The city of Busan is taking full-scale action against the problem of rampant illegal banners by nearly doubling its "banner-free clean streets."
Busan said Sunday it would expand its "banner-free clean streets" from the current 18 sites to 31 to create a safe and pleasant urban environment. The 13 newly designated locations include Yangjeong Intersection, Suyeong Intersection, and Imrang Beach, areas with heavy foot traffic and vehicle movement. The program will be fully implemented after a one-month promotion and guidance period in June.
The measure follows criticism that banners indiscriminately installed throughout Busan's major tourist attractions and gateway areas damage the city's image. In particular, critics have steadily pointed out that various commercial advertisements and political and administrative promotional banners cover roadsides and intersections, causing visual fatigue for citizens and even threatening traffic safety.
The city operates a permanent management system that restricts the installation of commercial and administrative banners within clean street zones and immediately removes illegal banners upon detection. According to the city, with continued cooperation from citizens, political parties, and public institutions, some results are emerging, such as a decrease in the number of illegal banner cleanups in these zones.
The biggest variable, however, is election and party banners. Because such banners can be posted if they meet certain requirements under current law, there are limits to local governments forcibly removing or regulating them. Accordingly, the city plans to encourage voluntary participation by political parties through promotion and guidance on the purpose of the program rather than direct enforcement.
The city is also pursuing institutional improvements. It plans to establish an effective management system by continuing to petition the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to revise the exemption clause for outdoor advertising and to specify standards for posting election and party banners.
"Indiscriminately installed banners can obstruct pedestrian passage and drivers' sightlines, increasing the risk of safety accidents," a city official said. "Through the expanded operation of clean streets, we will work to reduce safety hazards and provide a more pleasant and beautiful urban landscape for tourists and citizens."
