Banners About 'Running Crews' Posted Across Seoul
Most Online Users Express Sympathy with the Banners
Some Argue Citizens' Autonomy Should Not Be Restricted
As the recent heatwave has subsided, the activity of 'running crews'-groups formed around parks where people run together-has become more prominent, leading to a surge in complaints from regular walkers about inconvenience. Recently, warning signs targeting running crews have been installed in various parts of Seoul, sparking mixed reactions from online users.
On September 16, photos of a sign labeled 'Running Crew No 4' installed at Yeouido Park were shared across several online communities. The sign lists four rules: no removing shirts, no clapping or shouting, no running in large groups, and no shouting "Move!" The banner also includes phrases such as "Let's run safely in two lines while being considerate of each other" and "This is a park for everyone."
As the recent heatwave subsides, the formation of running clubs called 'Running Crews' in park areas, where many people run together, has become active, leading to frequent complaints from regular walkers about inconvenience. Photo is not related to the specific content of the article. Photo by Jo Yongjun
The photo drew explosive reactions from online users. Many commented, "I also run, but the crews make me want to swear," "I've been startled and fallen when someone yelled 'Move!' on the main road," "It's inconsiderate for about ten people to run together on a busy sidewalk," and "What kind of authority do crews have?" There were also criticisms like "There's no sense of moderation" and "It's unpleasant to see people running shirtless." On the other hand, some argued that runners' autonomy should not be restricted solely because of a few complaints.
Diverging Views on 'Running Crews': The Need for Coexistence
Banners about running crews have been found not only in Yeouido Park but also in Seocho District, Seoul. Starting this month, Seocho District implemented regulations that completely ban group running of five or more people on the running track at Banpo Sports Complex. Through banners, Seocho District announced that "a distance of at least 2 meters must be maintained between individuals on the track, and if this is not observed, the manager may issue a warning or ask participants to leave." The district also specified that if six or more people run together, the group must be split into smaller teams of four, three, and so on. In particular, the district emphasized that paid running crew lessons, which have recently increased, require prior approval, and those without it will be immediately asked to leave. Seocho District stated, "Unauthorized lessons may result in penalties," signaling a strong response. Songpa District also installed banners at Seokchon Lake Trail urging people to refrain from running in groups of three or more.
Banners about the "Running Crew" were found not only in Yeouido Park but also in Seocho District, Seoul. Starting this month, Seocho District implemented regulations that completely restrict group running of five or more people on the running track at Banpo Sports Complex. Online community
Complaints about running crews are not limited to Seoul but are also occurring in various cities and counties in Gyeonggi Province. Since the year before last, Goyang City has been working to separate bike paths and running courses due to frequent complaints arising from conflicts between cyclists and runners. Recently, Pyeongtaek City received complaints about group runners at Hambaksan Central Park and other locations, and plans to put up banners urging safety. Uiwang City, as it did last year, has again posted banners at Baegun Lake Park this year asking people to refrain from group running due to complaints about obstructed passage, which reportedly led to protests from some runners.
Seongnam City has also recently installed related banners at Bundang Yuldong Park, and placards at Tancheon urge people to refrain from running in groups of three or more. In addition, Hwaseong City is discouraging group running on the deck path at Dongtan Lake Park due to concerns about facility damage and safety accidents, while Suwon City and Hanam City have each installed banners at Gwanggyo Lake Park and Misa Park requesting cooperation. However, despite these banners, they are not enough to prevent misconduct by some runners or running crews. In particular, when several adults run together, it poses a risk for families with young children, and discomfort is compounded by some runners removing their shirts.
The biggest issue is that it is difficult to include running crews as targets for legal enforcement or guidance. Under the Park and Green Space Act, acts that damage park facilities or cause disgust to others are subject to regulation, but it is unclear whether clubs like running crews fall under this category. With administrative standards surrounding running crews remaining ambiguous, some argue that they should not be treated solely as targets for restriction. Especially considering that parks are 'public goods' for everyone, the focus should be on finding ways for pedestrians and runners to coexist, rather than simply imposing regulations. As running crews have now become a cultural phenomenon, opinions remain divided, and the controversy is likely to continue for some time.
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