GANGHWA COUNTY, SOUTH KOREA – Ganghwa County is taking proactive steps to enhance the usability and visual appeal of its urban environment by offering free replacement of outdated and damaged road name address building number plates. The initiative targets plates installed over a decade ago, following the nationwide adoption of the road name address system in 2012.

According to county officials, approximately 19,024 building number plates within Ganghwa County are now over 10 years old. As a first phase of this significant undertaking, the county has allocated resources to replace 1,522 of these aging markers within the current year.

The deterioration of building number plates due to prolonged exposure to the elements can lead to discoloration, damage, and ultimately, difficulties in identifying properties using the road name address system. Furthermore, these dilapidated signs can detract from the overall aesthetic of the local landscape. In response to these concerns, Ganghwa County has committed to a phased approach, ensuring a consistent budget allocation for the ongoing replacement of these outdated plates.

Residents of Ganghwa County who wish to benefit from this free replacement program are invited to submit an application by April 18, 2025. Application forms are readily available at the Civil Affairs Office of the Ganghwa County Hall and at the administrative offices of local townships, towns, and neighborhoods. Both property owners and occupants are eligible to apply for the replacement service. Following the application period, the county will conduct thorough assessments to prioritize the replacement of the most severely damaged building number plates.

In a parallel effort to optimize address management, Ganghwa County will also conduct a comprehensive inspection of all address-related infrastructure within its jurisdiction by the end of June. This extensive survey will encompass 33,089 building number plates, 4,209 road name signs, 1,704 basic number plates (indicating sequence along a road), 491 object address plates (for facilities without buildings), 4 address information guidance signs, and 819 national point number plates (used for precise location identification in emergencies). The inspection will focus on the proper installation and any instances of damage or deterioration to ensure an efficient and user-friendly address system for all residents.

This comprehensive review covers all address information facilities installed since the official nationwide implementation of the road name address system on July 29, 2011.

A spokesperson for Ganghwa County emphasized the dual objectives of this initiative, stating, "By providing free replacement of old building number plates and conducting a thorough survey of all address information facilities, we are committed to enhancing the convenience and clarity of the road name address system for our residents. This will not only improve navigation and daily life but also contribute to a more pleasant and organized urban environment for everyone in Ganghwa County."

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