Suwon Special City Installs Convenience Chairs Under Shade Structures as Heat Refuge in Urban Areas

Suwon Special City (Mayor Lee Jae-jun) has conducted a pilot installation of convenience chairs under shade structures at five crosswalks in the Suwon City Hall Square area, allowing seniors, people with disabilities, and other mobility-challenged pedestrians to sit while waiting for pedestrian signals.

The convenience chairs under the shade structures are installed at the lower part of the canopies so that the elderly, pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities can sit and rest briefly while waiting for pedestrian signals.

The Suwon City Hall Square area was selected as the pilot project site due to its high foot traffic and long pedestrian signal wait times. Fixed-type chairs were installed considering pedestrian conditions and waiting space characteristics.

Suwon City plans to conduct on-site monitoring in cooperation with the Technology Support Center for Accessible Transportation Facilities and will gather user satisfaction and civic feedback.

Based on the pilot operation results, the city plans to gradually expand installations from 2027 onward, taking into account traffic volume of mobility-challenged pedestrians and pedestrian waiting times.

A Suwon City official stated, "Even a short wait for a pedestrian signal can be difficult for seniors and people with disabilities and other mobility-challenged pedestrians," and added, "We will carefully reflect the pilot operation results and civic opinions to create a walking environment where everyone can move comfortably and safely."