By Kim Se-jeong
Eleven riverside parks along the Han River will be designated smoke-free zones as early as July, according to the Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG), Sunday.
Violators will be fined 100,000 won, but penalties will not be imposed until after a grace period of three to six months.
The smoking ban at riverside parks became possible after the city council revised its ordinance last year.
All the city’s 11 parks are subject to the new rule ― Gangseo, Yanghwa, Nanji, Mangwon, Seonyudo, Yeouido, Ichon, Banpo, Jamwon, Ttukseom, Jamsil and Gwangnaru.
The river parks, more than 40 square kilometers in total, have been a haven for smokers, so the new regulation will likely prompt strong opposition.
The city government said the priority is to make the transition as smooth as possible and that it is considering all options.
Installing smoking booths is one possibility, but some parks become mobbed in summer.
“Moving booths around in this season would be cumbersome,” a city official said. “And if we have booths, what is the purpose of a smoking ban?”
The city is also considering extending the grace period.
“We are open to all the options to minimize any backlash and make the transition smooth,” said the official.