Lee Hae-rin is a City Desk reporter at The Korea Times, covering social issues, tourism and taekwondo. She is passionate about speaking up for the rights of minorities, including women, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities and animals as well as discovering the latest makgeolli trend in town. Feel free to reach her at lhr@koreatimes.co.kr.
Seoul slashes Cheonggye Stream busking zones over noise complaints
Visitors rest under the Mojeon Bridge along Seoul's Cheonggye Stream, June 23. Yonhap
By Lee Hae-rin
From July 1 onwards, amateur street performers will only be permitted to perform at one designated location — down from five — along Seoul’s iconic Cheonggye Stream. This decision follows a surge in noise complaints and safety concerns from nearby residents.
The move highlights the ongoing tension between the vibrant urban culture of one of Seoul’s busiest public spaces and the quality of life of its residents.
The Seoul Metropolitan Facilities Management Corp. announced Sunday that the number of official busking zones would be reduced to just the Samil Bridge, from the previous spots of Mojeon, Gwangtong, Gwanggyo, Ogansu and Samil bridges.
The decision has been made at a time when the city is dealing with a significant increase in reports of noise pollution associated with street performances and alcohol-related incidents.
“We had no choice but to reduce the number of busking zones, given the increase in noise complaints and police reports related to alcohol-related incidents. This latest decision was made to ensure the safety of visitors and performers alike,” the corporation said in a statement.
The 10.9-kilometer-long Cheonggye Stream, which features 22 bridges and runs through the heart of Seoul, has long been a popular spot for both locals and tourists, who are drawn to its scenic views and cultural events.
A total of 130 amateur performances took place across the five designated zones in June alone.
The city government’s outdoor library event and the media art installations along the stream have led to overlapping noise and mounting frustration among residents.
There have also been complaints about unlicensed performances taking place in areas that are not designated for that purpose.
A resident, identified only as Lee, filed a complaint after being subjected to over an hour of loud ocarina music under the Majeon Bridge, which is not a designated spot.
“The performer may see it as romantic, but for us, it’s a serious case of noise pollution,” Lee said in a press release.
Buskers wishing to perform at Cheonggye Stream must submit an application via the stream’s official website and receive approval.
Approved performers must keep sound levels below 60 decibels and must not stage performances with political, religious or commercial themes.
The corporation said that it is taking steps to immediately enforce rules against performances in unauthorized areas.
“We plan to consider designating additional busking zones in the fourth quarter,” said an official. “For now, performances outside the approved zones will be subject to immediate guidance and enforcement.”