Gwangju Seo-gu Conducts Special Crackdown on Illegal Nighttime Banner Installations

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Seo-gu, Gwangju Metropolitan City, has decided to focus its efforts on eradicating the installation of illegal banners at night.

Seo-gu (District Mayor Seo Daeseok) announced on the 8th that it will launch a special crackdown on illegal banners installed at night.

Banners installed during the night not only spoil the urban landscape but also pose a serious threat to pedestrian safety by obstructing drivers' visibility.

Accordingly, Seo-gu plans to respond strongly to ensure the eradication of illegal banners through special crackdowns not only during the day but also at night.

In addition to the maintenance teams consisting of 8 members in 2 groups on weekdays and 3 members in 1 group on holidays, a night team has been newly organized.

For the first offense, a guidance warning administrative action will be conducted.

For habitual and chronic violators, active administrative measures such as fines will be implemented.

Along with this, illegal signboards occupying sidewalks and roadways, such as balloon advertisements, will be investigated and subject to guidance and administrative enforcement during both day and night periods. Leaflets distributed indiscriminately will be cracked down on jointly with related organizations such as the police station.

For lawful advertising, inquiries can be made to the Seo-gu branch of the Gwangju Outdoor Advertising Association when using designated banner posting boards.

A Seo-gu official said, “Banners installed during the day are also risk factors, but especially at night, they obstruct the visibility of drivers and pedestrians, increasing danger. We empathize with many self-employed people struggling due to COVID-19, but residents' safety comes first. We will do our best to maintain order so that illegal advertisements threatening safety can be eradicated.”

Meanwhile, Seo-gu operates a maintenance team 365 days a year to eradicate illegal advertisements such as banners. Last year, about 300,000 cases of illegal floating advertisements including banners were cleaned up, and fines totaling over 800 million won were imposed.