Placement of Traffic Safety Signs Based on Cross-sectional Designs of Pedestrian Spaces in Accordance with the Global Street Design Guide - Focused on the Case of Downtown Commercial Districts in Each Country -

This study investigates the placement and design of traffic safety signs in pedestrian spaces across South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and Denmark, utilizing the Global Street Design Guide (GSDG) as a foundational framework for analysis. South Korea’s pedestrian spaces face significant challenges due to excessive, overlapping, and inconsistently placed signage, which not only creates visual clutter but also diminishes the effectiveness of safety measures and obstructs pedestrian pathways. By conducting a comparative evaluation through field observations, street view data, and cross-sectional illustrations, the research identifies key differences in how traffic safety signs are designed, categorized, and placed in these countries. The findings reveal that European nations prioritize minimalism and consistency by placing signs in designated zones, such as the Street Furniture Zone, or on building facades. In contrast, South Korea’s pedestrian spaces continue to suffer from inefficient signage practices, often leading to reduced readability and hindered pedestrian flow. To address these issues, the study proposes adopting standardized, pedestrian-centered strategies, including the reduction of redundant signs, consistent placement, and improved design clarity, with the ultimate goal of enhancing safety, usability, and the aesthetic quality of South Korea’s urban pedestrian environments.