Seo-gu Council Member Paek Jonghan Highlights Need for Pedestrian Environment Improvements in Five-Minute Free Speech
by Shin Dongho
Published 21 Apr.2026 15:48(KST)
Concerns Raised Over Damaged Sidewalks and Tactile Paving Blocks
Need for Action-Oriented Maintenance, Not Just Formal Inspections
It was pointed out at the Seo-gu Council that improving the pedestrian environment is not merely a matter of civil complaints but is directly related to residents' safety.
On April 21, Paek Jonghan, member of the Gwangju Seo-gu Council (representing Hwajeong 3-dong, Hwajeong 4-dong, and Pungam-dong), highlighted the need for comprehensive improvements to the pedestrian environment during a five-minute free speech at the 339th temporary session's first plenary meeting, citing issues such as damaged sidewalks, uneven surfaces, damaged tactile paving blocks, and the excessive proliferation of facilities.
Paek Jonghan stated, "Various facilities and structural problems on sidewalks are serious issues that can lead not only to inconveniences in passage but also to safety accidents," adding, "In particular, they threaten the mobility rights of vulnerable groups such as wheelchair users and pedestrians with strollers."
He further emphasized, "What is important is not to stop at simple investigations, but to ensure that these lead to tangible improvements. It is necessary to comply with legal standards, such as securing the effective width of sidewalks, and to systematically maintain and improve the environment based on priority."
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