Gwanak-gu (district mayor Park Jun-hee) has installed a new left-turn signal at the KT Guro Telephone Exchange intersection on Nambusunhwan-ro, a chronic traffic bottleneck, to ease the burden on drivers navigating the area.
The intersection, where Nambusunhwan-ro meets Jowon Jungang-ro, had long lacked a left-turn signal for drivers heading from Jowon-dong toward Sillim Station, forcing them to take detour roads or make U-turns.
The problem was particularly acute during rush hours, when congestion repeatedly built up at the crossing. Residents had consistently called for a dedicated left-turn signal.
In response, the district began coordinating with the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency and other relevant agencies in July 2025 on a signal improvement plan. Because the intersection sits on the boundary with Geumcheon-gu, the district also gathered resident input and carefully reviewed options to minimize inconvenience for Geumcheon-gu residents.
As a result, the left-turn signal project was selected for Seoul's 2026 Road Traffic Service Improvement Program. After completing the necessary consultations and procedures, the district activated the new signal on July 29, allowing drivers to turn left from Jowon-dong toward Sillim Station directly.
With the signal now in place, drivers no longer need detour roads or U-turns — they can turn left at the intersection and head straight toward Sillim Station.
The district expects the change to smooth vehicle flow during peak commuting hours, ease traffic pressure on nearby roads and improve mobility for local residents by eliminating unnecessary detours.
"Adding the left-turn signal at the KT Guro Telephone Exchange intersection was a long-standing wish of residents and an important step toward improving their daily commute," district mayor Park said. "I hope this signal improvement makes residents' commutes noticeably faster and more convenient. We will continue to pay close attention to the traffic inconveniences residents face in their daily lives and work actively with relevant agencies to create a safe and comfortable traffic environment."
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