SnowHowYear-round active mobility – resources and network

Resources

3 resources

  • ResearchStrategy

    Assessment of Seoul's Snow Removal Operations and Improvement Strategies

    Oh Han Jin, Park Daegeun, Lee Keesei, Ma Gyeonghoon · 2026 · South Korea

    This policy research report evaluates Seoul's winter maintenance operations using weather and operational evidence, including data from the 2020/21 to 2024/25 winter seasons. It identifies increasing road icing risks, fragmented responsibilities between municipal agencies, inconsistent maintenance standards and shortcomings in the prioritisation of vulnerable locations. The study proposes risk-based maintenance planning, improved coordination between districts, GIS-supported resource allocation, more consistent deicing practices and greater use of weather and road surface data in operational decision-making. Although its scope extends beyond active mobility, the findings are particularly relevant to improving the reliability, safety and governance of winter maintenance for pedestrian areas and urban transport networks.

    • Maintenance & Operations
    • Data & Monitoring
    • Policy, Strategy & Governance
  • Research

    Cold stress mitigation by urban trees: Computational fluid dynamics analysis of deciduous and evergreen effects in winter environments

    Geon Kang, Wonsik Choi, Jeong Hee Eum, Jae Jin Kim · 2026 · South Korea

    This peer-reviewed study investigates how urban tree species, height and placement influence pedestrian-level cold stress during winter in Daegu, South Korea. Using a validated computational fluid dynamics model coupled with solar radiation modelling, the researchers compared deciduous and evergreen tree-planting scenarios and assessed their effects using the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI). Wind speed was the dominant factor affecting winter thermal comfort. Tall evergreen trees reduced cold stress in exposed and windy urban corridors, while their shading could worsen conditions in sheltered areas by limiting winter solar radiation. The findings provide practical guidance for climate-responsive street design, demonstrating that winter tree-planting strategies should balance wind protection with access to sunlight rather than applying uniform greening solutions.

    • Planning & Design
    • Data & Monitoring
    • Health, Safety & Wellbeing
  • ResearchCase study

    Urban cold stress assessment using computational fluid dynamics and universal thermal climate index: A case study of Gwacheon City, South Korea

    Jaekyoung Kim, Samuel Park, Seungkwon Jung, Gunwon Lee · 2025 · South Korea

    This peer-reviewed study develops and validates a computational framework for assessing pedestrian-level cold stress in urban environments. Using 54 computational fluid dynamics (CFD) scenarios, urban surface material properties and the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), the researchers modelled winter microclimate conditions in Gwacheon, South Korea, and validated the results against observations from three meteorological stations. The analysis identified approximately 886,519 m² experiencing strong cold stress during a February 2025 cold-weather event, particularly around high-rise residential areas and exposed green spaces. The methodology provides a quantitative approach for identifying cold-stress hotspots and informing climate-responsive urban design, including material selection, building configuration and pedestrian thermal comfort.

    • Planning & Design
    • Data & Monitoring