SEOUL, Aug. 19 (Yonhap) -- The Seoul metropolitan government announced Wednesday a sweeping urban initiative to provide continuous shaded paths across all city sidewalks starting in 2028, framing extreme heat as a critical public safety disaster.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon unveiled the policy to guarantee people's "right to walk on shaded streets" during a press briefing at City Hall, stressing the urgency of the matter.

"Heat waves are no longer a temporary discomfort that passes if you endure it for several days," Oh said. "As they grow stronger and last longer, they have become an everyday disaster threatening the lives and safety of citizens."

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 31.4 percent of the 815 heat-related illness cases reported in Seoul between 2023 and 2025 occurred on streets.

The city government plans to execute a three-step strategy of identifying vulnerable zones, establishing tailored shade solutions and connecting walking routes.

Where possible, the city also plans to plant additional trees, and in other spaces, install seasonal awnings, canopies and small shelters.

When completed, the shaded paths will link residential areas to subway stations, schools, markets, hospitals and parks.

"We will make shades not just a convenience facility in select places, but a basic urban service that protects the health and daily lives of citizens," Oh said.

The initiative will begin with a pilot program limited to 10 streets with high pedestrian traffic set to run through 2027. Following an evaluation, the shade-covered pedestrian network will expand citywide in 2028.

yusbvtyhtoo@yna.co.kr

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