What area around Seoul Station is covered by the new no-drinking zone?

The alcohol-free zone covers about 20,000 square meters of outdoor space around Seoul Station, including Seoul Station Plaza. The area is jointly overseen by the Jung and Yongsan ward offices.

When will people violating the Seoul Station no-drinking zone face fines?

Authorities will impose a 50,000-won fine after the grace period ends on Feb. 28. During the grace period, they plan to use signs, banners and on-site campaigns to encourage voluntary compliance.

Why was Seoul Station Plaza designated as an alcohol-free zone?

Officials cited concerns and complaints about people drinking and making passersby uncomfortable. People have frequently complained about rowdy daytime behavior by drinkers in the plaza, where homeless people have long gathered and free meals are offered.

Seoul Station Plaza designated as no-drinking zone

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Summary

Seoul’s Jung and Yongsan ward offices designated about 20,000 square meters around Seoul Station as an alcohol-free zone starting Monday, officials said. The measure follows complaints about people drinking and causing discomfort to passersby. Violators will face a 50,000-won fine after the grace period ends on Feb. 28. Officials plan to promote voluntary compliance and inform the public about the policy.

Key Facts

The designated area is an outdoor space jointly overseen by Seoul’s Jung and Yongsan ward offices.
Seoul Station Plaza has long been a gathering place for homeless people, and free meals are offered there.
During the grace period, local authorities plan to put up directional signs and banners and conduct on-site promotional campaigns.
Ward officials, police and Korea Railroad Corp. planned to hold a campaign and distribute leaflets later Monday.

By Yonhap

Published Nov 9, 2026 1:34 pm KST

This photo taken Monday shows a banner installed in the Seoul Station plaza in central Seoul, saying the area has been designated as an alcohol-free zone. Yonhap

Seoul Station Plaza has been designated as a no-drinking zone starting Monday, officials said, amid concerns and complaints over homeless people drinking and causing discomfort to passersby.

Seoul's Jung and Yongsan ward offices, which jointly oversee the area, announced that a total outdoor space of about 20,000 square meters around Seoul Station has been designated as an alcohol-free zone.

Violators will be fined 50,000 won ($37) after a grace period ends on Feb. 28, officials said.

The plaza has long been considered one of Seoul's main areas where homeless people gather and free meals are offered. Passersby have frequently complained about rowdy behavior by drinkers even during the daytime.

During the grace period, local authorities plan to install directional signs and banners around the plaza while conducting on-site promotional campaigns to encourage voluntary public participation.

Later Monday, officials from the ward offices, police and the national train operator Korea Railroad Corp. will jointly host a campaign and distribute leaflets to inform citizens of the new policy.

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