In 2008, Seoul has expanded the scope of Car Free Day and included an additional street in downtown. Various events were held on these Car Free Streets. Also in order to encourage commuters to leave their cars at home and use public transportation, all buses and subways were free till 9 in the morning. Green grass had covered the concrete car lanes for citizens and participants to enjoy and have picnics. A bicycle parade, which Mayor of Seoul, Se-hoon OH participated in, was held from Seoul Plaza to the ceremony venue to promote actions to improve air quality.

Many citizens and foreign visitors have shown great interest in the air quality status of Seoul. According to a survey, 87.3% of the citizens have agreed in expanding the scope of Seoul Car Free Day and 76.9% answered that the Car Free Day has contributed to improvement of the environment in Seoul. Traffic volume and vehicle use in the city fell by 9.9% and 21.1% respectively while traffic speed improved by 4.3%. The air quality in Seoul has also improved: PM10, CO and NO2 level decreased by 9%, 20% and 8% respectively.

Declaration of 2009 Seoul Car Free Day

On 30, July, Seoul held a declaration ceremony of 2009 Seoul Car Free Day to announce this year’s plans for car free day. Mayor of Seoul and Mayors of Jongno-Gu and Gangnam-Gu (*Gu is a district in Seoul) have participated in the ceremony and signed on a board to commit their participation in the 2009 Seoul Car Free Day. After signing ceremony, Mayor of Seoul joined bicycle parade with participants to promote Seoul Car Free Day and emphasize importance of climate improvement.

Signing ceremony

2009 Seoul Car Free Day

This year, Seoul has expanded its scope of Car Free Day and decided to close another busy street in the southern part of the city on 22, September. From 4 a.m. to 6 p.m. two of the streets, one in Gangbuk(northern part of Seoul) and the other in Gangnam(southern part), will be designated as Car Free Streets, where various events will be held under the theme of “Improving City Climates”. In particular, Tehran-ro(street) will hold programs related to “No Engine, No CO2!” for citizens to enjoy car free streets riding engine free transportations such as bicycles.

• Streets designated as Car Free Street

• North (Jongno): Sejong-ro Crossroad Heunginjimun (2.8km)

• South (Tehran-ro): Yeoksam Station Samsung Station (2.4km)

Seoul will organize programs and events for Car Free Day with 2009 Seoul Car Free Day Organizing Committee. On Car Free Day, 22 September public transportation will be free until 9 a.m. to encourage commuters to leave their cars at home. Also all the parking lots at offices of the Seoul Metropolitan Government and district buildings will be closed to discourage staffs from driving to work. The city government is encouraging other public offices and private buildings to close their parking lots as well.

Mayor of Seoul

On Car Free Day, Seoul will be divided into 3 zones to control the vehicle flow. Using cars will be controlled at whole Seoul Metropolitan Area, and cars will be controlled from entering the 4 main gates in the city. For the streets designated as Car Free Streets, private vehicles will be blocked from entering. (Only public buses will be allowed on these streets.) At Car Free Streets, temporary bus-only median-lanes will be created along with bicycle lane and pedestrian streets. To provide shade to the visitors and citizens, a green Eco-Tunnel will be created and children will have opportunity to draw pictures about Car Free Day and climate change. Exhibitions about climate change and environment, and other cultural events under the theme “Improving City Climates!” will be held.

Contact:

Yoonjin Cho

Climate Change Division

Seoul Metropolitan Government

Tel.: +82 2 2115 7796