The area around Seoul Station Plaza is set to be designated as a prohibited area for alcohol consumption starting November 9. A fine of 50,000 won will be imposed for drinking in this area beginning March 1, 2027.
Jung-gu announced on October 12 that it plans to designate the plaza and surrounding areas as a no-drinking zone based on the National Health Promotion Act and local ordinances.
From today until November 8, Jung-gu will conduct an administrative notice period to gather opinions from citizens and relevant organizations.
The designated area includes a total of 13,283 square meters around Seoul Station Plaza and its outdoor spaces. Indoor facilities such as restaurants within the plaza, as well as the Seoul Skywalk, underground passages, and subway station entrances, are excluded.
This measure aims to reduce disturbances caused by repeated drinking and loud noise in the plaza.
Seoul Station serves as a major transportation hub, connecting KTX, regular trains, subway lines 1 and 4, and the airport railroad. However, concerns about public safety and traffic disruptions have been raised due to ongoing drinking and disturbances in the plaza area during daytime hours.
A survey conducted by Jung-gu among 1,238 users of Seoul Station Plaza found that 96.4% of respondents supported the designation of the no-drinking zone.
Seoul Station Plaza straddles the administrative boundaries of Jung-gu and Yongsan-gu. To enhance the effectiveness of management and enforcement, both districts have been working together to designate their respective areas as no-drinking zones simultaneously.
Yongsan-gu also announced plans to designate 6,570 square meters around Seoul Station Plaza as 'Yongsan-gu No Drinking Zone No. 1' starting November 9. This area includes 2,340 square meters in front of Seoul Station and 4,230 square meters in the surrounding western area.
Both districts will operate a promotional and guidance period until February 28, 2027. During this time, they will collaborate with the Seoul City government, Korea Railroad Corporation, and police to inform the public about the no-drinking zone and provide on-site guidance.
Starting March 1, 2027, individuals caught drinking in the designated area will face a fine of 50,000 won.
Kim Gil-seong, head of Jung-gu, stated, "Seoul Station Plaza is the first face that many citizens and tourists from around the world encounter in the capital. We will systematically manage the no-drinking zone with relevant agencies to transform it into a 'plaza for everyone' where anyone can stroll with peace of mind."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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