Visitors cool off at Yeouido Hangang Park's outdoor pool during a DJ-led pool party on July 19 in central Seoul. (Lim Jae-seong/The Korea Herald) Seoul’s expanded summer programs at Han River swimming pools have attracted more visitors, along with complaints over music, noise and tattooed guests.The Seoul Metropolitan Government operates six outdoor pools and water playgrounds along the Han River, charging admission of up to 5,000 won ($3.50).This year, it extended operating hours until 10 p.m. and introduced DJ-led pool parties at two locations, drawing families, young adults and foreign tourists.According to local media reports Thursday, some visitors complained that songs played during the DJ events contained references to drugs and sexual activity, even though children were present at the pools.The city said it would review playlists, volume levels and performance times in response.Other complaints called for restrictions on people with visible tattoos, which some visitors said created an intimidating atmosphere.The city rejected the requests, saying public facilities must remain open to all and that personal discomfort was not sufficient grounds to deny entry.“Although the number of complaints this year is not substantially higher than last year, we will review the opinions we have received and improve areas where changes are needed,” a city official said.From June 19 to July 30, the six pools and water playgrounds at Ttukseom, Yeouido, Jamsil, Gwangnaru, Nanji and Yanghwa drew 306,958 visitors, up 8 percent from 283,894 during the comparable operating period last year.During a special peak-season management period from July 24 to Aug. 16, the city is increasing inspections from once to three times a week, stepping up filtration and water-quality testing and deploying additional safety personnel.
Loud parties stir complaints at Seoul's public outdoor pools
Seoul’s expanded summer programs at Han River swimming pools have attracted more visitors, along with complaints over music, noise and tattooed guests. The Seou














