WEIRD NEWS OF THE WEEK: South Korea's longer, wider and pink parking spaces only for women

Driving home an old stereotype: Are women so inept at driving that they need bigger, brightly outlined parking spaces?

12:21 28 May 2014

The South Korean government doesn't seem to be too concerned about avoiding the stereotype that women make worse drivers - female car users in the capital of Seoul can now enjoy longer and wider spaces that are outlined in pink paint. 

 

The government drive to make the city more female-friendly came as part of a £55m scheme. The spaces are closer to the shops and have better lighting, closer to entrances and exits in otherwise dimly lit city car parks. 

 

But what about after the fragile female exits her car and her designated 'she-spot'? Not to worry, some pavements have been resurfaced with a “slightly spongy material” which is far easier to walk on in high heels. 

 

Speaking to the Korea Times newspaper, Chon Eun-hee, the assistant mayor for women and family affairs, stated: “It is like adding a female touch to a universal design and make things more comfortable for women.”

 

However, this is nothing new - even in Seoul. Similar gender-specific parking spaces can also be found in Italy and Germany. It is unclear what fines and punishments are in place should a man attempt to use one of the spaces.