Godeok Arteon model home (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Dec. 4 (Korea Bizwire) — A major apartment complex in eastern Seoul is facing mounting criticism after unilaterally banning nonresidents from nearly all areas of its property and warning of fines of up to 200,000 won (about $150) for violations.
According to the real estate industry on Wednesday, the management of Godeok Arteon, a large-scale complex in Gangdong District, recently notified neighboring buildings that it would prohibit outsiders from entering any part of the complex except a designated central pedestrian path.
The notice also outlines penalties: 100,000 won for entering restricted spaces such as playgrounds, 100,000 won for smoking or failing to clean up after pets, and 200,000 won for riding electric scooters or bicycles on ground-level roads.
The management said the rules, implemented Oct. 2 with the approval of a majority of residents, are intended to “maintain order and protect facilities on private property.”
It cited safety and security concerns, pointing to incidents last summer in which local teenagers allegedly trespassed into the underground parking lot, discharged fire extinguishers and caused property damage.
Godeok Arteon, a large apartment complex in the Godeok district of Seoul’s Gangdong District (Image source: Naver Street View)
But the crackdown has drawn sharp backlash because the central walkway in question was designated as a public pedestrian route as part of the redevelopment approval process.
The path, which connects the heart of the complex to Sangil-dong Station and nearby commercial areas, has long served as a key route for residents of surrounding neighborhoods commuting to work or school.
Local residents argue the complex has no authority to impose fines on the general public, calling the move “unlawful” and “inappropriate for a private apartment to act as a government office.”
Gangdong District officials said they have asked the complex to allow normal public access, emphasizing the walkway’s public nature and heavy foot traffic, though the request carries no legal force.
The dispute underscores growing tensions in Seoul’s dense residential districts, where conflicts over public access, resident security and the limits of private property control have become increasingly common.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
