Seocho-gu to Intensively Inspect Safety at 139 Public Restrooms Ahead of Winter

Police Join Checks of Emergency Bells' 112 Connections

Seocho-gu in Seoul (District Mayor Jeon Seong-su) said on November 15 that it would conduct intensive inspections of safety and sanitation at 139 public restrooms and privately operated restrooms open to the public in the district.

Police and the district office’s facilities management department will jointly test the emergency bells. The inspections will focus on whether pressing a bell properly triggers a call to 112 and alerts the police station.

Public restroom emergency bell. Provided by Seocho-gu.

Inspectors will check the emergency bells and emergency contact systems, whether devices for illegal filming are inspected, the condition of lighting and ventilation facilities, and potential safety hazards such as slippery surfaces. They will also examine indoor hygiene, whether cleaning schedules are maintained, and whether supplies are stocked. Accessibility facilities and informational signs for people with disabilities will also be checked.

At privately operated restrooms open to the public, inspectors will check whether signs are displayed and whether the facilities are actually kept open. The district will also inspect 19 designated safe routes for women walking home, as listed on the Seocho-gu Safety Map. It plans to assess pedestrian safety facilities, including lighting, and the surrounding environment, and improve anything that could make women feel unsafe while walking at night.

Previously, in October, the district inspected 60 locations, including major hiking trails on Cheonggyesan, U myeonsan and Inneungsan mountains, neighborhood parks, small parks, and waterside walking paths, in preparation for an increase in autumn visitors. The inspections revealed damage to boardwalks, paving blocks, and stairs, as well as aging benches and exercise equipment. Other issues requiring improvement included damaged safety facilities, inadequate signs, and fallen leaves and trash left unattended.

Some small parks lacked sufficient information facilities and were inadequately maintained. The district notified the relevant management departments and neighborhood community service centers of the inspection results and instructed them to make repairs. It also plans to continue managing seasonal vulnerabilities, such as drainage on ocher-soil paths and fallen-leaf cleanup after rain.

District Mayor Jeon Seong-su said, "Hiking trails, park walking paths, and public restrooms are facilities closely connected to residents' daily lives, so it is important to carefully address even minor inconveniences and safety vulnerabilities. We will continue to work closely with relevant organizations and strengthen on-site patrols to make Seocho a safe and pleasant place for residents."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.