Seoul gov't aims to reduce traffic accidents through tree-planting initiative

Some 2,000 trees will be planted along roads in Seoul by 2026 to help prevent traffic accidents.

A rendered image provided by the Seoul city government on Tuesday shows pedestrians walking past trees planted along a roadside. [SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT]

Some 2,000 trees will be planted along roads in Seoul by 2026 to help prevent traffic accidents.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on Tuesday its plan to plant trees along roadsides and on traffic islands, which are expected to protect both pedestrians and drivers in the event of accidents.

The initiative follows a recent tragic accident near Seoul City Hall, where at least nine people were killed when a car mounted a sidewalk and destroyed the steel bollards at the scene.

According to the city government, trees can better protect pedestrians and drivers as they can absorb more shock compared to human-made structures like bollards and fences.

Although there are no specific studies on the effects of planting trees to reduce the impact of car accidents, the city government referred to a study from the Czech Republic that found significant correlations between tree trunk diameter and crash impact in vehicle-tree collisions.

The city will begin by planting 50 trees this year in areas such as Sejong-daero in Jongno District, central Seoul. The plan will then be expanded, with 1,000 trees planted in 2025 and 950 in 2026, following a review of the initiative’s effects.

A tree planted on a traffic island in Gwanak District, southern Seoul, in a photo provided by the Seoul city government on Tuesday. [SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT]

Five types of trees with sturdy trunks have been chosen for the initiative: zelkova, ginkgo, three-flowered maple, maple and wedding cake trees.

The city government also emphasized that the trees will be regularly maintained, including trimming unnecessary branches, to ensure they do not obstruct drivers' views or block traffic signs.

"Planting trees along roadsides is an effective and forward-thinking measure that not only enhances pedestrian safety but also addresses climate change," said Lee Su-yeon, head of the city government's Garden-City Bureau.

The newly planted trees are expected to provide shade in the city while also helping to reduce carbon emissions and fine dust.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]