Jeju City is turning roads near the (관덕정) Gwandeokjeong Pavilion into a pedestrian-friendly zone for one day a month from April through October on a trial basis.
Arts and cultural events will take place in the newly designated areas.
Joseph Kim reports.

This is (관덕로) Gwandeok-ro near (관덕정) Gwandeokjeong Pavilion. It is an east-west stretch and has four lanes.

[slug] Jeju City to have pedestrian-only roads

As a part of efforts to revitalize the old downtown area, Jeju City has worked on creating a pleasant and safe walking environment near the road since last year.

[slug] \2B to be spent for creating pedestrian-friendly zone this year

2 billion won has been earmarked for the project. Pedestrian paths and streetlights will be built.

[slug] One day a month from April to October

Roads near the (관덕정) Gwandeokjeong Pavilion will be turned into a pedestrian-friendly zone for one day each month from April through October on a trial basis.

INTERVIEW
Kim Shin-yeop / Representative, Jeju City
We're considering turning the roads near the pavilion into a pedestrian-only area for citizens to enjoy arts and cultural events. As we need some more time to consult with area residents, we expect the pedestrian-friendly zone to happen starting April or May this year.
<인터뷰:김신엽/제주시 문화예술 팀장>
"차 없는 거리를 조성해서 문화를 향유할 수 있는 공간을 만들어서 돌려주겠다는 복안을 갖고 주민과 대화해야 하는 점도 있어서 빠르면 4월 늦으면 5월 정도 예상하고 있습니다.

[slug] Jeju City attempted same project, but failed 2 years ago

Jeju City attempted to have the same project two years ago, but it faced strong opposition from merchants in the area and they gave up the project.
The opposition has since weakened. But there are still pros and cons to the issue.

Recording
Merchant near Gwandeokjeong Pavilion
It's a good attempt to have a pedestrian-only weekend.
<씽크: 차없는 거리 조성 찬성 상인>
"한 번 정도 주말에, 주말에는 괜찮죠."

Recording
Merchant near Gwandeokjeong Pavilion
Shoppers who come by bus from Hwabuk or Hamdeok would not come here on the pedestrian-only day.
<씽크:차 없는 거리 조성 반대 상인>
"버스 타고 화북, 함덕에서도 물건 사러 왔다갔다 하는데 차가 여기 안오면 여기 사람 오겠어요?"

[slug] Plans being devised to increase the income of vendors

Jeju City is devising plans to increase the income of both vendors and area residents.

[slug] Basic plan for pedestrian-only zone to be completed next month

The plans include the establishment of a community-based cooperative and details on management rights for a flea market and it will be completed by the end of next month.

Along with the income boost, Jeju City should have plans on how to break up traffic near (관덕정) Gwandeokjeong Pavilion on the pedestrian-only day and plans on bus operation as well.

The pedestrian-friendly path is one of the key projects of mayor (고희범) Ko Hee-bum.

[Reporter] Joseph Kim
[Camera] Jwa Sang-eun

His administration will be judged as the project could be either a good example of energizing the old downtown or a case of failure without enough preparation.

Joseph Kim, KCTV