"Damaging Cityscape and Threatening Resident Safety"
Gangjin County in South Jeolla Province (Governor Kang Jinwon) has announced a systematic crackdown and official warnings in response to the indiscriminate installation of illegal banners along major roads and residential areas, which have been damaging the cityscape and even threatening public safety.
According to the county on April 22, banners may only be posted on designated boards specified by the county after filing a report, in accordance with the Act on the Management of Outdoor Advertisements and Promotion of Outdoor Advertising Industry. Under this law, banners can be displayed for a maximum of 15 days, after which the person who posted the banner must voluntarily remove it.
A poster notifying that all banners installed in locations other than designated posting boards such as streetlights and fences are illegal. Provided by Gangjin County
However, exceptions are made for banners from political parties under Article 37, Paragraph 2 of the Political Parties Act, as well as banners exempted under Article 8 of the Outdoor Advertisement Act (such as those for accident prevention, traffic guidance, or emergency announcements).
Nevertheless, even these exempted banners cannot be installed in locations where posting is prohibited under the Outdoor Advertisement Act, such as child protection zones, near traffic signs, traffic lights, or crosswalks.
The county plans to further strengthen on-site inspections of illegal banners and, upon detection, will proceed with removal and administrative action after prior warning in accordance with relevant laws and procedures.
The period until June has been designated for guidance and publicity, during which the county will inform local institutions and advertising companies of relevant regulations and encourage the use of designated posting boards. During this period, inspections will focus on providing active guidance and issuing warnings regarding banner posting standards.
Starting in July, after the guidance period ends, any illegal banners found will be removed immediately without prior warning. Violations will be subject to strong administrative actions and fines in accordance with relevant laws.
Additionally, a real-name system will be implemented for banner installation, making it mandatory to clearly state the name of the client, the advertising company, contact information, and posting period on each banner. This measure is intended to clarify responsibility for illegal banner postings and enhance the effectiveness of post-management.
A county official stated, "Cracking down on illegal banners is an essential step in creating a pleasant and safe urban environment," and requested, "We ask for the active cooperation and voluntary compliance of local institutions, advertising companies, and residents."
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