As summer returns in South Korea, so does debate over shirtless runners
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As summer temperatures climb in South Korea, more men are taking off their shirts along the Han River and in other public spaces.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- Shirtless running is becoming more common in South Korea during summer but sparks complaints about public etiquette, especially near family areas.
- Visible tattoos on shirtless runners increase discomfort for some residents, while others defend personal freedom if no laws are broken.
- The Constitutional Court ruled in 2016 that only exposure of intimate parts is illegal, but debate and calls for public guidance continue.
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SEOUL – Shirtless male runners may be a common sight in some overseas cities and beach resorts, but the practice remains relatively unfamiliar and controversial in South Korea.
Yet, as summer temperatures climb, a growing number of men are taking off their shirts along the Han River and in other public spaces, fuelling complaints and debate over public etiquette.
While some view it as a matter of personal freedom, local governments continue to receive complaints from residents who say shirtless running can make public spaces uncomfortable to be in, particularly for families with children.
The controversy can intensify when runners have visible tattoos, with some residents saying the combination causes greater discomfort in shared public spaces. Others, however, argue that people should be free to choose how they dress while exercising, as long as they do not violate the law.
Regarding shirtless running along the Han River, a Seoul Metropolitan Government official said the activity is not subject to legal penalties or fines. The city is nevertheless considering strengthening public guidance in response to complaints.
The debate over men going shirtless in public has persisted in South Korea for years.
In 2016, the Constitutional Court ruled that the “obscene exposure” provision of the Minor Offences Act was unconstitutional because it was overly vague. The case was brought by a man who had been fined 50,000 won for sunbathing shirtless in a park.
The law was later revised to clarify that the offence applies only to those who expose their genitals, buttocks or other intimate body parts in public.
Some public facilities also restricted shirtless activities during the Covid-19 pandemic, citing hygiene concerns and the possible spread of bodily fluids. Such restrictions have since largely faded as public spaces returned to normal operations.
Still, the debate has persisted.
In November 2025, a foreign jogger who ran shirtless near Gwanghwamun drew criticism online, with some arguing that visitors to cultural heritage sites should be more mindful of local norms.
Sungshin Women’s University professor Seo Kyoung-duk said at the time: “Of course, people can run, but they should follow basic etiquette in public spaces.” THE KOREA HERALD/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
