On the afternoon of the 19th, as temperatures soared to 35°C in Seoul, children enjoyed a water gun fight at Jamsil Hangang Park Swimming Pool in Songpa-gu, where an opening event was held amid the scorching heat. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, June 4 (Korea Bizwire) — The Seoul Metropolitan Council is advancing a new ordinance that prioritizes children’s right to play over noise complaints related to playground activities, aiming to safeguard childhood development while mediating community concerns.
On June 3, Councilmember Yoon Young-hee of the People Power Party introduced an amendment to the “Seoul Ordinance for Ensuring Children’s Right to Play.” The proposed revision mandates that, in cases where complaints arise over playground noise, the city government must seek solutions that uphold children’s rights rather than impose restrictions.
The amendment defines “play activity noise” as naturally occurring sounds made by children while playing in designated playgrounds, distinguishing it from general nuisance noise.
While the proposal reaffirms children’s rights, it also includes provisions for supporting conflict resolution initiatives to address noise-related concerns among local residents, laying a legal foundation for community mediation programs.
Yoon criticized the current Noise and Vibration Control Act for its uniform application regardless of age, arguing that children’s play sounds are too often treated as public disturbances, leading to the closure of playgrounds and the erosion of play rights.
“With this ordinance, we aim to institutionalize protection for children’s right to play and proactively prevent community conflicts,” Yoon said. The ordinance is currently under review and could reshape how Seoul balances livability with developmental needs in urban spaces.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
