Jung-gu implements smartphone restriction system for school zone safety

Jung-gu District in Seoul has implemented a ‘smartphone use restriction system’ near Namsan Elementary School to prevent accidents caused by ‘smombies’ (smartphone zombies). The system, which began operation on the 21st, uses a dedicated app to restrict smartphone usage when children enter designated ‘Safe Zones’ within the school area. While the app restricts screen use, phone calls remain possible during movement, and parents can monitor usage through a separate application.

The initiative follows a resident proposal and received a 97.4% approval rating from Namsan Elementary School parents. To further enhance safety, the district will invest 60 million won from a disaster safety special grant to improve the overall commuting environment around the school, addressing the lack of separate sidewalks in the high-traffic Myeongdong area.