Debate erupts over filming in Seoul's popular Han River swimming pools

Seoul's Han River swimming pools have become a major summer draw, with visitor numbers surging 77% in 2024. This popularity, however, has sparked a debate over filming and social media posting. Many visitors find their images captured without consent in the crowded pools, leading to discomfort and concern.

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I felt uncomfortable the moment I saw the video because I was wearing a swimsuit with a lot of exposed skin.

One 30-something visitor, identified as Ms. K, expressed distress after discovering a video of herself and her child on Instagram, filmed by another swimmer. "I felt uncomfortable the moment I saw the video because I was wearing a swimsuit with a lot of exposed skin," she told Hankyoreh. The sheer volume of people means unintended captures are common, with tens of thousands of photos and videos tagged 'Han River Swimming Pool' on Instagram.

Concerns extend to potential illegal filming. One visitor, Mr. Cho, noted people filming underwater with action cameras, raising anxieties about malicious intent. These fears were realized in August 2024 when a man impersonating a lifeguard was caught illegally filming at a Jamwon Han River pool. Unlike indoor pools with strict no-filming rules, Han River pools have a more relaxed atmosphere, which some visitors appreciate for checking their swimming techniques. However, the lack of clear regulations leaves room for conflict and unease.

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I was worried that there might be someone with bad intentions, like illegal filming.

Seoul's Future Han River Headquarters acknowledges the difficulty in regulating general user filming. They have posted anti-illegal filming banners and conduct regular announcements, advising users to report suspicious activity to the police. While they do not have specific rules against filming, the authorities are attempting to mitigate risks in these increasingly popular public spaces.

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We do not have separate regulations to restrict filming by general users.