Incheon Permits Outdoor Operations for Restaurants and Bakeries in 16 District Planning Zones

On July 31, the Incheon Metropolitan Government announced that it has designated terrace-type front open spaces in 16 district unit planning zones, including the Wolmi District and Songdo District, and has permitted outdoor business operations for restaurants and bakeries in these areas. Previously, on July 28, the city publicly announced the urban management plan decision (amendment) and the topographic map related to this measure.

Until now, front open spaces within district unit planning zones were subject to a strict ban on the installation of buildings and all facilities in order to preserve the urban landscape and secure pedestrian spaces, which in principle restricted outdoor business operations. However, the city decided to ease these regulations in order to help revive the local economy and support small businesses, which have been struggling since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since last year, the city has established standards for designating terrace-type front open spaces and regulations for facility installation through policy research by the Incheon Institute, and jointly with local district offices, selected eligible outdoor business operation sites within the 16 district unit planning zones.

16 District Unit Planning Zones Allowing Outdoor Operations for Restaurants and Bakeries. Incheon City

The 16 zones are: Jung-gu Wolmi District; Dong-gu Songnim District; Michuhol-gu Yonghyeon-Hakik 2-1 District; Yeonsu-gu Songdo District and Yeonsu District; Namdong-gu Guwol District, Guwol Business District, Nonhyeon 2 District, Sorae-Nonhyeon District, Seochang 2 District; Bupyeong-gu Dongam Station South Square District, Samsan 1 District; Gyeyang-gu Gyesan District, Dongyang District; Seo-gu Geomdan District Housing Development Project (completion phases 1, 2, and 3), and Gajeong District.

To operate outdoor businesses for restaurants or bakeries in terrace-type front open spaces, business owners must report their outdoor business operations to the hygiene department of the relevant district office in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.

An Incheon city official stated, "We have permitted outdoor business operations as long as they do not infringe on citizens' pedestrian rights," and added, "Based on the results of this pilot program, each local district office will consider expanding the areas where outdoor business operations are allowed, taking into account the characteristics of each region."