Increased Inconvenience for Citizens Due to Traffic Control, Noise, and Litter
As the number of marathon events across Seoul increases, causing greater inconvenience to citizens due to weekend morning traffic controls, noise, and litter, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has issued guidelines to address these issues.
According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on January 18, the city recently established the "Seoul City Marathon Event Guidelines for Hosted and Sponsored Events" and notified major marathon event organizers.
First, for marathons hosted or sponsored by the city that require traffic controls, the start time must be moved up from the current 8:00-9:00 a.m. window to before 7:30 a.m. This measure is intended to ensure that events conclude around 10:00 a.m., thereby reducing complaints related to traffic restrictions.
The guidelines also specify the maximum number of participants allowed at each venue: 15,000 at Gwanghwamun Square, 12,000 at Seoul Plaza, 9,000 at Yeouido Park, and 7,000 at World Cup Park, for example.
It is explicitly stated that alcoholic beverage companies, including those offering non-alcoholic drinks, are not permitted to sponsor the events, as the symbolism of running is considered incompatible with alcohol. Until last year, companies such as OB Beer and Hite Jinro held events where they distributed free non-alcoholic beer to participants.
Additionally, if litter generated on the roads during marathons is not promptly collected, penalties will be imposed for future event operations.
At the starting area stage events, DJing, marching bands, and electronic sound systems are prohibited, and noise levels must be kept below 65 dB during the event in compliance with the Noise and Vibration Control Act.
Access to special facilities such as hospitals, emergency vehicle passage, and restrictions affecting people with disabilities and the elderly must be minimized.
Water stations must be set up every 2 to 5 kilometers, and for half-marathons, at least 12 ambulances must be secured; for 10-kilometer events, at least 6 ambulances are required.
According to the running community website "Marathon Online," 142 marathon events were held in Seoul alone last year. On November 9 of last year, a total of seven marathons took place simultaneously across various locations, including Seoul Plaza, Yeongdeungpo, Olympic Park, and Yeouido Park, causing significant inconvenience to Seoul residents.
This year, 142 marathon events have already been announced for Seoul, and, as with last year, multiple events are expected to be held simultaneously throughout the city in both spring and fall.
A Seoul Metropolitan Government official commented on the distribution of the guidelines, stating, "This was an unavoidable measure to minimize inconvenience to citizens caused by marathon event operations."
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