Seoul's Han River pools face calls to restrict tattoos amid music complaints

Seoul's Han River swimming pools are experiencing a surge in popularity due to a relentless heatwave, drawing over 300,000 visitors since their opening in June. Facilities like the Ttukseom and Yeouido swimming pools, along with water play areas, have seen an 8% increase in visitors compared to last year, partly due to affordable entry fees and extended evening hours.

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Tattooed visitors give a sense of threat and disgust.

However, the influx of visitors has brought a rise in complaints, particularly concerning the visibility of tattoos and the nature of music played during DJ events. One visitor at the Ttukseom pool expressed discomfort with tattooed individuals, requesting restrictions or bans on visible tattoos, suggesting they be covered with rash guards. This sentiment is echoed by some who feel tattoos can be intimidating or offensive, especially in family-oriented spaces.

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Banning entry based solely on tattoos is clear discrimination.

Conversely, others argue that restricting access based on tattoos infringes upon personal expression and constitutes discrimination. They contend that public facilities should not deny entry based on a person's appearance or physical characteristics that might cause subjective displeasure to others.

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Although the number of complaints has not significantly increased compared to last year, we will review the opinions we have gathered and supplement areas that need improvement.

Complaints have also targeted DJ performances at the Yeouido and Nanji water play areas, where foreign music with lyrics referencing drugs or sexual acts was reportedly played loudly during daytime hours, disrupting children's activities. In response, a Seoul city official stated that while the number of complaints hasn't drastically increased from last year, the city will review the feedback and make necessary improvements. The city maintains that barring entry solely based on tattoos is difficult for a public facility accessible to all. While canceling the remaining DJ performances is not feasible, the city plans to adjust volume, song selection, and timing to mitigate issues.

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Due to the nature of public facilities accessible to everyone regardless of tattoos, it is difficult to restrict entry solely based on simple displeasure or intimidation.