Why has walking on a Seoul sidewalk become so complicated?

Walking on Seoul sidewalks has become a complex experience, a fact that has recently struck me in various parts of the city. In the bustling areas of Seoul, such as around Gwanghwamun, office workers dash between buildings while visitors pause momentarily to capture moments. Meanwhile, Gangnam-daero witnesses a different kind of traffic - a mix of workers, shoppers, students, and tourists navigating through some of the widest pavement in the city.

Despite this, I find myself habitually looking left, then right, and over my shoulder, as the unpredictability of the surroundings has become a constant.

The presence of bicycles and electric scooters adds an extra layer of complexity to the already challenging task of walking. They emerge from the sides without warning, cutting through the crowd and slipping through any gaps that open up. Delivery motorcycles often pull onto the pavement, sometimes stopping right where people are trying to walk.

The rider is usually aware of my presence, but I often lack the same visibility until it's too late to avoid a potential collision. This disconnect in awareness creates a sense of unease, as "enough room" to maneuver does not always translate to a feeling of safety. It's not just the busy avenues that pose challenges - the entire cityscape has become a maze of moving pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, and delivery vehicles, making a simple walk a perilous endeavor.