Gyeonggi Province Cracks Down on 23 Illegal Activities at Summer Valleys and Streams

The Gyeonggi Provincial Special Judicial Police Unit announced on the 19th that it detected a total of 23 violations following an intensive crackdown on illegal activities at summer recreational areas such as valleys and streams.

The enforcement operation was conducted over 12 days from July 20 to 31 to block repeated unauthorized land use and unreported business operations at valleys and streams where visitor numbers increase during the summer vacation season, and to provide residents with safe and pleasant recreational environments.

Violations detected include △3 cases of unauthorized use of stream beds △13 cases of unreported food establishment operations and failure to report changes in business premises area △2 cases of unreported other recreational facility operations △5 cases of unauthorized structures or land modification within greenbelt zones.

Examining major violation cases, establishment A was caught installing temporary structures and pavilions on stream beds without approval from the competent authority and using them for food service operations.

Establishment B was found preparing and selling food to unspecified customers with kitchen facilities without food service notification, while establishment C was caught installing water slides and swimming pools and operating without reporting.

Establishment D was found installing tents and pavilions without permission from the competent authority in a greenbelt zone and operating a food establishment.

According to the ‘Stream Act,’ unauthorized use of a stream can result in imprisonment for up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million won. Under the ‘Food Sanitation Act,’ unreported food service business operations or failure to report changes in business premises area are subject to imprisonment for up to three years or a fine of up to 30 million won. Under the ‘Tourism Promotion Act,’ operating a theme park business without reporting, and under the ‘Greenbelt Act,’ installing structures or modifying land without permission can each result in imprisonment for up to one year or a fine of up to 10 million won.

Kwon Moon-ju, Head of Gyeonggi Provincial Special Judicial Police Unit, said “Valleys and streams are spaces that all residents should be able to use freely and safely,” and added “We will continue to conduct enforcement operations to eliminate activities that privatize recreational areas or undermine legal order through illegal business operations.”