Seoul mayor guarantees citizens "right to walk on shaded streets"

The Seoul metropolitan government has announced a sweeping urban initiative in response to its recognition of extreme heat as a critical public safety threat.

City authorities will build structures providing continuous shaded paths along pedestrian routes across the South Korean capital from 2028, officials announced this week, as Korean media outlets report.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon unveiled the policy, describing it as a way to guarantee residents’ "right to walk on shaded streets" during a press briefing at City Hall.

"Heat waves are no longer a temporary discomfort that passes if you endure it for several days," Oh said. "As they grow stronger and last longer, they have become an everyday disaster threatening the lives and safety of citizens."

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 31.4% of the 815 heat-related illness cases reported in Seoul between 2023 and 2025 occurred on streets.

The city government plans to implement a three-step strategy focused on identifying vulnerable areas, developing tailored shade solutions and connecting pedestrian routes into a broader network.

The initiative will begin with a pilot programme covering 10 streets with high pedestrian traffic, which will run through 2027. Following an evaluation, the shaded pedestrian network is expected to expand across Seoul in 2028.

Where possible, the city plans to plant additional trees. In areas where planting is not practical, authorities will install seasonal awnings, canopies and small shelters.

Once completed, the shaded routes will connect residential neighbourhoods with subway stations, schools, markets, hospitals and parks.

"We will make shades not just a convenience facility in select places, but a basic urban service that protects the health and daily lives of citizens," Oh said.

The South Korean capital issued its highest-level heatwave warning across the entire city in early August, something that had never previously occurred.

Extreme weather pushed daytime temperatures in Seoul to 38C, prompting authorities to take additional measures to protect residents.

The city government designated around 4,000 locations, including community centres, senior citizens’ centres and welfare centres, as heat shelters.

The Interior Ministry also sent a text message to residents urging them to avoid going outdoors and engaging in outdoor activities, drink plenty of water, rest in cool places and check on the safety of family members.

The measures reflect growing concerns among authorities that increasingly intense and prolonged heatwaves could require cities to adapt their infrastructure and public services to protect residents.

By Nazrin Sadigova