Nighttime Alcohol Gatherings on Han River Lawns Despite 10 PM Curfew
Blankets Spread Across Parks for Drinking Parties
As Night Deepens, Mask-Lowering and Loud Noise Increase
"Drink" Calls Even Near Son Jeong-min's Accident Site
Night Scene Forgetting Quarantine and Safety Risks
[Asia Economy reporters Jeong Dong-hoon and Lee Jung-yoon] "Order as much beer and side dishes as you want. I'll save a spot and wait."
This might be a common phrase heard in bustling areas like Hongdae or Gangnam in Seoul, but on the night of the 18th at 10 p.m., it was easily heard in front of Yeouido Hangang Park. The roughly 500-meter-long grassy area stretching from near Mapo Bridge to Mapo Naru Station was packed with visitors. People who came to Hangang Park with colleagues, friends, and family ahead of the Buddha’s Birthday holiday spread out mats and settled on the grass. Each person held a beer can or glass in one hand. In the delivery zones where food could be received, laughter continued from those holding chicken, pizza, and other foods.
Six months into the business restriction measures after 10 p.m., Hangang Park served as a space to relieve pandemic fatigue and cool down from the hot weather. Park Su-bin (23), a university student visiting Hangang Park, said, "I met my friends after a long time, but it felt too short to be together only until 10 p.m. I wanted to have one more beer in the outdoor, cool Hangang area where the infection risk is lower, so I came here." Nearby shops selling delivery food and beer were bustling. A convenience store owner nearby said, "Since May, this is the first time it has been this crowded," adding, "Many customers are intoxicated, but overall, they are following quarantine rules and manners well."
At around 11 p.m. the same night at Banpo Hangang Park in Seoul, many people who came for a second round of drinking after bars and restaurants closed at 10 p.m. gathered. Office worker Kim (34) said, "Since tomorrow is a day off, we were drinking with friends, but the restaurant closed, so we looked for a place for a second round. The weather wasn’t too cold and the rain stopped, so I thought Hangang would be a good place for a beer."
On the night of the 18th, hundreds of visitors spread out mats and enjoyed drinking on the lawn at Yeouido Hangang Park in Seoul.
After 11 p.m., adherence to quarantine rules weakened noticeably, and the number of intoxicated people increased. It was easy to find people wearing masks below their chins or not wearing them at all while talking or drinking. Office worker Jeon (37) said, "I sit apart from other groups, so I’m not too worried about COVID-19." Empty beer cans were scattered crushed around the park. People singing loudly and enjoying drinking and dancing were also visible.
Near the area where Son Jeong-min (22), who went missing and was later found dead in Hangang Park, people were also sitting on mats and enjoying drinks. Some groups sat on the slope close to the riverbank, drinking beer. This was in stark contrast to the bench about 40 meters away, which was filled with chrysanthemums in memory of Son. A convenience store employee nearby said, "As the weather warms up, many people look for beer," adding, "The number of people buying alcohol has not changed before or after the university student’s disappearance case."
Hangang Park is gaining popularity as a ‘second location’ during the COVID-19 situation, but risks of safety accidents and incidents such as drunken violence during late-night hours are increasing. On the 17th at around 11:20 p.m., a man in his 20s, A, was rescued after vomiting and falling into the riverside at Jamsil Hangang Park in Seoul.
In addition, the risk of COVID-19 infection is also increasing. Seoul City is operating a special inspection team at Hangang Park until the 31st of this month due to the increase in visitors. They announced they will focus on checking mask-wearing and gatherings of five or more people drinking or eating. However, they stated that drinking regulations at Hangang Park will not be lifted in the short term.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
