‘Illegal Advertisements OUT!’… Songpa-gu, Nighttime Special Crackdown and Campaign

Intensive Maintenance and Crackdown on Light Signs and Balloon Signs in Popular Food Alley Areas Until June

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Songpa-gu (District Mayor Seong-su Park) will conduct a "Special Nighttime Crackdown on Illegal Advertisements" until June to create a safe and pleasant living environment.

The crackdown on illegal advertisements will be strengthened in the restaurant-dense areas of Garakbon-dong, Garak 2-dong, Bangi-dong, Jamsilbon-dong, and Wirye-dong "Food Alley" districts.

The district plans to focus on regulating and cracking down on neon signs and electronic advertisements such as illuminated signs that cause "light pollution" due to excessive lighting, as well as balloon signs (air lights), banner signs, and sexually suggestive flyers that threaten pedestrian traffic and safety.

Considering the characteristics of commercial areas where business activity increases after sunset, the crackdown will be conducted at night.

The district has organized a special nighttime crackdown team of 10 members and will conduct joint inspections with the Songpa-gu branch of the Seoul Outdoor Advertising Association.

Before the full-scale crackdown, a guidance period will be held until May 31 to protect commercial districts. During this period, a "No Illegal Advertising" campaign will be conducted to encourage businesses violating the Outdoor Advertising Management and Outdoor Advertising Industry Promotion Act to voluntarily rectify their advertisements.

Afterwards, from June 1 to June 30, businesses that have not complied or are in violation will face immediate on-site disposal and collection, and administrative actions such as fines of up to 5 million KRW.

In particular, a district official stated, "Illegal advertisements such as moving neon signs and electronic advertisements that cause light pollution and harm the surroundings will face strong administrative measures," urging compliance with related regulations.

Additionally, the district plans to lead efforts to establish "one sign per business" and a "flyer reporting and inspection system" by providing guidance on proper advertisement installation locations and standards according to the Seoul Metropolitan Outdoor Advertising Management and Outdoor Advertising Industry Promotion Ordinance.

Songpa District Mayor Seong-su Park said, "A safe and pleasant living environment plays an important role in improving quality of life," and added, "We will continue to do our best to create a 'livable city Songpa' through systematic advertisement management."