Seoul Metropolitan Government Begins Accessibility Project

The Seoul Metropolitan Government of Seoul, South Korea, has begun planning for the installation of accessibility facilities for the mobility impaired in five places in the highlands of Seoul, Maeil Business Newspaper reports. The Seoul Metropolitan Government held a selection committee on May 29 to choose where to install customized elevators, choosing inclines where it is difficult to move on the steep slopes. It has selected five places, including Junggok-dong in Gwangjin-gu, Hwagok-dong in Gangseo-gu, Bongcheon-dong in Gwanak-gu, Sungin-dong in Jongno-gu and Sindang-dong in Jung-gu, for the KRW20 billion (US$14.8 million) vertical-transportation project. A sloping elevator will be built in Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu near Changsin Station and is expected to help improve the convenience of residents’ travel and revitalize tourist attractions such as Naksan Park and Hanyang Fortress Road. The government estimates that the administrative procedures, such as basic plans and investment screening, will take place in the second half of this year, with installation starting in 2026 and completing at the end of 2027.