Earlier this week, Seoul was awarded with the "Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize" named after the former Prime Minister of Singapore, and given to reward sustainable development.
The South Korean capital won the prize partly because of Seoullo 70-17, a pedestrian overpass that opened last year.
And after that project's success, there are plans to turn Seoul into a city that super pedestrian-friendly by 2020.
Hong Yoo reports.
An old overpass for vehicles next to Seoul Station has been transformed into a path for people.
Just over a year has passed since Seoullo 7017 was created by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, and in that year, it has been used over 10 million times.
With Seoullo, the city government wanted to revitalize the area near Seoul Station, and after just one year, the number of pedestrians has increased by about 25%, the number of retailers has increased by 140% and sales have risen by 42%.
After the success of the project, Seoul City announced last week that it will create new pedestrian zones, starting with Seochon and Eulji-ro this year, to make Seoul into a city for pedestrians by 2020.
"When green transportation such as walking or public transportation takes over, the city will be cleaner and more active, as well as more attractive for tourists. That is why we are pushing ahead with this plan."
According to a survey of 680 citizens that have used Seoullo, about 69 percent were satisfied with the project.
"For me it seems like a good idea because people can spend more time walking with their friends and it's also good for the environment."
But expanding the pedestrian zones will mean vehicles will face speed limits and already congested roads such as Saejong-daero will be reduced from 10 lanes to 5 lanes.
"I am definitely against it. The roads here are already crowded and downsizing them to half the size would make the matter worse."
"Practically speaking, there are some difficulties in completing this plan by 2020 because first of all, there is the transportation flow problem to solve and the costs of realizing the plan."
The designs for the plan will be made starting next year and the construction will begin in 2020 to be completed by mid-2021.
Hong Yoo, Arirang News.
