The Daegu government invested a total budget of 11.2 billion KRW to construct new roundabouts on approximately 85 roadways with high accident risks. The project aimed to enhance traffic safety throughout the city. The project broke ground on Jan. 23 and extends through the end of this year.

The initiative focuses on safer walkways for pedestrians. Daegu Metropolitan City Traffic Safety Improvement Director Jisoo Park said, “We are currently focusing on improving child protection areas and areas with frequent traffic accidents.”

The investment includes sidewalks, protective fences, and yellow carpets in areas with limited child security oversight. Park said, “It is mostly for elementary school students and children in daycare centers or kindergartens. We are improving places where there are no sidewalks and where it is dangerous for young kids.”

The project also affected the Palgong-ro 51 road near Daegu International School, specifically between the Huefore apartments, Esiapolis The Sharp 2nd Complex, and the fire department.

Beyond reinforced child protection zones, the construction of traffic circles also improves congestion flow and safety for both drivers and pedestrians. Park said, “Intersections don’t require signals. The new projects can replace the long waiting time for signals and reduce the risk of accidents.”

Local residents lauded the improved mobility. Jeongjoo Park, a resident of Huefore, said, “I used to jaywalk a lot because the signals here were too long. It’s nice that this was built, and I don’t have to wait that long at the signals anymore. My granddaughter goes to a daycare center over there, so going back and forth has become a lot easier.”

This implementation, in effect, establishes order on the roads and prevents accidents. Local firefighter Jeonghuan Lee said, “Cars inside the turning lane have priority. So, I think the rate of accidents will decrease because people and cars can move in an orderly manner. And as far as I know, statistics show that roundabouts reduce traffic accidents, which is an advantage.”

Although stakeholders support the new roundabout, others point to limitations. Taeseok Lee, resident of Huefore, said, “Sometimes there aren’t many cars, and I have to go around, so it takes a while. Still, I think it’s better for safety and better for pedestrians.”

Beyond construction, Park highlighted how raised awareness on driver and pedestrian safety can improve the traffic environment. Park said, “We are in the process of improving such facilities, but there are some areas where the perception of drivers needs to change. If you have any suggestions or any inconveniences regarding traffic, you can always make suggestions.”