KOTI 한국교통연구원

교통혁신 사례집 『K-Transport』 

[Preface]

 In recent years, the paradigm of transportation policy in South Korea has increasingly shifted toward a human-oriented approach. This transition reflects a broader global trend, as nations confront the imperative of designing mobility systems that are sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to both environmental and societal challenges. 

Personal mobility devices—such as bicycles and e-scooters—have been recognized as effective instruments in advancing global carbon neutrality goals. Furthermore, these modes contribute to energy efficiency, mitigation 
of traffic congestion, and the reduction of infrastructure-related expenditures. Beyond their environmental and economic merits, personal mobility modes also offer tangible improvements in public health, air quality, and the urban landscape. Notably, they garnered attention during the COVID-19 pandemic as viable, contact-free alternatives to conventional public transportation.

In the Korean context, the last two decades have seen a gradual departure from car-dominated planning toward policies that emphasize the needs and safety of pedestrians and vulnerable road users. Examples include enhanced traffic safety measures in school zones and the central government's proactive promotion of bicycle infrastructure around 2010.
However, despite these advancements, Korea’s overall transportation system—in terms of infrastructure, operations, and safety management—has yet to fully embody the principles of human-oriented transportation. The pace of institutional and regulatory adaptation remains insufficient, particularly in response to the rapid proliferation of new forms of personal mobility. This has led to a rise in related accidents and contributed to negative public perceptions, ultimately impeding the wider adoption of such modes.

Against this backdrop, and amid growing urgency to address climate change and promote sustainable urban mobility, a comprehensive reassessment of Korea’s transportation policy framework is both timely and necessary. This study undertakes a critical examination of the current state of humanoriented transportation in Korea, identifying systemic limitations and challenges across policy, institutional, regulatory, project implementation, and infrastructural dimensions.

Based on this analysis, the study proposes strategic directions and key policy tasks required for advancing human-oriented transportation. It is hoped that the insights and recommendations presented herein will inform future policy development and contribute meaningfully to the transition toward a more sustainable and human-oriented transportation system in Korea.

Youngchan KIM
President
Korea Transport Institute

Chapter 1. | Introduction

1. Study Background 2

2. Necessity for a Study 3



Chapter 2. | Laws, Policies, and Management Organizations for Human-Oriented Transportation

1. Laws, Policies, and Management Organizations on Human-Oriented Transportation 6

2. Legal & Policy Systems for Human-Oriented Transportation 31



Chapter 3. | Policies Pursued Related to Human-Oriented Transportation

1. Major Policies Being Sought After 36

2. Policy Direction for Human-Oriented Transportation 62



Chapter 4. | Human-Oriented Transportation Environment Analysis

1. Human-Oriented Transportation Environmental Statistics 70

2. Problems of the Traffic Environment 92



Chapter 5. | Direction & Tasks of Human-Oriented Transportation Policies

1. Limits & Issues of Human-Oriented Transportation Policies 104

2. Direction & Tasks of Human-Oriented Transportation Policies 111



Chapter 6. | Conclusion and Policy Recommendations

1. Conclusion 126

2. Policy Recommendations 126



References 130