Gwangju Seogu District to Compulsorily Tow Long-Term Abandoned Vehicles from Public Parking Lots

by Shin Dongho

Published 09 Jun.2025 16:17(KST)

Updated 26 Jul.2025 15:58(KST)

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Creating a Pleasant Parking Environment

Seogu District in Gwangju has initiated compulsory towing measures for vehicles that have been left unattended for more than one month in free public parking lots.

According to Seogu District on June 9, this action follows the amendment of the Parking Lot Act in September of last year, which enabled the compulsory relocation of vehicles that have been parked for over one month without a valid reason. The measure was implemented to proactively prevent unsightly appearances, environmental pollution, and safety hazards within public parking lots.

Seogu District has taken compulsory towing measures for vehicles left long-term for over one month in free public parking lots. Photo by Gwangju Seogu District

The district, in cooperation with the Facilities Management Corporation, continuously inspected 83 free public parking lots, both on-street and off-street, within its jurisdiction. As a result, six vehicles that had been left for an extended period were identified. The vehicle owners were notified via registered mail and other means to voluntarily move their vehicles, but due to lack of response or inability to contact the owners, compulsory towing was carried out.

The towed vehicles will be stored at a designated location for approximately one month. During this period, the owners will be notified through official public announcements and other administrative procedures to voluntarily dispose of their vehicles. If no action is taken, the vehicles will be subject to compulsory disposal, such as scrapping.

Kim Ikang, the head of Seogu District, stated, "Vehicles left unattended for long periods in free public parking lots not only undermine the city's appearance but also inconvenience citizens using the parking facilities. We will promptly address such cases as soon as they are discovered to ensure a pleasant parking environment."