Nevertheless, for the past 17 years, there had been no above-ground crosswalk, forcing residents to use the stairs of the underground shopping arcade to cross the street. This inconvenience became more pronounced after the area was designated as the Goteo-Sevit Tourism Special Zone in December of last year, leading to a sharp increase in foreign tourist visits and the pedestrianization of Jamsu Bridge, which further highlighted the need to improve the pedestrian environment.

The process of installing the crosswalk was not smooth. Merchants in the underground shopping arcade, concerned about declining business, opposed the plan. There were also concerns about the lack of waiting space for pedestrians due to large above-ground structures. Reaching an agreement on relocating entrances to the underground arcade to secure space proved difficult and remained unresolved for a long time.

The district, together with Goto Mall and Central City, discussed ways to designate the area as a special tourism zone and revitalize local businesses, ultimately achieving the designation of the Goteo-Sevit Tourism Special Zone. Instead of relocating underground entrances, the district came up with an alternative plan to adjust the right-turn lane to secure space above ground, saving approximately 2 billion won in construction costs.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and Seocho Police Station also supported the project, recognizing the need to ensure pedestrian safety. The plan passed the final traffic review by the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency on May 27 of this year. With the cooperation of related organizations such as City Council members Lee Sukja and Park Sanghyuk, and the Seoul Road Planning Division, the district was able to secure the necessary budget and expedite construction. Since the launch of the 8th popularly elected administration, Seocho District has installed crosswalks at a total of 13 key locations, including Banpo Intersection and Express Bus Terminal Intersection, thereby expanding pedestrian rights for residents.

Seocho District Mayor Jeon Seong-su stated, "With the opening of this crosswalk, not only residents of Banpo and Jamwon but also tourists visiting the Express Bus Terminal area can now enjoy a safer pedestrian environment. We will continue to do our utmost to secure pedestrian rights for residents and to expand transportation infrastructure that benefits both the community and the local economy."

Seocho District held a completion ceremony for the Express Bus Terminal crosswalk on the 8th. Provided by Seocho District.

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