"Fee Discount Justified" vs "Male Discrimination" Controversy Over Women's Menstrual Period Fee Discounts at Swimming Pools

2006 Claim for 'Women’s Discount' on Swimming Pool Use
"Cannot Use Pool During Menstruation"
2008 Seoul Applies Discount for Women Aged 13 to 55
Some Men Say "Reverse Discrimination, Men Should Also Get Discounts"

Indoor swimming pool. Photo by Getty Images

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] As swimming facilities offer discounted rates to female customers, backlash from men continues.

Some swimming pools have implemented this policy based on the argument that it is unfair to charge the full fee to women who cannot use the pool during their menstrual period.

However, men claim this is a form of reverse discrimination. They argue that if men are unable to use the pool due to unavoidable circumstances, they should also be eligible for discounted rates.

The demand for discounted rates for women using swimming pools arose in 2006 when concerns were raised that "women cannot use the pool during their menstrual period but are charged the same fees as men," sparking debate.

At that time, a civic group stated, "Not treating the inherent differences between men and women differently is discrimination and a violation of female consumers' rights," and called on the government and local authorities to make improvements.

Amid the controversy over swimming pool fees, Seoul City enacted an ordinance in 2008 stating that "women aged 13 to 55 using municipal swimming pools shall receive a 10% discount on their monthly usage fees."

Songpa-gu in Seoul implemented extended periods or discounted fees for women using the Songpa Sports and Culture Center swimming pool. This mainly targeted women aged 13 to 55, offering a 10% discount on usage fees, extended usage periods, or free passes.

Additionally, local governments nationwide have been moving to establish related ordinances and enforcement rules.

The issue has sparked gender conflicts. On social networks such as Twitter and Facebook, some men pointed out that "being unable to come to the pool during menstruation seems like a personal matter, and demanding discounts is excessive."

Also, Mr. A, a male office worker in his mid-20s, questioned, "By the same logic, if men claim they cannot use the pool due to unavoidable circumstances, should they also get discounts?" He added, "I hope the discount policy is abolished as soon as possible."

Mr. B, a male office worker in his early 30s, also said, "I think this is reverse discrimination," emphasizing, "I cannot easily understand discounts based on menstruation."

On the other hand, women argue that the discounts are inevitable. Ms. C, a female office worker in her mid-30s, pointed out, "There are premonitory symptoms of (menstrual) pain, and it is difficult to enjoy swimming in such conditions. Therefore, charging the full usage fee is unfair."

Another woman, Ms. D, raised her voice, saying, "Some men have even claimed they cannot swim with women who are menstruating," and added, "I cannot understand the perspective that women are making unreasonable demands."

At that time, a representative of a civic group emphasized, "Women members using private swimming pools are still at a disadvantage in terms of cost," and stressed, "The female discount system should be implemented not only in public swimming pools but also in private ones." They further suggested, "Improvements are needed not only for swimming pools but also for other sports facilities such as gyms."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.