Kim Young-bae Announces "Time Equality Seoul" Policy Vision e-Book Amid Mayoral Bid

Reducing Commuting Time and Promoting Proximity Between Workplaces and Residences
A Vision for Time-Centered Urban Policy

Kim Youngbae, a lawmaker from the Democratic Party of Korea, unveiled his policy vision on March 16 to transform Seoul into a "Special City for Time Equality."

On this day, Assemblyman Kim held an event at the National Assembly Members’ Office Building to announce the "Time Equality Seoul Policy Vision e-book," presenting a vision to shift Seoul’s urban policies from a focus on development and physical space to a focus on the time of its citizens.

Kim Youngbae, Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker. Photo by Yonhap News

This policy vision e-book includes proposals for time-saving commutes, a city structure where work and residence are close together, expanded public care services, and infrastructure centered around daily living areas—an overall blueprint for "time-focused urban policies" that aim to transform citizens’ daily lives.

Assemblyman Kim stated, "In Seoul, people spend two hours a day commuting, must give up their own time for caregiving responsibilities, and the issues of housing and employment disrupt the rhythm of life. The root cause of these problems is 'time inequality.' I will turn Seoul into a city that gives time back to its citizens."

During the presentation, citizens from various groups—including youth, women, middle-aged, and senior citizens—participated to discuss the realities of time imbalance they experience in Seoul.

Representing the youth, Lee Inae said, "For many young people, most of their day in Seoul is spent on commuting and work. While some individuals have plenty of free time, others do not even have the luxury to create that time. We need a city where time is not a privilege but is distributed fairly."

Shim Wooseop, who spoke for the middle-aged, commented, "Spatial inequality in Seoul ultimately leads to time poverty. The idea of shifting urban policies to focus on 'time' is a new paradigm."

Moon Kyungjoo, representing the senior citizens, remarked, "Many elderly people spend half of their day traveling to hospitals or welfare facilities. I hope that policies such as free village bus rides and 24-hour care networks will truly safeguard seniors’ time."

The story of Han Jiyoon, a parent raising two children, was also shared at the event.

Han explained, "Because it was difficult to balance work and childcare, I chose to start my own business. Policies such as expanding morning and after-school care at schools and creating a safe environment for children to return home will be a great help to parents."

Assemblyman Kim emphasized, "Politics should be about protecting the time of citizens. I will shift Seoul’s urban policies from a construction-centered approach to one focused on citizens’ time."

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