Geumcheon District in Seoul has designated three parks within its jurisdiction as alcohol-free zones starting from the 26th of last month. Photo by Choi Youngchan

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This is the message displayed on a banner at Geumbit Park in Geumcheon District, Seoul, which a reporter visited on June 4. Starting from May 26, Geumcheon District newly designated three parks, including Geumbit Park, as alcohol-free parks. A resident surnamed Kim (age 75), whom the reporter met at the park, said, "Every day around 3 p.m., there were people who came here to drink, and even when I told them not to, they wouldn't listen. There's even a children's park right next to this one, so it's a good thing that drinking is now prohibited here."

As complaints about intoxicated individuals in parks and other public spaces have increased, local governments are continuing to designate alcohol-free zones. Prior to Geumcheon District, Dongjak District also recently designated Dohwa Park and Samil Park as its first alcohol-free zones. There will be a three-month guidance period, but after that, anyone caught drinking in these areas will be fined 100,000 won.

Citizens are enjoying leisure activities with the sea as a backdrop at 'Millak Waterfront Culture Camping Site' set up in Millak Waterfront Park, Suyeong-gu, Busan. Millak Waterfront Park was designated as a no-alcohol zone in July 2023. Photo by Yonhap News

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Since the enactment of a local ordinance in 2021, local governments have been able to independently designate alcohol-free zones. A representative example is Millak Waterfront Park in Busan. Attracting nearly 900,000 visitors annually, Millak Waterfront Park was designated as an alcohol-free zone in July 2023 after repeated incidents involving alcohol-related crimes and littering. At the time, nearby merchants and some citizens strongly opposed the move, citing infringement on personal freedoms and concerns about a downturn in local businesses.

Supporters of designating alcohol-free zones in public spaces argue that similar restrictions exist in other countries. In fact, some countries prohibit carrying open bottles of alcohol or drinking in public spaces after certain hours. According to guidelines from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, out of 163 countries worldwide, 71 countries fully or partially restrict drinking in parks and along riversides.

In Korea, the proposal to designate the Han River area as an alcohol-free zone has sparked controversy. While some support the idea, there is also significant opposition. Opponents argue that people should not be deprived of the freedom to enjoy chicken and beer by the Han River after work or on weekends. Oh Hyunseok, a graduate student (age 28), said, "While there are cases where people cause trouble after drinking, it is excessive to take away the enjoyment of ordinary people because of a few individuals."

Lee Yunho, a professor at Korea Cyber University, said, "It could be an option to create a compromise by designating specific areas along the Han River where drinking is allowed or by setting certain hours when drinking is permitted."