This photo shows people at leisure alongside the Han River. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 8 (Korea Bizwire) – The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday it will revise a city ordinance, enabling the designation of alcohol-free zones in riverside parks along the Han River.
The city has recently proposed a bill to the Seoul Metropolitan Council, seeking to amend an ordinance promoting a healthy drinking culture.
This initiative aligns with the National Health Promotion Act, which was revised in June 2021, allowing for the establishment of no-alcohol zones.
The proposed ordinance bill authorizes the designation of alcohol-free zones in various locations, including city parks, children’s playgrounds, pedestrian trails near streams, government offices, daycare centers, and kindergartens.
Previously, the Han River parks were exempt from being designated as no-alcohol zones due to their governance under the River Act.
However, the amendment bill extends the ability to designate no-alcohol zones to encompass streams, rivers, and facilities governed by the River Act.
The mayor of Seoul is responsible for designating and managing no-alcohol zones, aiming to prevent disturbances, disorder, and any other inappropriate behavior associated with alcohol consumption.
However, the city government currently has no immediate plans to designate the Han River parks as no-alcohol zones.
“Designating public spaces as no-alcohol zones requires significant support from the public,” a city official said.
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
