NOW

That voice is not just a general public announcement. It is an accessibility feature designed to help blind and visually impaired pedestrians identify the walk signal and crossing direction without relying on another person.

SEOUL INTRODUCED THEM IN 1985

Seoul says its pedestrian audio signals were introduced in 1985 to announce the green phase and support safer independent crossing.

THE SOUND CAN CARRY DIRECTIONAL INFORMATION

Seoul added left/right voice distinctions in 2004 and intersection and travel-direction announcements in 2009. The Korean National Police Agency issued a revised national standard in 2026, effective September 1.

Sources & context

2026-09-18

news.seoul.go.kr ↗www.police.go.kr ↗