[Card News Episode 11] Walkable Neighborhood Units-MicroSeoul Communities Ensuring Quality of Life for All Seoulites
The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) introduced the concept of a walkable neighborhood unit (MicroSeoul community) in its 2040 Seoul Plan, officially announced in January 2023.
A number of cities around the world have embraced the 15-minute city approach which aims to build sustainable neighborhoods in environmental, social, and economic terms. The SMG’s walkable neighborhood unit (MicroSeoul community) policy focuses on providing daily convenience and reducing automobile trips is part of the 15-minute city strategy.
Suggestions from the Seoul Institute
First, there is a need to build walkable neighborhood units, or MicroSeoul communities, customized to Seoul, a metropolis with a population of around 10 million. It is also vital to link it with improvement initiatives contained in the Seoul Community Plan.
Second, it is essential to foster the specialized development of regional centers and activate streets to construct or maintain walkable neighborhood units (MicroSeoul communities) and enhance connectivity harnessing local resources.
Third, a phased strategy to implement walkable neighborhood units (MicroSeoul communities) should be formulated. To that end, there is a need to connect it with existing urban planning initiatives and station area revitalization projects. Projects concerning the walking environment and community infrastructure should also be placed higher in priority order.
Lastly, it is necessary to offer institutional assistance, including inserting clauses pertaining to walkable neighborhood units (MicroSeoul communities) into the SMG’s ordinances on urban planning.