Jongno District Bans Alcohol Inside and Outside Tapgol Park... 100,000 Won Fine Imposed

Full-Scale Restoration of Tapgol Park's Historical Value
Improvements Planned for the Protective Pavilion of the Ten-Story Stone Pagoda

Jongno District in Seoul (District Mayor: Chung Moonhun) announced on December 1 that it will actively promote the "Tapgol Park Improvement Project," which includes the designation of a no-alcohol zone and improvements to the protective pavilion of the Ten-Story Stone Pagoda of Wongaksa Temple Site, in order to preserve the historical value and public character of the historic Tapgol Park.

Commemorative photo of the promotion campaign for the designation of the no-alcohol zone at Tapgol Park. Provided by Jongno District.

On November 20, the district designated both the interior and exterior of Tapgol Park as the first no-alcohol zone in the district. This measure aims to highlight the symbolic significance of Tapgol Park, where the March 1st Independence Declaration was read in 1919 and became the catalyst for the independence movement, and to prevent indiscriminate drinking behavior.

The guidance period will run from December 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, after which a fine of 100,000 won will be imposed starting April 1, 2026. Carrying open bottles of alcohol or transferring alcoholic beverages to other containers for consumption will also be subject to enforcement.

To effectively raise awareness of the no-alcohol and no-smoking zones, the district held the "Alcohol- and Tobacco-Free Tapgol, Healthier Jongno" campaign on November 28 in cooperation with Jongno Police Station and other related agencies. Participants distributed informational leaflets throughout the park and organized OX quizzes and events on the harms of drinking and smoking at the North Gate to enhance public awareness.

Preservation work for the park's core national heritage, the National Treasure "Ten-Story Stone Pagoda of Wongaksa Temple Site," is also underway. On November 26, Jongno District held a briefing session to launch the basic design service for improving the glass protective pavilion, marking the start of full-scale measures.

The Ten-Story Stone Pagoda of Wongaksa Temple Site, built in 1467 (the 13th year of King Sejo of the Joseon Dynasty), is a masterpiece of Buddhist stone architecture from the Joseon era and was designated a National Treasure in 1962. The current glass protective pavilion, installed in December 1999, has protected the pagoda from acid rain and bird droppings. However, concerns about damage are rising due to internal condensation and insufficient ventilation. In addition, issues such as reflective glare and disharmony with the surrounding landscape have continuously been raised as problems affecting the viewing environment.

In response, Jongno District is preparing a comprehensive improvement plan in cooperation with the Cultural Heritage Administration to enhance both preservation and the viewing environment. Last year, the district secured a total budget of 100 million won, including 70 million won from the national government and 30 million won from the city. With the help of an advisory panel, the district plans to incorporate at least four alternatives into the design, including "removal," "improvement," and "relocation of the pagoda." After the final report in February next year, the basic design will be finalized in March, followed by a review by the Cultural Heritage Administration committee to secure national funding and proceed with construction.

Additionally, the district will strengthen the park's identity through projects such as "relocation and restoration of the West Gate of Tapgol Park," "maintenance of the park's walls," and "construction of a historical memorial hall." Landscaping improvements, expansion of convenience facilities, and enforcement against illegal activities will also be carried out to redevelop the park into a more citizen-friendly space.

Chung Moonhun, Mayor of Jongno District, stated, "Tapgol Park is a symbolic place where the March 1st Independence Declaration was read, announcing the will for Korea's independence to the world. We will dramatically improve the management of the no-alcohol and no-smoking zones as well as the preservation and viewing environment of the National Treasure, making it an open space that all citizens can comfortably visit."

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