Kim Hyun-bin began his journalism career at Arirang TV from 2012 to 2017, specializing in defense, foreign affairs and the economy. In 2018, he joined The Korea Times, covering society and business, and is currently responsible for embassy affairs.
Seoul announce measures to tackle waste at riverside parks
A poster shows wastes left behind at riverside parks in Seoul. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced a set of measures to reduce trash at the parks along the Han River. Courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government
By Kim Hyun-bin
By Kim Hyun-bin
Cleaning guidelines will be set for organizers of events held at parks along the Han River, and citizens can only set up tents in designated areas, as part of the city government's initiative to reduce garbage in parks.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government recently announced measures to better tackle the waste problem at the parks, as it is getting serious along with the growing number of visitors to them.
According to the city, about 40 million people visited the 11 Han River parks in 2008, but that number surged to 75 million by 2017. Along with the visitors, the amount of waste produced also skyrocketed from 3,806 tons in 2015 to 4,832 ton last year.
As a part of the measures, the city will make it mandatory for all snack stores or camping site operators in the parks to put their store names on garbage bags, to better grasp the origin of trash and check whether the stores separate waste for recycling properly.
In addition, cleaning guidelines will be set for organizers of events in the parks, and violations could result in a ban of holding future gatherings there.
As tents have been one of the causes of damage to plant life and waste production, people will be only allowed to set them up in designated areas, and the time will be limited to from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Violators will face a 1 million won ($875) in fine.
The city will also ban the distribution of food delivery flyers, which will only be allowed on designated bulletin boards around the park.
It will increase the cleaning time of the parks by staff from three times a day to four times and even operate a cleaning team late at night.
“Han River parks attract 70 million people each year, so to make the park environment pleasant and relaxing, we request people take part in and pay attention to the city's efforts to reduce trash,” said Jeong Su-yong, assistant mayor for Hangang Project Headquarters.