Tapgol Park Without Game Boards... Less Disorderly Conduct and Drunken Disputes

Strengthening Order and Guidance at Tapgol Park
Balancing National Heritage, Public Safety, and Senior Welfare
Jongno-gu Launches Campaign for a Cleaner and Safer Park

Jongno-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Jeong Moonheun), has launched an initiative to maintain order within Tapgol Park in order to preserve its historical value and enhance public safety. This measure takes into account three core values: the protection of national heritage, the safety of citizens, and the welfare of senior citizens.

Tapgol Park Without Game Boards... Less Disorderly Conduct and Drunken Disputes

Cleaning the area around Tapgol Park last year. Provided by Jongno-gu.

Designated as Historic Site No. 354, Tapgol Park is recognized as the birthplace of the March 1st Movement and is considered a sacred site of the independence movement. Over the years, it has also served as a major leisure and social venue for senior citizens. However, frequent disorderly behaviors such as drinking, loud singing, public urination, and illegal dumping of trash have posed serious threats to public safety. The stabbing incident that occurred in June highlighted the urgent need to address these issues.

In response, Jongno-gu has carried out a campaign encouraging the voluntary removal of game boards and chairs, alongside environmental maintenance efforts. As a result, disorderly conduct has significantly decreased, and the park environment has improved. Since Tapgol Park is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, maintaining a clean and safe environment is also seen as positively impacting the national image.

Going forward, the district plans to further establish order and protect national heritage by strengthening CCTV monitoring, conducting joint patrols with the Jongno Police Station, managing public restrooms, and promoting no-smoking guidance.

In addition, an activist is stationed at the Welfare Information Center in front of the north gate of Tapgol Park to provide information on welfare services such as free meals and welfare center programs. The nearby Seoul Senior Welfare Center branch also supports seniors in enjoying leisure activities such as Janggi and Baduk in a safe and pleasant environment.

Jeong Moonheun, Mayor of Jongno-gu, stated, “Tapgol Park, where the Declaration of Independence was proclaimed, is a sacred site of the independence movement that made it unmistakably clear to the world that Korea is an independent nation. We will do our utmost to implement policies that harmonize senior welfare, citizen safety, and the protection of national heritage, so that this space-filled with our nation’s precious memories and lessons-can be safely and comfortably enjoyed by all citizens.”