"Ultimate Parental Devotion? Bittersweet"... Controversy Over 'Children's Rest Area' Camping Cars Parked in Daechi-dong Academy District

Reports Spread of Camping Cars Parked Along Academy District Roads
Assumed to Be Used as Rest Areas for Children Between Classes
High Cost of Short-Term Rentals Nearby Cited as a Cause

A camping car designated as a "rest area for children" has appeared on the roadside of the academy district in Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, sparking controversy.

Recently, on online communities for parents in the Gangnam, Seocho, and Songpa areas, posts have surfaced describing how a camping car was parked all day in the densely packed academy district of Daechi-dong, with users saying, "I've seen the ultimate version of Daechi rides." The posts included photos showing a large camping car parked on the main street in front of an academy building, though the original posts have since been deleted.

The academy district in Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul (This photo is not directly related to the article). Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Community users reported that, during the winter break, it is not uncommon for parents to rent camping cars or convert vans such as Starex into camping car-style vehicles to provide their children with a waiting and resting space between academy classes.

One user wrote, "Since you can rest and eat inside, it seems people are renting camping cars to use while attending academies." Another user commented, "If there is a break between classes, children rest in the car, and if enforcement officers come, they just drive around the block and return," expressing concern that "the area might soon be filled with camping cars."

There were also repeated criticisms regarding illegal parking. Some users responded, "This area is already congested, and this could make it worse," "Do they think paying a fine is enough?" and "This should be reported to the local government or the safety reporting app."

However, some interpreted these choices as being driven by the unique environment of the Daechi-dong academy district during school breaks. Many students who do not live in Daechi-dong attend multiple academy special classes in the area during vacation, but it is difficult to find a place nearby where they can stay for a short period.

In fact, monthly rent for rooms or officetels near the academies can reach several million won, and it is reportedly difficult to find any available listings during vacation seasons. As a result, some parents are choosing to use vehicles as rest spaces for their children, even if it means risking parking fines, rather than securing temporary accommodations nearby. Observers point out that this phenomenon is the result of overheated demand for private education combined with rising housing costs.

Online commenters who read about the situation reacted by saying, "This is something you'd see in international news," "Do you have to be able to rent an officetel just to provide proper private education?" and "It's bittersweet."