"Playing in the Water with My Child, but Cigarette Smoke Right in Front of Us"... The Uncomfortable Summer at Han River Pools

Enforcement Limited Despite “No Smoking” Notices on Site

Some Visitors Smoke Inside Due to Re-entry Restrictions

“Total Smoking Ban” vs “Need for Smoking Areas” Sparks Debate

At Seoul's outdoor swimming pools along the Han River, there have been repeated incidents of visitors smoking cigarettes close to the pool, causing increasing inconvenience for citizens. Given that many families with children frequent these pools, there are growing calls for management measures to address the issues of secondhand smoke exposure and the improper disposal of cigarette butts.

Smoking inside the swimming pool at Ttukseom Hangang Park. Photo by Yonhap News

On July 6, Yonhap News reported that recent incidents of smoking by some citizens inside Han River parks have sparked controversy, as families visiting the pools have been directly exposed to cigarette smoke and odor. According to Yonhap News, on the afternoon of July 2, the outdoor swimming pool at Ttukseom Hangang Park in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, was bustling with citizens enjoying the water, even during weekday daytime hours. However, it was not difficult to find visitors in swimsuits smoking cigarettes on the lawn inside the pool area and near temporary restrooms.

In some cases, the designated smoking spots were located just about 1 meter from the swimming pool. Children and other citizens playing in the water were directly exposed to cigarette smoke and odor. Although a notice at the pool entrance stated that smoking was prohibited inside the pool, many visitors on site did not comply. One parent, who visits the pool every weekend, said, "Since this year, there has been a noticeable increase in people smoking inside the pool. It's unpleasant and worrying to see people smoking right next to where my elementary school child is playing." Another visitor commented, "There are cigarette butts all over the lawn, which is not hygienic. Since children walk around barefoot here, better management is needed."

Restrictions on Reentry Lead to Smoking Inside Pools... Different Policies by Operator

The core issue is that there are limitations to enforcement under the current regulations. Since the entire Han River park is not designated as a non-smoking area, it is difficult to impose fines for smoking throughout the park. While Seoul City has designated and manages non-smoking zones to reduce secondhand smoke exposure, not all areas of Han River parks are included as non-smoking zones.

Seoul City opened six Han River outdoor swimming pools and water play areas simultaneously on June 19 to welcome the summer season, operating them until the end of August. The locations opening this year include Ttukseom and Yeouido swimming pools, as well as Jamsil, Gwangnaru, Nanji, and Yanghwa water play areas. Yonhap News

Currently, smoking booths are installed at key points in Han River parks. However, users of the Ttukseom pool have complained that the smoking booths are located far from the pool, making them inconvenient to access. In order to prevent smoking inside the pool, smokers need to be encouraged to exit and use the designated areas, but Ttukseom pool enforces a policy that restricts reentry once a visitor leaves.

As a result, some smokers appear to smoke in less conspicuous areas, such as around the periphery of the pool or near restrooms. The issue is exacerbated by the fact that different operators are responsible for different pools—such as Yeouido, Nanji, and Yanghwa, as well as Ttukseom, Jamsil, and Gwangnaru—leading to inconsistent policies regarding reentry and smoking guidance.

The Ttukseom pool management explained that reentry is restricted due to the proximity of residential areas such as apartment complexes. They noted that if visitors leave and attempt to reenter after an extended period, this could cause issues. However, aside from encouraging visitors to refrain from smoking, there are limited means of enforcement on site.

Public opinion online is divided. Some netizens have argued, "Pools frequented by children should be strictly designated as non-smoking zones," "Smoking inside the pool is a basic issue of public etiquette," and "Children's health rights should take precedence over smoking rights." On the other hand, other netizens have commented, "Instead of imposing blanket bans, there should be designated routes for smokers," "If reentry is restricted and smoking booths are far away, it is difficult to completely prevent smoking inside," and "A combination of a total smoking ban and separate smoking areas should be considered."

'Tug-of-War' Between Expanding Non-Smoking Zones and Securing Smoking Areas

At the heart of the controversy is a tug-of-war between non-smokers and smokers over 'expanding non-smoking zones' versus 'securing smoking areas.' While there are increasing calls to manage pool interiors as genuine non-smoking spaces to protect non-smokers and children, there is also a need for realistic facilities and operational policies that can guide smokers to designated places.

Image sketch related to smoking and smoking cessation. Photo by Jo Yong-jun

Some have suggested that, given the seasonal nature of Han River pools, there is a need to consider installing portable smoking booths or temporary smoking areas. By setting up temporary smoking zones at a sufficient distance from the pool and children's play areas, and introducing a limited reentry policy for smoking purposes, it could be possible to reduce covert smoking inside the premises.

However, the installation of portable smoking booths is also controversial. There are concerns that providing smoking spaces inside the pool area undermines the principle of non-smoking, and issues may arise regarding odor, litter, and the need for additional staff to manage the booths. Therefore, it has been suggested that, beyond merely installing the booths, there should be clear standards for location, ventilation, separation of routes, cleaning responsibilities, and enforcement authority.

Image sketch related to smoking and smoking cessation. Photo by Jo Yongjun

Seoul City has announced plans to advise the Ttukseom pool operator to strengthen on-site guidance and monitoring, as well as to review additional measures such as allowing reentry and installing no-smoking banners. As Han River swimming pools have established themselves as family-friendly summer destinations, citizens agree that operational standards should be updated to better reflect current realities. Since this issue goes beyond simple smoking etiquette to encompass children's health rights, public space usage, and the management of smoker routes, more specific measures from both Seoul City and pool operators are required.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.