Busan Completes Linear Park Near Hyorim Elementary for Safer School Routes

Busan Metropolitan City completed the "Linear Park Development Project near Hyorim Elementary School" on January 12, a key initiative under the Sinpyeong-Jangnim living zone of the city's second "Happy Challenge" program for its 15-minute city plan. The project is expected to improve safety for children commuting to school and enhance the living environment through expanded walking paths, green spaces, and safe drop-off zones.

The project was launched to secure pedestrian safety along routes near Hyorim Elementary School in Jangnim-dong, Saha-gu, where foot traffic concentrates during school commute hours. The city applied road diet techniques to approximately 150 meters of the main school route, widening pedestrian space and creating new rest areas for residents including street gardens and shelters. A children's safe drop-off zone was also installed to reduce traffic congestion and accident risks.

The city expects the completed project to not only ensure safe school commutes for children but also boost community vitality by expanding interaction among residents.

To systematically improve school commute environments, the city launched the "15-Minute City Safe School Route Council" in October. The council plans to develop school commute improvement models that consider Busan's unique geographical characteristics and expand safe school routes citywide.

The second Happy Challenge program for the Sinpyeong-Jangnim living zone comprises 14 projects with a total budget of 34.7 billion won ($25.6 million). After selecting the area as a target site in August 2023, the city has implemented projects in phases through expert consultations and public-private partnerships. In August last year, the city completed school route improvements and street garden development around Borim Elementary School, receiving strong positive responses from residents.

"Creating a city where children can go to school safely and with smiles is one of the city's important goals," said Lim Kyung-mo, Director of Urban Innovation and Balanced Development at Busan Metropolitan City. "We will continue to expand our 15-minute city projects to create safe living zones that citizens can feel in their daily lives."