As public opinion that alcohol and tobacco should be banned in Hangang Park is gradually gaining strength, the Seoul Metropolitan Government is pushing for a plan to designate Hangang Park as a prohibition-free zone.



However, there are many opposing opinions on the grounds that it violates individual freedom too much, so it is not possible to speed up the implementation process.



In fact, the city tried to designate a smoke-free zone for Hangang Park seven years ago and failed, and the discussion on designating a forbidden zone has not made much progress for over a year since the beginning of last year.



Ultimately, the city believes that it is important to form a civic consensus and plans to go through the process of collecting opinions, such as opinion polls.



According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on the 23rd, the city's Hangang Business Headquarters decided to install smoking booths in 11 Hangang Parks, including Yanghwa, Yeouido, and Banpo, as early as next month.



It is planned to install an average of five in each park, and the location will be confirmed after an expert advisory meeting for suitability assessment and a site visit.



This is a measure that reflects the recent growing opposition to smoking in Hangang Park.



According to the Han River Business Headquarters, as a result of a 'opinion poll on the designation of a smoke-free zone for the Han River Citizens Park' conducted this year through a polling company, 9 out of 10 respondents supported the designation of a non-smoking zone.



In particular, citizens who visit the park with small children or pets are more sensitive to cigarette smoke.



In addition, as interest in health and well-being has risen in general, more and more people are avoiding secondhand smoke.



Considering that it is not easy to designate a non-smoking area right away, the Han River Business Headquarters decided to first install a smoking booth and induce smokers there.



However, in 2015, we reviewed the installation of smoking booths and tried to designate a non-smoking area, but failed.



At that time, even the installation of a smoking booth was canceled due to opinions that it was not suitable due to the nature of Hangang Park, which is frequently flooded, and the designation of a non-smoking area was ultimately put on hold as it could not quell the protests from smokers.



It is also pointed out that the effectiveness of the Han River Park is low because it is difficult to crack down on it because it is so wide.



“This time, we are reviewing the location and structure of the smoking booth in consideration of the flooding situation,” said an official from the Han River Business Headquarters.



On the other hand, the discussion on the designation of the prohibition zone has been standing still for over a year.



Last year, due to the spread of Corona 19, gatherings and drinking were banned in city parks to maintain social distance, and the Seoul Metropolitan Government began reviewing measures to regulate drinking in the Hangang Park.



At the end of April last year, a medical student, Jeong-min Son, died while drinking at the Hangang Park.



Currently, there is an ordinance in Seoul that designates city parks and children's playgrounds as 'clean drinking areas' and allows them to be managed. is not prohibited.



In addition, Hangang Park is not an urban park, but a green area under the River Act, so it is not designated as a clean drinking area.



Then, from June last year, the National Health Promotion Act, which allowed local governments to designate 'prohibited areas' by ordinance, was enforced, and the institutional foundation was laid.



Accordingly, after amending the ordinance, the Seoul Metropolitan Government can designate Hangang Park as a forbidden district through procedures such as designation and notification of the district.



However, the city is unable to actively participate in the designation of prohibition zones.



It is because there is also a strong opposition that it is too much to prevent even enjoying one or two cans of beer in the park.



A city official showed a cautious attitude, saying, "It is a very sensitive matter, and it has been difficult to deal with it."



He added, "Since the upper law has been revised, we will revise the ordinance accordingly."



(Photo = Yonhap News)