Full Closure of Seokchon Lake in Songpa During Cherry Blossom Season

From March 28 to April 12... "High-Intensity Social Distancing for Safety... Please Understand"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seong-su) has decided to completely close the entrances and exits of Seokchon Lake from March 28 to April 12, following the cancellation of this year's Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Songpa-gu explained that this measure was taken in anticipation of a large number of visitors to Seokchon Lake during late March and early April when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

In fact, the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival attracted over 5 million people last year, establishing it as one of Seoul's representative cherry blossom spots. Considering that the walking paths were so crowded during previous cherry blossom seasons that there was barely room to step, there is a high concern about the community spread of COVID-19.

Additionally, concerns among local residents about visits from outsiders have increased after it was revealed that a woman who tested positive for COVID-19 had visited the southern region for flower viewing three days before her diagnosis.

Songpa-gu emphasized that although a comprehensive safety plan was established, due to concerns about community spread of COVID-19 and to practice strict social distancing, all entrances and exits to Seokchon Lake will be closed and access will be completely restricted.

This is the first time since the early 2000s, when the Seokchon Lake Cherry Blossom Festival began, that the entrances and exits to Seokchon Lake have been controlled.

Songpa-gu will install 166 steel safety fences at 54 entrances to Seokchon Lake. The walking path around Seokchon Lake will be divided into 13 sections, with control personnel assigned in pairs to block movement.

In addition, with the cooperation of the Songpa Police Station, efforts will focus on preventing safety accidents.

To this end, Songpa-gu is hanging about 50 banners at major entrances and exits stating, "Due to COVID-19, Seokchon Lake is temporarily closed," to inform the public. However, some entrances and exits will be opened from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. to allow local residents to commute, exercise, and take walks.

Park Seong-su, Mayor of Songpa-gu, said, "Seokchon Lake is a cherry blossom spot in Seoul visited by millions every year, but it has been closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. We ask for understanding from domestic and international tourists, our residents, and local merchants who were looking forward to the Seokchon Lake cherry blossom outing."

He added, "This year, we hope everyone actively participates in strict social distancing. Next year, we will do our best to prepare and repay you with an even better festival."