In an environment where trendy cafes, restaurants, and even public libraries are increasingly declaring themselves “child-free zones,” South Korean parents are feeling the squeeze.

“Whenever I go out with my son, I genuinely have no idea where to go,” said South Korean lawmaker Yong Hye-in while cradling her 23-month-old son during her address at the National Assembly on May 4th, a day before Children’s Day.

“We must abolish these zones and instead, adopt first-kids zones that give priority to kids and parents,” she pleaded.

Yong’s speech at the National Assembly came amid growing criticism about the soaring number of child-free zones, which first emerged in 2014. Data from the Jeju Research Institute reported 542 such zones across the country. 

“As children are typically accompanied by their parents, no-kids zones not only constitute discrimination against children but also against the whole family unit,” Lee Byoung-hoon, professor of sociology at Chung-Ang University, told Korea Pro. 

In light of this, one might anticipate widespread support for the emotional plea by lawmaker Yong Hye-in. But the reception has been more complex.

BUSINESS RIGHTS

“No-kids zones are not discrimination but are legitimate rights of business owners,” Lee Kyu-hyun, a father of two sons aged 4 and 6, told Korea Pro.

“It upsets me as a parent, but I agree that no-kids cafes and restaurants are necessary because other customers deserve to enjoy peace and quiet,” concurred Cho Youn-jin, a mother of two sons.

A 2023 survey by Hankook Research reflects a similar sentiment among a majority of South Koreans, including parents. The poll found that 73% of respondents believed that the establishment of no-kids zones is the right decision by business owners.

Proponents of no-kids zones also cite practical considerations, such as the prevention of accidents and property damage, and the right to be not disturbed by noisy children as grounds for justification.

These sentiments have had tangible impacts on policy proposals. An attempt by Jeju Island authorities to ban no-kids zones was met with significant opposition, resulting in the bill’s suspension.

The proliferation of no-kids zones has also come as a response to a series of court rulings that held business owners liable for injuries to children that occurred within their establishments.

One notable case from 2013 involved a court ruling which assigned 70% of the responsibility for a 10-year-old child’s injuries to a restaurant owner and a server. The child had suffered burns when he collided with the waiter, causing hot soup to spill on him.

Such rulings, which overlook parental neglect, spurred many cafe and restaurant owners to implement no-kids zones.

Upon exploring various child-free cafes listed on Naver, the most popular search portal in South Korea, it becomes apparent that many of these establishments have partial no-kids zones. Areas like floors with steep staircases are often designated as such to prevent accidents.

“Most no-kids restaurants and cafes are typically non-child-friendly establishments prone to accidents. As a responsible parent, I don’t take my kids to such places in the first place,” stated Lee Kyu-hyun, reflecting that no-kids venues never caused him any inconvenience.

A “No Kids Zone” sign at the entrance of a cafe in Pocheon, May 4, 2022 | Image: Cafe Soom via Instagram

TARGETING PARENTS

However, many argue that the ongoing expansion of child-free zones in various venues is attributable to parental irresponsibility rather than hostility toward children.

“Parents not disciplining their kids are the reason accidents happen in the first place,” Cha Hyun-soo, a Seoul-based cafe owner, told Korea Pro.

Disturbing encounters with careless parenting can even push business owners to consider the no-kids policy.

“The only time I seriously considered adopting a no-kids zone in my cafe was when one of the mothers left dirty diapers on the table and just left. I have never been more shocked in my life,” Kim Hyeong-ki, another cafe owner in Seoul, told Korea Pro.

Many complaints circulating in online communities echo these sentiments, reflecting frustrations over parents who fail to manage their children’s behavior in public spaces, such as restaurants and cafes.

However, many are quick to highlight that the parents deemed problematic don’t represent the majority, raising questions about the social implications of these child-free zones and the societal discourse surrounding parenting in South Korea.

Noh Seong-min, a college student who previously worked part-time at a cafe, shares a contrasting view. “I know that other parents have to suffer because of those few bad parents. But even if it is just two out of 10 parents not disciplining their children, it is an everyday incident for cafe owners,” he observed.

“So, I understand why some cafes have decided to ban children in the first place, even risking a dip in profits,” Noh added.

Still, some argue that if parental responsibility is at the heart of the issue, establishments should focus on enforcing good behavior from patrons and their children rather than restricting access to children.

Responding to this viewpoint, an increasing number of cafes are shifting from the “no-kids” label to promoting “care-kids” or “no bad parents” zones. This rebranding emphasizes the onus on caregivers to manage their children rather than pointing the finger at the children themselves.

A cafe door that has a sign that reads “No senior zone, people over 60 cannot enter,” May 8, 2023 | Image: The Qoo

GROWING EXCLUSIONS

In modern-day South Korea, the cultural pendulum appears to be swinging toward a greater appreciation for and recognition of individual freedoms and privacy. This trend has cast children in a more disruptive light, especially in environments where people seek peace. 

While children’s rights are gaining recognition, it appears that these are often eclipsed by the rights of adults — be they business owners seeking to manage their establishments or patrons desiring a child-free ambiance. This pattern has led to a diminishing tolerance for boisterous or misbehaving children.

However, children are not the only demographic being subject to restrictions.

Alongside the proliferation of no-kids zones, an array of other no-something zones have emerged in recent years. These include no-study zones, no-teenager zones, no-couple zones and even no-rapper zones, among others.

Most recently, a cafe instituted a “no-senior zone,” which disallowed the entrance of individuals over the age of 60. This decision immediately sparked a public outcry, resulting in a nationwide debate over its appropriateness.

Chung-Ang University’s Lee ascribes the continual surge of no-something zones to a cultural shift: “Co-existence is losing its value in modern-day South Korea,” he noted, also citing “declining efforts to understand each other.”

Against this backdrop, Lee doesn’t see pushing for a non-discrimination law as a viable solution, referencing a recent proposition in Jeju to ban child-free zones.

“Many times in South Korea, the law might be introduced but never enforced,” Lee explained.

“Without first changing societal perceptions towards these vulnerable groups: children, caregivers, and seniors, introducing an anti-discrimination bill would not bring any changes,” he said.

Edited by John Lee