Illegal street vending in Hangang Park fined 500 million won over 3 years... There is also a case of over 10 million won in arrears

It was revealed that the fines imposed by the Seoul Metropolitan Government on illegal street vendors in Hangang Park exceeded 500 million won over the past three years.

According to data submitted by Seoul City Council member Wi Sung-chan of the People Power Party on the 12th from the city, there were a total of 8,733 fines imposed on illegal street vendors in Hangang Park from 2024 to September of this year, and the amount was calculated to be approximately 517 million won.

According to the 'Basic Ordinance on the Preservation and Use of the Hangang Park in Seoul', unauthorized commercial activities by street shops within the Hangang Park area or business activities using power devices with two or more wheels are prohibited, and a fine of 70,000 won is imposed if this is violated.

Additionally, if you cook outside of the designated area, you will be subject to a fine of 1 million won.

Councilor Wi said, "There are four people who have not paid more than 5 million won in fines, which are 70,000 won per time, and there are also cases where the fines exceed 10 million won," adding, "The fines are intended to raise awareness and provide guidance, but the reality is that there are even long-term defaulters."

He also pointed out, “There has only been one case of fines imposed for the use of firearms in the past three years,” and “In winter, stalls selling fish cakes and coffee appear in various places in the park, and crackdowns and guidance must be properly implemented.”

In response to this, the city of Seoul responded that it is taking measures to prevent businesses from operating if delinquencies are not resolved, and that the revision of the River Act has made it possible to take immediate compulsory measures to clean up street vendors, and that it will review enforcement soon.

Councilor Wi said, “As the culture of eating and enjoying the Han River has already become a part of citizens’ daily lives, please create an environment where citizens can use it safely without fire or hygiene risks.”