Gyeonggi Provincial Special Investigation Unit Uncovers 18 Illegal Activities Near Provincial Natural Parks

The Gyeonggi Provincial Special Investigation Unit announced on the 10th that it had conducted a crackdown on illegal activities near Gyeonggi provincial natural parks from July 6 to 16 and uncovered a total of 18 violations.

Provincial parks are natural parks designated under the Natural Parks Act for the purpose of protecting and utilizing natural scenery comparable to national parks. Gyeonggi Province has three designated provincial parks: Namhansanseong, Yeoninsan, and Surisan.

The crackdown was conducted ahead of the summer vacation season to eliminate illegal activities occurring near provincial parks, preserve a clean natural environment, and provide residents with a safe place of rest.

The violations consisted of a total of 18 cases, including △9 violations of the Food Sanitation Act (unauthorized expansion of business premises and failure to report changes in area, etc.) △5 violations of the Greenbelt Preservation Act (installation of unauthorized structures and alteration of land, etc.) △2 violations of the Tourism Promotion Act (operation of unreported other theme park businesses) △2 violations of the Public Water Surface and River Act (unauthorized occupation and use of public water surfaces and unauthorized use of river water, etc.).

Examining major violation cases, establishment A expanded its business premises by placing tables and other items in outdoor spaces without reporting changes to the business area, and unlawfully drew river water for use at the establishment.

Establishment B unlawfully altered land in the greenbelt preservation area for use as a parking lot, while establishment C was caught operating other theme park facilities (bouncing trampolines) without notifying the competent authority.

The violating businesses will be referred to the prosecution after investigation in accordance with applicable laws.

Kwon Moon-joo, head of the Special Investigation Unit, said, "We will do our best to continuously crack down on illegal activities near Gyeonggi provincial natural parks so that residents can enjoy a safe and clean natural environment."

Meanwhile, the Gyeonggi Provincial Special Investigation Unit is accepting reports from residents through its website (www.gg.go.kr/gg_special_cop) and the Gyeonggi Province call center (031-120).