[What Do You Think] Expansion of Alcohol-Free Parks... Is It a Restriction on Freedom?

"This park is a non-smoking and alcohol-free park."

Geumcheon District in Seoul has designated three parks within its jurisdiction as alcohol-free zones starting from the 26th of last month. Photo by Choi Youngchan

This is the message on a banner posted at Geumbit Park in Geumcheon District, Seoul, which the reporter visited on the 4th. Starting from the 26th of last month, Geumcheon District newly designated three parks, including Geumbit Park, as alcohol-free parks. Kim, a 75-year-old resident whom the reporter met at the park, said, "Every day around 3 p.m., there were people who came here just to drink. Even when I told them not to, they wouldn't listen," and added, "There's even a children's park right next to this one. Now that drinking is prohibited, I think it's a good thing."

As complaints about drunk individuals in public places such as parks have increased, local governments have continued to designate alcohol-free zones. Prior to Geumcheon District, Dongjak District also recently designated Dohwa Park and Samil Park as its first alcohol-free zones. There will be a three-month guidance period, but after that, anyone caught drinking will be fined 100,000 won.

Since a local ordinance was enacted in 2021, local governments have been able to independently designate alcohol-free zones. One notable example is Millak Waterside Park in Busan. With nearly 900,000 annual visitors, Millak Waterside Park was designated as an alcohol-free zone in July 2023 after continued reports of alcohol-related crimes and littering. At the time, nearby merchants and some citizens strongly opposed the measure, citing infringement on personal freedom and concerns about a downturn in local businesses.

Those in favor of designating alcohol-free zones in public places point out that similar restrictions exist in other countries as well. In fact, some countries ban carrying open bottles of alcohol or drinking in public places after certain hours. According to guidelines from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, 71 out of 163 countries worldwide restrict drinking in parks and riversides either fully or partially.

In Korea, there has been controversy over the proposal to designate the Han River riverside as an alcohol-free zone. While some support the idea, there is also significant opposition. Opponents argue that people should not be deprived of the freedom to enjoy chicken and beer along the Han River after work or on weekends. Oh Hyunseok, a 28-year-old graduate student, said, "There are cases where people cause trouble after drinking, but taking away the enjoyment of ordinary people because of a few is excessive."

Lee Yunho, a professor at Korea Cyber University, said, "It could be a solution to create compromise measures, such as designating specific areas along the Han River where drinking is allowed or setting certain hours when alcohol consumption is permitted."