Due to the prohibition of chicken and beer in the Han River, it is buzzing these days. It is said that chicken and beer may be banned in Hangang Park in the future. It is because the Seoul Metropolitan Government is pushing for a bill that contains the grounds for designating Hangang Park as a prohibition zone. Now that spring is over and the hot summer is coming, drinking a can of beer while walking along the Han River with friends and acquaintances is a pleasure in life.
It is said that it is a maintenance dimension according to the implementation of the National Health Promotion Act, which allowed certain places to be designated as prohibited areas in June 2021. Regarding this, the Seoul Metropolitan Government recently submitted an ‘Ordinance Amendment to Create a Healthy Drinking Culture’ to the Seoul Metropolitan Council. The amendment means that daycare centers, kindergartens, city parks, streams/rivers, and public transportation facilities can be designated as alcohol-free zones. Violation of this will result in a fine of 100,000 won.
What is the position of those in favor of banning chicken and beer in the Han River?
Those in favor of designating the Han River as a no-alcohol zone argue that it is the duty of the administrative agency to maintain a pleasant park. Last year, a fireworks display was held at Yeouido Hangang Park. Mentioning the Seoul World Fireworks Festival held at this time, he emphasized complaints and problems caused by drinking. After the event, the organizers and 2,000 Seoul city cleaners were mobilized to collect 50 tons of garbage.
As such, those who are in favor of banning chicken and beer in the Han River argue that all citizens should have a mature civic consciousness, and that it is desirable, but in a situation where that level is not reached, the administrative agency or legislative body is arguing that the managerial role should be actively played.
▼ Han River chicken and beer fines… this much? ▼
Go to Han River Chimaek Fine Check
Pros also added that drinking in the Han River Park poses a risk of causing not only garbage but also safety issues for citizens. In April 2021, a college student who disappeared from the Han River Park was eventually found dead and became a social concern, explaining that it was related to drinking.
It is the position that it is possible to designate Hangang Park as a prohibition zone by preparing a legal basis for the city of Seoul to designate a prohibition zone in the city with the incident.
position of those who oppose
On the contrary, the position of those who oppose it is that it is desirable to designate places with a high risk of accidents as prohibited areas, but the idea of restricting citizen behavior based on the occurrence of an accident without a clear cause due to drinking is unacceptable. .
In addition, having a cup of chicken and beer at the Han River in summer is the joy of life, and visiting the Han River is also chicken and beer.
Those who oppose this refuted that designating Hangang Park as an alcohol-prohibition zone is too excessive and minimizing administrative interference with citizens is correct. Therefore, imposing a fine of less than 100,000 won only for the act of drinking alcohol is excessive regulation.
Han River Chimaek is a trademark…
This means that not only events such as the cherry blossom festival, but also visiting Hangang parks on weekends or after work to drink canned beer have become part of the culture of the Han River. Through the drama, it is known abroad under the name of so-called “Hangang Ramen” and has become a tourist course.
In response, the citizens responded, “Han River Chimaek is romantic, but it would be a pity if drinking was banned.” “It’s a culture, but if it’s regulated, I’m a little upset,” he said.
In my personal opinion, rather than banning chicken and beer in the Han River, it seems necessary to ensure the basic rights of citizens, such as installing more trash cans or restricting the sale of alcoholic beverages at convenience stores in Hangang Park, while ensuring proper regulation.