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Elderly Pedestrians Stranded Mid-Crossing as Signals Change Too Quickly

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Elderly pedestrians in Seoul's Dongdaemun district face challenges crossing streets due to short signal times.
  • Many seniors, like 79-year-old Ham Dae-ik, find themselves stranded mid-crossing when signals change, forcing them to seek refuge on bus platforms.
  • The area has a high proportion of elderly residents and a significant number of traffic accidents involving older pedestrians.

Seoul's Dongdaemun district, particularly near Cheongnyangni Market, presents a daily struggle for its elderly population. Ham Dae-ik, 79, found himself stranded mid-crossing at a bus-only lane intersection, his pace unable to match the rapid signal change. "I thought I could cross enough, but my body just couldn't keep up," he lamented, forced to retreat to a bus stop to avoid oncoming traffic.

He expressed a common sentiment among seniors: "I always think the signal should be just a little longer." The area's demographics highlight the urgency of this issue, with elderly populations significantly exceeding Seoul's average in Jegi-dong and Cheongnyangni-dong. Data from the Road Traffic Authority reveals nine severe pedestrian accidents involving seniors in the vicinity between 2022 and 2024.

I thought I could cross enough, but my body just couldn't keep up.

— Ham Dae-ikA 79-year-old pedestrian stranded mid-crossing due to short signal times.

Observations over two hours revealed numerous elderly individuals, many using walking sticks, navigating the busy streets. The short crossing times leave them vulnerable, creating a dangerous situation where they risk being caught in traffic. The need for adjusted pedestrian signal timings is evident, as the current infrastructure fails to accommodate the mobility needs of the district's aging residents.

I always think the signal should be just a little longer.

— Ham Dae-ikExpressing a common sentiment among elderly pedestrians regarding crossing signal durations.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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