Home > National > Social Affairs

Safety issues raised over plaza

Published: 31 Aug. 2009, 01:55

Members of the public visit Gwanghwamun Plaza yesterday. The open space, which opened a month ago, has been criticized over safety issues following one accident and the belated installation of traffic barriers. By Kim Hyung-soo

More than 2 million people have visited the new public space in central Seoul so far, but not everyone is convinced the area is safe for pedestrians.

According to the Seoul city government, an average of 70,000 people have visited Gwanghwamun Plaza, the new gathering place for the public in the heart of the capital, each day since it opened on Aug. 1.

But the plaza has its critics, following an accident just two days after the venue’s opening. A taxi collided with another car while changing lanes and drove 20 meters through a flower garden.

Though no one was injured, Seoul city government belatedly installed 670 protective stone barriers. At the time of the opening, the city government hadn’t positioned safety fences.

“It still makes me feel uncomfortable when I see children playing in the fountains so close to the traffic,” said Jang Seon-mi, a housewife.

Meanwhile, after the Seoul city government announced it would ban rallies and only allow cultural events, civic groups and members of the opposition parties held a press conference at the plaza condemning the city government’s decision just three days after the opening on Aug. 3. The protestors were arrested on charges of organizing an unauthorized rally.

The plaza, located in the middle of Seojongno, contains waterways, fountains, a statue of the iconic Korean historical figure Admiral Yi Sun-shin, plus a large flower garden.

An underground walkway leads to the Haechi Madang exhibition hall, which connects to Gwanghwamun Station and holds exhibitions on different themes.

“The city’s final goal is to expand the size of the plaza so pedestrians can reach Gyeongbok Palace by walking from the plaza,” said Hwang Chi-yeong, a Seoul city government official.

Despite safety concerns, reactions from the public have been positive from some quarters.

Kim Chun-deok, a housewife visiting Seoul from Iksan, North Jeolla, said it’s nice to have another gathering place in addition to Seoul and Cheong-gye plazas in the capital.

“I feel refreshed when I see children playing in the fountains,” Kim said.

By Kim Gyeong-jin, Kim Mi-ju [[email protected]]