Seoul Yongsan-gu will conduct a comprehensive cleanup of illegal advertisements around elementary schools by the 26th to create a safe environment for students to commute to school, coinciding with the start of the school term.
This focused crackdown has been underway since the 25th of last month. Yongsan-gu stated that the purpose is to ensure students are not exposed to harmful environments and to guarantee a pleasant route to and from school.
The cleanup zones include 33 children’s protection areas within 300 meters of the main entrances of kindergartens and elementary schools and the educational environment protection zones extending up to 200 meters from the school boundaries.
The main cleanup tasks are △Enforcing the prohibition of political banners within designated areas △Immediate removal of provocative harmful advertisements △Repairing outdated or faulty signs that threaten pedestrian safety △Inspecting old signs around shops, entertainment venues, and accommodations in preparation for heavy rain and strong winds.
In particular, following the amendments to the Outdoor Advertisement Act in January last year, placing political banners in children’s protection areas is prohibited. The district plans to request voluntary removal from violating businesses, and if not complied with, will proceed with forced removal.
Additionally, for old or faulty signs around busy shops, entertainment venues, and accommodations, voluntary maintenance is encouraged. However, if pedestrian safety is a concern, immediate maintenance or strengthened safety checks will be conducted.
Park Hee-young, the mayor of Yongsan-gu, stated, “Illegal advertisements not only harm the urban aesthetic but can also obstruct students’ views or threaten their safety. Through this cleanup, we aim to create a safe educational and living environment for students and parents.”
