This article was translated based on the article ‘“
점자블록 가려…”, PM 주차 문제 도마 위
', published on March 16, 2026.
The Reality of E-scooter Parking Obstructions: Improvements Needed for Accessibility
Student Affairs Team and Facility Operations Team: “Expanding Educational Programs on Proper Parking Order”
E-scooters on the DGIST campus continue blocking tactile paving designated for visually impaired pedestrians – more than three months after DGIST Press DNA first reported the problem in December. Despite designated parking zones, riders in several areas persist in parking outside the lines, encroaching on tactile paving. DNA followed up on the issue,, examining the current parking state and speaking with the Facility Operations Team and the Student Affairs Team about the university’s response and plans.
Improper parking by some riders has been identified as the primary cause. As shown in the photo, e-scooters are not parkedwithin the designated lines, encroaching on tactile paving zones and blocking the paths of visually impaired individuals.
In another instance, e-scooters near E7 GATE 4 lined up outside the designated parking zone. Since GATE 4 features tactile paving connected to the DGIST Library, such parking can severely obstruct the movement of visually impaired individuals. Blocking pedestrian pathways by covering tactile paving is strictly an "illegal" act. Under current law, a fine of 500,000 KRW can be imposed.
Student reactions were varied. “The parking spaces are too small,” one student said, while another suggested that “The parking lots were placed too close to the tactile paving.” Others emphasized that “education on proper e-scooter parking etiquette is necessary.”
DNA met with the relevant departments, the Student Affairs Team and the Facility Operations Team, to ask about their awareness of these issues. An official from the Facility Operations Team said that “At the beginning of operations, users generally parked in an orderly manner within designated zones, and no specific cases in which pedestrians were directly affected by covering tactile paving were identified.” However, they explained, “As time passed and these areas came to be perceived as parking areas, they became more crowded and more users began to park outside the designated lines, seemingly leading to instances where tactile paving is being covered.”
Meanwhile, both the Student Affairs Team and the Facility Operations Team agreed that “the installation locations of the PM parking lots were appropriate.” Addressing the criticism that parking lots were placed too close to tactile paving, they explained it was “the optimal location considering where students park most frequently while avoiding interference with entrance paths or fire safety facilities.” However, the Student Affairs Team acknowledged the criticism, agreeing that the proximity to tactile paving is a valid concern despite their efforts to consider all comprehensive conditions.
When asked about future solutions, the Student Affairs Team pointed to the need for additional education programs. They mentioned that while previous programs focused on “compliance with relevant laws and wearing protective gear,” they plan to introduce new programs regarding proper parking practices and consideration for pedestrians.
Furthermore, the Facility Operations Team expressed its stance: “Rather than simply expanding infrastructure, we will strengthen effective awareness campaigns by communicating with students so that a safer and more responsible parking culture can spread.” They also urged students to ▲comply with safety laws (including wearing helmets) ▲maintain awareness of proper parking culture ▲refrain from riding on sidewalks ▲avoid blocking building entrances.
Original article by
황인제(Hwang, Inje) hij0374@dgist.ac.kr
김호준(Kim, Hojun) hojun11@dgist.ac.kr
최진걸(Choi, Jingeol) choijingeol@dgist.ac.kr
백소윤 (Balk, Soyun) soyunbaik@dgist.ac.kr
김지민 (Kim, Jimin) kjimin_29@dgist.ac.kr
김현우 (Kim, Heynwoo) heynwoo.rla@dgist.ac.kr
Translated by
김선민(Kim, Sunmin) sunmin.kim@dgist.ac.kr
김현우 (Kim, Heynwoo) heynwoo.rla@dgist.ac.kr
김훈이 (Kim, Huni) semprehuni@dgist.ac.kr