For license holders aged 70 and older

Seoul city and district transit cards worth 20,000 won each

available upon vehicle transfer or scrapping

Gangbuk-gu District Office in Seoul [Gangbuk-gu]
Gangbuk-gu District Office in Seoul [Gangbuk-gu]

Gangbuk-gu in Seoul announced Wednesday that it will expand its voluntary driver's license surrender support program for elderly drivers starting Thursday, aiming to prevent traffic accidents and improve road safety.

The program is open to Gangbuk-gu residents who hold a driver's license and were born on or before Dec. 31, 1956 — that is, those aged 70 or older. Previously, surrendering a license entitled participants to a Seoul Metropolitan Government transit card worth 20,000 won ($15). Starting Thursday, those who also transfer ownership of their vehicle or have it scrapped will receive an additional Gangbuk-gu transit card worth 20,000 won.

Drivers who surrender their license and complete a vehicle transfer or scrapping will therefore receive both cards — a combined total of 40,000 won ($30) in transit card value.

The cards can be used on public transportation, including buses, the subway and taxis, as well as at convenience stores. However, because subway fares are deducted from the card balance, seniors who ride the subway frequently are advised to obtain a separate free subway pass.

Residents with questions about the program can contact the district's transportation administration division or their neighborhood community center.

Gangbuk-gu has the highest proportion of elderly residents among Seoul's autonomous districts. Recent statistics and district-level aging data indicate that roughly 23 to 25 percent of the district's population is aged 65 or older.

"Voluntarily surrendering a driver's license is important not only for the safety of the driver but also for pedestrians and other motorists," Gangbuk-gu District Mayor Jeong Chang-su said. "We will work to create a safer traffic environment by expanding support to cover cases where drivers go a step further and transfer or scrap their vehicles."


ikson@heraldcorp.com