A street view (top) of the Guro and Gasan Digital Complex (G-Valley) area in Seoul and an image of the expected "shaded pedestrian zone" under a pilot project. (Seoul Metropolitan Government)
By Yoo Yeon Gyeong
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon has pledged to build shaded walkways from 2028 to guard pedestrians against heat waves in the capital.
At a news conference on Aug. 19 at Seoul City Hall in Jung-gu District, he said, "We will make shade a basic city service that protect the lives and daily lives of residents, not just a convenience available in select areas."
The "right to walk in the shade" is a policy concept of designing and managing urban spaces allowing walking with uninterrupted shade. The city government said 31.4% of the 815 cases of heat-related ailments reported in the capital between 2023 and last year occurred on the street.
Through next year, a pilot project will be conducted at 10 select areas with high foot traffic and lack of shade. Natural shade will be installed where trees can be planted and in areas where doing so is difficult, shade structures and other facilities will be installed to allow a continuous stretch of sun protection along major pedestrian routes.
The city will analyze resident usage rates and satisfaction levels from the pilot program and expand from 2028 methods proven effective to the entire city.
dusrud21@korea.kr
