Incheon City to Allow Outdoor Sales in Front Open Spaces of 16 District Planning Zones Starting in July

On May 27, Incheon City announced that starting in July, it plans to allow outdoor sales by general restaurants, cafes, and bakeries in the front open spaces of 16 district unit planning zones, including the Wolmi District.

Until now, outdoor sales had been permitted only in limited locations such as tourist districts and hotels, in accordance with the Food Sanitation Act. However, after the enforcement regulations were revised in 2020, general restaurants, cafes, and bakeries became eligible to conduct outdoor sales if they complete the required notification procedures.

Nevertheless, in the front open spaces within district unit planning zones, the installation of buildings and all facilities has been strictly prohibited to preserve the urban landscape and ensure pedestrian space. As a result, outdoor sales have, in principle, been restricted in these areas.

The city decided to permit outdoor sales in front open spaces in order to revitalize the local economy and support community businesses that have suffered since the COVID-19 pandemic.

16 Pilot District Unit Planning Zones Allowing Outdoor Sales in Incheon. Incheon City

Since last year, the city has been establishing criteria for designating terrace-type front open spaces and regulations for facility installation through policy research conducted by the Incheon Institute. Last month, in cooperation with local district offices, the city selected eligible sites for outdoor sales within the 16 district unit planning zones.

The city plans to enable outdoor sales by restaurants and bakeries starting in July, following a review by the Urban Architecture Joint Committee and an official announcement of changes to the district unit plans next month.

An official from Incheon City stated, "By allowing outdoor sales within limits that do not harm the urban landscape or citizens' right to walk, we aim to inject new vitality into the struggling local economy." The official added, "We will continue to work with district offices to expand the number of district unit planning zones where outdoor sales are permitted."