The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced today (July 16) that nearly 150,000 people have visited Han River swimming pools and water parks since they opened for the summer season about a month ago.
According to the city, a total of 149,988 people visited the facilities over the 26 days from their opening on June 19 through July 14. The facilities include the Ttukseom and Yeouido swimming pools, as well as water parks in Jamsil, Gwangnaru, Nanji, and Yanghwa, which have a maximum water depth of 1 meter or less.
Ttukseom Swimming Pool saw the highest number of visitors with 50,819, followed by Yeouido Swimming Pool with 49,048.
The city stated, "Since July 3, we have extended operating hours until 10 p.m. for the Ttukseom and Yeouido swimming pools, as well as the Jamsil and Nanji water parks," adding, "Citizens continue to visit to enjoy water activities even after sunset." The city is also operating specialized programs for visitors to the swimming pools and water parks.
At the Ttukseom and Yeouido swimming pools, an ice bath event using portable pools is held on weekends and public holidays.
During the night, various forms of entertainment such as busking, DJ performances, and traditional tightrope walking are provided for visitors to enjoy while swimming.
Measures are also in place to ensure the pools remain safe and clean.
For the first time this year, the city has installed 136 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras across the six swimming pools and water parks for real-time video monitoring.
If a dangerous situation is detected, such as a visitor approaching a restricted area during break times, a warning screen appears on the control center monitor and an alarm sounds.
Since 2022, the city has fully replaced 37 water filtration systems at Han River swimming pools over a four-year period and has been conducting daily water quality tests for turbidity, residual chlorine (disinfectant), and pH levels throughout the operating season.
Park Jin-young, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Future Han River Headquarters, said, "We are receiving a great response as we provide a new leisure space for citizens on hot summer nights," adding, "Seoul will continue to strengthen safety management, convenience facilities, and water quality control so that more citizens can enjoy the nights at the Han River."
(Photo: Yonhap News)