Before and after images of the ‘Bandi’ Safe Community Space. The left photo shows the area prior to development, and the right shows the completed transformation. (Photo courtesy of Yongsan District Office)
SEOUL, July 4 (Korea Bizwire) — Yongsan District in central Seoul has completed a cutting-edge urban design project aimed at crime prevention in Cheongpa-dong, an area with a high concentration of single female households, officials announced Thursday.
The initiative, led in partnership with Sookmyung Women’s University’s environmental design department, integrates smart technologies and tailored spatial solutions to enhance safety. The project was developed through resident surveys, interviews, joint patrols with police, and academic collaboration.
A key feature is the transformation of existing neighborhood facilities into a multi-use safety hub called Bandi, which includes an automated trash bag dispenser, a secure transaction zone, and a rest area for residents. Illuminated patrol zone signs were also installed to improve visibility and heighten the sense of safety.
Before and after images of the Shutter Gallery. The left photo shows the appearance before the transformation, and the right photo shows the completed design.
(Photo courtesy of Yongsan District Office)
To revitalize the neighborhood’s visual environment, students from Sookmyung University designed a “Shutter Gallery” that repurposes aging storefront shutters with illustrated artwork, reinforcing public stewardship. Unregulated boarding advertisements were replaced with illuminated, unified information boards to improve street aesthetics.
Additional upgrades include convex mirrors and lighted handrails in blind spots and steep areas to support pedestrian safety. Most notably, the district piloted a “smart window” system — the first of its kind in Korea — allowing boarding house residents to adjust window transparency at the push of a button, enhancing both privacy and crime deterrence.
“This project demonstrates how technology-driven design can overcome traditional limitations in urban safety,” said Yongsan District Mayor Park Hee-young. “We will continue with similar initiatives, including the upcoming crime prevention project in Hangangno-dong, to make Yongsan a safer place for all.”
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
