No kid zone

This article is about the practice in South Korea. For other places that restrict children, see Age segregation.
A no kid zone sign at a cafe in South Korea, prohibiting entry to children under 13[1]

No kid zones are places in South Korea that prohibit children from being on the premises. No kid zones may be enforced by public venues and private businesses.[2] First becoming common in the early 2010s, no kid zones are commonly established to protect businesses from legal liability, but they may also be used to prevent children from disturbing adults. Places that are commonly designated as no kid zones include coffeehouses, restaurants, and movie theatres as well as national landmarks such as the National Library of Korea. They are most common on Jeju Island.

The use of no kid zones is debated. Proponents argue that businesses have a right to exclude children, while opponents consider them discriminatory toward children, mothers and fathers. The National Human Rights Commission of Korea described them as discriminatory in a 2017 decision. Some businesses designate themselves as Kids OK Zones to indicate that children are allowed on the premises.

  1. ^ 최, 원석 (2021-08-04). "카페 사장님들, '노 키즈 존' 말고 이건 어떠신가요?". OhmyNews (in Korean). Archived from the original on 2024-07-12. Retrieved 2024-07-13.
  2. ^ "South Korean lawmaker's call to abolish 'no-kids zones' sparks controversy". The Straits Times. 5 May 2023. Archived from the original on 13 July 2024. Retrieved 13 July 2024.