SEOUL, Oct. 1 (Korea Bizwire) – In a policy shift that is sure to be welcomed by dog owners, Seoul city officials announced on September 30 a trial program allowing canine companions on a stretch of the paths along the Cheonggyecheon, the restored urban stream that has become a popular downtown oasis.
The decision opens a portion of the waterway to pets for the first time, marking a notable change for one of the city’s most popular pedestrian corridors.
The trial program, set to begin on September 30 and run through the end of the year, will open a 4.1-kilometer stretch of the Cheonggyecheon Stream to dogs and their owners.
The designated area runs from Hwanghak Bridge in Dongdaemun District to where the stream meets the Jungnangcheon Stream in Seongdong District.
This decision marks a significant shift in policy. Until now, dogs have been prohibited from the paths along the Cheonggyecheon under a city ordinance, primarily due to safety concerns stemming from the stream’s narrow walkways and high pedestrian traffic.
The ban has long been a point of contention for some residents.
“I couldn’t understand why dogs weren’t allowed along the Cheonggyecheon when similar environments like the Seongbukcheon Stream, Jeongneungcheon Stream, and Jungnangcheon Stream permit them,” one citizen complaint read, echoing a sentiment shared by many pet owners in the city.
Responding to these concerns, city officials chose to implement the trial in an area with ample space around the walkway. The selected section also connects to the Seongbukcheon and Jeongneungcheon streams, where dog walking is already permitted.
During the trial period, dog owners must keep their pets on leashes no longer than 1.5 meters. Owners of designated dangerous breeds will be required to muzzle their dogs. All participants must carry waste bags and clean up after their pets.
City officials plan to monitor the situation closely and gather public feedback to inform future policies. Those who violate the rules will first receive a warning. If they fail to comply, the case will be referred to their local district office for potential fines.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
