[Video] "Where Are We Supposed to Drink?" Seoul Han River Park 'No Alcohol Zone' Under Review... Citizens Outraged

Seoul City "Concerns Over COVID-19 Infection Rise as People Come Outdoors"
Considering Designating Some Areas in Hangang Park as 'No Alcohol Zones'
Heightened Awareness of Alcohol-Related Harm Following Recent 'Hangang University Student Death' Incident
"Only Increasing Resistance" vs "Need for Prompt Action" Public Opinion Divided

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Juhyung, PD Yoon Jingeun] "No-drinking zones? Where else in Seoul can you freely drink except here (Hangang Park)?"

At 7:30 p.m. on the 14th, an elderly couple met at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul expressed their opposition to the plan to designate no-drinking zones within the park. They said in unison, "If no-drinking zones are created, enforcement teams will patrol and ruin this free atmosphere," adding, "Hangang Park is a space that at least gives Seoul citizens some breathing room, so if enforcement comes even here, how are we supposed to relieve stress?"

On this 'Friday night,' Hangang Park was crowded with people with no space to step. Citizens enjoyed their freedom by gathering in groups of up to four, spreading out mats, enjoying 'chimaek (chicken + beer),' or chatting.

Hangang Park has been recognized as a picnic spot with its open flatlands, grassy fields, and tree shade. The official Seoul tourism information website 'Visit Seoul' also introduced Hangang Park in 2019, stating, "You can spread out a mat and enjoy beer and delivery food while taking in the beautiful Hangang view."

However, with the resurgence of COVID-19, concerns over excessive drinking harm, and safety accidents, Seoul City is considering designating some areas within the park as 'no-drinking zones.'

Opinions among citizens are divided regarding this Seoul City policy. Some complain that restricting Hangang Park, where freedom has already been reduced due to various COVID-19 preventive measures, is harsh, while others advocate for early action given the serious risk of infection spread.

On the 14th, as the sun was setting, crowds gathered at Yeouido Hangang Park. / Photo by Juhyung Lim skepped@

Earlier, Park Yumi, Director of the Seoul City Citizen Health Bureau, stated at the COVID-19 regular briefing on the 12th, "We are reviewing the scope and timing of the no-drinking zone designation with relevant departments."

According to the 'National Health Promotion Act' effective from June 30, local governments such as Seoul City can designate some public spaces as no-drinking zones through ordinances. Those caught drinking in no-drinking zones will be fined 100,000 KRW.

Recently, as Seoul's daily COVID-19 cases hover around 200, concerns have arisen that large crowds in Hangang Park could lead to cluster infections among drinkers. Regarding this, Director Park explained, "COVID-19 cases are not decreasing, and as more people go outside recently, infection concerns are growing," clarifying the reason for reviewing the no-drinking zone designation.

The so-called 'Hangang university student death' incident at Banpo Hangang Park recently has also heightened awareness of excessive drinking. The late Son Jungmin was missing after drinking from late night on the 24th of last month until early the next morning and was found dead five days later. According to the police, Son and his friend A purchased nine bottles of alcohol and consumed most of them at the time of disappearance.

Near the water taxi dock at Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul, a doctor's gown commemorating the late Son Jeong-min is placed. / Photo by Yonhap News

However, opinions among citizens regarding Seoul City's no-drinking zone plan are divided. A man in his 20s, A, met at Hangang Park on the 14th, said, "When I saw the news about reviewing no-drinking zones, I wondered if it was really true," adding, "There may be problems with excessive drinking, but banning alcohol altogether seems a bit much," expressing disbelief.

Another man in his 20s, B, said, "I don't think regulating drinking like this will ease the spread of COVID-19. Everyone here at Hangang Park is enjoying while maintaining social distancing," and criticized, "We need to address the root cause of the COVID situation, and reckless regulations like this will only increase public resentment."

Concerns were also raised that self-employed business owners operating near the park could suffer significant damage due to the no-drinking zone designation. C, who sells silkworm pupae ice cream at Yeouido Park, said, "Last year, I couldn't work due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but now people are slowly coming out, and I am making a living," adding, "But if no-drinking zones are designated now, I can't make a living. Citizens won't come here. Business owners will inevitably suffer."

Citizens gathered at Hangang Park enjoying drinks after dusk. / Photo by Juhyung Lim skepped@

On the other hand, some argue that regulation is necessary given the ongoing COVID-19 spread and recent safety accidents caused by excessive drinking. D, a citizen in their 20s, said, "I came here to have fun, but considering the COVID-19 situation and recent unfortunate incidents at Hangang, I think Seoul City's review is quite understandable."

They added, "Honestly, I think there are plenty of alternative places like home or restaurants to drink," and "I believe that implementing regulations quickly will help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and aid prevention efforts."

Amid divided public opinion on the no-drinking zone designation in Hangang Park, Seoul City plans to hold discussions and public hearings soon to gather citizens' opinions.

Director Park explained at the Seoul City online briefing held that day, "Before designating no-drinking zones, we plan to hold discussions and public hearings to sufficiently listen to citizens' opinions and collect feedback," adding, "Through this process, a comprehensive review of the no-drinking zone designation will be conducted."

She further explained the background of this review, saying, "Regarding the designation of no-drinking zones in public places, the amended National Health Promotion Act will be enforced from June 30," and "This is to prevent alcohol-related harm and promote citizens' health by reviewing places where many people gather in line with the purpose of the law amendment."

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