Operated for 60 Days Until August 18
Jamsil Water Playground Transformed into a 'Natural Style'
Officially Opening for the First Time This Year
Six outdoor swimming pools and water play areas along the Han River in Seoul will open simultaneously on the 20th.
Seoul City announced on the 18th that it will operate swimming pools at Ttukseom, Yeouido, and Jamwon Han River Parks, as well as water play areas at Jamsil, Yanghwa, and Nanji Han River Parks for 60 days from the 20th of this month to August 18th, allowing citizens to enjoy water activities during the summer season.
The Jamsil water play area, transformed into a natural-style water playground that can be enjoyed year-round, will officially open for the first time this year. It is the largest among the Han River swimming pools, covering a total area of 28,000㎡. The Mangwon swimming pool will not operate due to performance improvement construction at the north end of Seongsan Bridge. The Gwangnaru swimming pool will not open this year as 'natural-style water play area construction' is underway.
The swimming pool admission fees are 3,000 KRW for children, 4,000 KRW for adolescents, and 5,000 KRW for adults. The water play areas charge 1,000 KRW for children, 2,000 KRW for adolescents, and 3,000 KRW for adults. Children under 6 years old are free. Holders of the Multi-child Happiness Card, seniors aged 65 and over, persons with disabilities classified as grades 1 to 3 under the Disability Welfare Act and one accompanying guardian, and national merit recipients can receive a 50% discount upon submitting proof documents.
Operating hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with no days off during the 60-day open period. The Jamsil water play area is available until 8 p.m. However, operations will be suspended in case of adverse weather conditions such as typhoons, heavy rain, or emergency fine dust reduction measures.
This year, LED electronic display boards indicating water quality conditions such as E. coli, disinfectant levels, and turbidity will be newly installed at the swimming pools and water play areas. To maintain clean water quality, eight outdated filters have also been replaced. During the facility operation period, an inspection team will conduct daily simple water quality tests for turbidity and disinfectants, and once a week, request detailed tests from the Health and Environment Research Institute to check E. coli levels.
A total of 62 safety personnel have been deployed to prevent accidents. A nursing assistant will be stationed at the first aid room. The city plans to provide safety training, including CPR, to all staff members.
Additionally, the city will block 'price gouging' at convenience stores and snack bars. Business approval will be granted only after confirming that prices are at market levels, such as those at Han River Park convenience stores, and if prices exceed the approved rates during on-site inspections, penalties will be imposed. The penalty has been raised tenfold from last year to 1 million KRW per violation. If violations are detected three or more times, the business will be designated as dishonest and may be barred from participating in bids.
Joo Yong-tae, head of Seoul City's Future Han River Headquarters, said, "We hope everyone spends a cool summer with family, friends, and loved ones by escaping the heat at the Han River this summer." He added, "Seoul City will do its best to manage water quality and safety so that citizens can enjoy water activities safely and happily at the Han River."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.




