Episode 7: The Crosswalks

In the States, crosswalks aren’t as commonly used unless you are in a walkable area. Unlike the States, South Korea has crosswalks everywhere and are heavily utilized. In fact, they are so utilized that the crosswalk system is automated.

 

In the States, you typically need to press the crosswalk button on a pole connected to the street lights when you wish to cross the street otherwise the little flashing man will not appear to signify clearance of crossing the road. 

 

In South Korea, there is no need to press any button at all as the system already considers the need to walk. In fact, a common mistake US tourists will make is pressing the small button on the poles connected to the street lights. This small button is meant for those that are blind and unable to see when the light is green for pedestrians. A voice will speak out when to cross and beeps to signify how much time there is to do so when this button is pressed.

 

Every 2-3 minutes, the pedestrian signals will automatically turn green and have a countdown for how long. In some intersections, there will be a countdown when the pedestrian signal is red to show how much longer it will be until green. There can also be signals on the sidewalk just before crossing so that you needn’t look up to see when you can cross.

 

This system is another small detail that just makes living all that much easier and convenient. This hyper efficiency, however, stems from dense populations within Seoul and time scarcity. As I’ve mentioned before, the 빨리빨리 is incredibly relevant within Korean society and anything that can make one’s life that much more efficient and easier will likely be quickly implemented across the entire city.

Delivery food that got to my hotel before I did!

 

Until next time 🙂

Linh Duong