Seogwipo City: "Administrative Measures After Demolition Guidance"
Criticism Mounts Over "Overall Mismanagement of the Tournament"
Promotional signboards are lined up along the entrance road to the KLPGA "Samdasoo Masters" golf tournament held in Seogwipo City, Jeju, blocking pedestrian passage. Photo by Park Changwon.
The KLPGA "Samdasoo Masters" golf tournament, currently being held in Seogwipo City, Jeju, has become embroiled in yet another controversy. This time, the issue centers around illegal promotional signboards installed along the entrance road to the tournament venue.
On the sidewalk leading into the Cypress Golf Club, where the tournament is taking place, promotional signboards for the "Samdasoo Masters" were lined up, blocking pedestrian passage.
The problematic section is a public sidewalk on an urban planning road connected to Beonyeong-ro in Seogwipo City, not private property. Although large crowds had not yet arrived since it was before the final round, some gallery visitors who chose to walk instead of taking the shuttle bus were observed walking on the roadway to avoid the blocked sidewalk.
An official from Seogwipo City Hall, in response to an inquiry from this outlet, explained, "This section is a public sidewalk, and outdoor advertisements or signboards cannot be installed without prior approval. Since this is a space where pedestrian rights must be prioritized, the installation of advertisements is strictly restricted." The official added, "We have instructed both the Samdasoo Masters organizers and the Cypress Golf Club to remove the signboards immediately, and if they do not comply, we plan to initiate administrative procedures."
This issue follows previous controversies involving "VIP vehicles parked in disabled parking spaces" and the sale of high-priced "Rope Inside" tickets, which allowed spectators to accompany players for up to 2 million won. These incidents have further fueled criticism over the lack of public-mindedness in the tournament's operation, leading to accusations of overall mismanagement.
A representative from a local civic group commented, "For a tournament hosted by a local public enterprise, compliance with the law is the minimum requirement. If the focus remains solely on outward appearances, not only will it fail to enhance the brand image, but it could also erode the trust of local residents. Jeju Development Corporation and its agency must demonstrate more responsible management."
Meanwhile, a representative from Jeju Development Corporation, the tournament's organizer, stated, "We will comply with Seogwipo City Hall's order and remove the signboards as quickly as possible."
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