A Drastic Increase in the Number of Restrooms for Women

A total of 37.2 billion won will be spent to add 468 toilets to public washroom for women by 2010, considering the fact that women need more toilets than men. Newly built restrooms, including those at the 25 stations of Subway Line 9 will have more toilets for women than those for men. Toilets and washbasins for children will also be provided.

Seoul City plans to set up a guideline that the number of toilets for women should be at least 50 percent higher than those for men at a public facility with a capacity of 500 or more people.

Parking Lots Exclusively for Women

Improvements will be made concerning parking lots to help reduce women drivers’ inconvenience and safety-related concerns. This year, the city authorities plan to spend 3.6 billion won to build 210 parking spaces only for women in seven facilities, including Garak and Gangseo Markets.

The number of municipal parking lots for women will also be increased next year, after carrying out a test operation in the second half of this year. A total of 19 CCTVs will be installed at three underground public parking lots, i.e. Gaehwasan Station, Dobongsan Station and Hwagok Bus Garage. Those spaces allocated for the handicapped will also be shared with pregnant women through amendments to relevant laws and regulations.

Babysitting Services at Cultural Facilities

Seoul City will install a baby nursing space, a children's play facility and a library on the second and third floor of the newly built City Hall. Starting in July, baby carriages can be borrowed from the Namsangol Hanok Village, Unhyeongung and Gyeonghuigung Palace. Starting in June, the Cheonggyecheon Museum will also loan baby carriages and wheel chairs.

Daycare Centers

Seoul city has a plan for integration of dong offices. Buildings thus evacuated, along with municipal baby care information centers, will be used as part-time day care facilities, children's education and play facilities, with toys and materials available for free.