Seobu Expressway's Most Controversial Makeover: Why Are Seoul Drivers Outraged?

What Is Happening on the Seobu Expressway?

Did you know that one of Seoul's busiest arterial roads, the Seobu Expressway, is currently at the center of a heated debate? Since June 15, 2025, the city has closed the Omokgyo underpass and redirected traffic to a newly constructed surface road with traffic lights and pedestrian crossings. This is part of a larger project to convert the entire expressway into a pedestrian-friendly, eco-conscious boulevard. The goal is to reconnect neighborhoods previously divided by the highway, but the move has left many drivers and local businesses bewildered and frustrated.
Recent news reports confirm that the Omokgyo underpass (eastbound, from Seongsan Bridge towards Iljik) is now closed, and vehicles must use the adjacent surface road, which has been fitted with new traffic lights and crosswalks. This shift is just the first phase: similar changes are planned for other underpasses along the route, with the entire project expected to continue into 2026.

The City's Vision: From Expressway to Green Boulevard

Seoul's urban planners envision the Seobu Expressway as more than just a road. Their plan includes reducing the speed limit from 80 km/h to 50 km/h, removing central dividers, and shrinking lane widths. In their place, the city will add pedestrian sidewalks, bicycle paths, and over 44,000 square meters of green space—equivalent to six soccer fields. The surface road conversion is intended to make the area safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists, while also providing much-needed recreational space in western Seoul. City officials argue that this transformation will improve the quality of life for residents by reducing the physical and psychological barrier the highway once posed.
For example, the city has highlighted the lack of parks in the area and the need for better pedestrian connections to the Anyangcheon stream. They also cite survey data showing that over 63% of local residents expressed interest in using the new pedestrian and cycling facilities.

Why Are Drivers and Businesses So Upset?

Despite the city's optimistic vision, the reaction from drivers, commuters, and local businesses has been overwhelmingly negative. Many argue that turning a high-capacity expressway into a surface road with multiple traffic lights will only worsen the notorious traffic jams that plague the area. Even before the changes, the Seobu Expressway was infamous for its congestion, especially during rush hour. Now, with the addition of traffic signals and pedestrian crossings, drivers report that travel times have doubled, even late at night.
Business owners in the G-Valley industrial complex, which relies heavily on efficient road access, have voiced strong opposition. They question how adding intersections and reducing speed limits could possibly improve traffic flow. Some residents have even switched to electric scooters or bicycles, claiming that driving has become unbearable. The general sentiment is one of confusion: why fix something that, while not perfect, was at least predictable?

How Are Online Communities Reacting?

If you browse Korean online communities like Theqoo, Nate Pann, Instiz, Naver, Daum, DC Inside, FM Korea, and PGR21, you'll find a storm of criticism and sarcasm. Many users share real-time traffic screenshots showing gridlock on the newly converted sections, with comments like 'It's midnight and I'm stuck in traffic from Seongsan Bridge to Omokgyo—what's the point of this?' and 'Did anyone actually ask for this?' Some posts mock the project as 'the most pointless and absurd construction in Korea's road history.'
However, a minority of commenters support the city's long-term vision, arguing that Seoul needs to prioritize pedestrians and cyclists over cars. They point to successful examples in Europe where similar projects have revitalized urban neighborhoods. Still, the dominant mood is one of skepticism and frustration, with many predicting that the congestion will only get worse as more underpasses are closed.

Cultural Context: Why Is This Such a Big Deal in Korea?

To understand the uproar, you need to know how central car culture is to daily life in Seoul. The city has long relied on a network of high-speed urban expressways to keep its dense population moving. For decades, the priority has been to maximize vehicle throughput, often at the expense of pedestrians and cyclists. The Seobu Expressway, in particular, is a lifeline for commuters in southwestern Seoul, connecting major residential and industrial zones. Any disruption to this route has immediate ripple effects on traffic patterns across the city.
Moreover, Korean drivers are accustomed to rapid, highway-style travel even within city limits. The sudden imposition of lower speed limits, frequent stops, and pedestrian crossings represents a radical shift in urban mobility philosophy. For many, it feels like a step backward, especially when compared to the convenience of underground expressways that bypass surface-level congestion.

Comparing Korea's Approach to Global Trends

Globally, cities like Paris, Berlin, and New York have experimented with converting major roads into pedestrian-friendly boulevards. These projects often face initial backlash from drivers but can lead to long-term benefits such as reduced pollution, increased foot traffic for local businesses, and improved public health. However, the success of such transformations depends on robust public transit alternatives and careful traffic management—areas where Seoul still faces challenges.
In Korea, the debate over the Seobu Expressway highlights a broader cultural tension between car-centric development and the push for greener, more livable cities. While the city's intentions may be admirable, the execution and communication of the project have left many feeling excluded from the decision-making process.

What Happens Next? The Road Ahead

The Seobu Expressway surface road project is far from over. As more underpasses are closed and the new traffic patterns take hold, drivers and residents will continue to adapt—willingly or not. The city promises ongoing monitoring and adjustments, but the immediate reality is one of increased congestion and public discontent.
For foreign readers and fans of Korean urban culture, this controversy offers a window into the complexities of modern city planning in Seoul. It also serves as a reminder that even the best-intentioned projects can face fierce resistance if they disrupt established routines. Will the Seobu Expressway transformation ultimately succeed in creating a more walkable, green city? Only time will tell, but for now, it's a bumpy ride for everyone involved.