Seoul wins approval for demonstration of advertising services using public bicycles

[Courtesy of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy]

SEOUL -- Seoul City won government approval to demonstrate outdoor advertising service using a public bicycle's body frame and wheels. Previously, advertisements attached to bicycles were prohibited due to safety reasons. Through the regulation exemption program, business operators will be able to advertise their products using public bicycles.

Seoul City was allowed to demonstrate outdoor advertising services using public bikes' parts through a regulatory sandbox policy that exempts regulations on new products or services for a certain period of time, South Korea's industry ministry said in a statement on December 30. Using a public bike's basket, frame and front-wheel cover, business operators can promote their products or services. Seoul said that the city government will demonstrate bicycles' advertisements in a safe environment to check safety risks.

Seoul's public bicycle rental service was used 23.7 million times in 2021, up 24 percent from a year ago. The increased number of public bike users was prompted by people choosing bicycles to travel short distances instead of using crowded public transports. The capital city is currently operating a public bike rental service called "Ttareungi" also known as "Seoul Bike." Seoul has been operating Ttareungi since 2015. Some 40,500 Ttareungi bikes are currently in operation.

Kim Joo-heon jhkim123@ajunews.com

Seoul wins approval for demonstration of advertising services using public bicycles

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