'Illegal Activities in Rivers and Valleys Persist'... Gyeonggi Special Judicial Police Uncover 12 Cases

Illegal activities in valley streams and rivers within Gyeonggi Province remain prevalent.

On September 11, Gyeonggi Province announced that it had conducted an intensive investigation of valley and river resort areas from July 21 to August 20, uncovering a total of 12 cases of illegal activities.

Key examples include Restaurant A, which was caught diverting river water on public land without authorization from the local authorities and using it exclusively as a water play area for its customers.

Restaurant B was found to be operating a kitchen and other facilities, cooking and selling food to the general public without reporting to the local authorities, and was caught during the crackdown.

Business C was discovered to have installed tables and platforms on valley and river land and conducted business operations without reporting to the local authorities.

Cases of Illegal Activities Detected in Valley Streams of Gyeonggi Province

Business D was caught operating a lodging business, recruiting guests through the internet and other means, and providing accommodations and facilities without reporting the lodging business to the local authorities.

Under the current River Act, diverting river water without permission is punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won. Operating a food service business or expanding the business area without reporting to the local authorities is punishable under the Food Sanitation Act by up to three years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won. In addition, operating a lodging business without reporting to the local authorities is punishable under the Public Sanitation Control Act by up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 20 million won.

Ki Ido, head of the Gyeonggi Province Special Judicial Police, stated, "We will continue to respond firmly with a zero-tolerance policy to the privatization of valley streams and rivers and illegal business activities that undermine the rule of law in areas that should be freely and safely accessible to all residents." He added, "The crackdown is not the end, but the beginning. We will strengthen ongoing crackdowns and follow-up management to create a clean and safe resort environment where illegal activities cannot take root."