Harm reduction & welfare

An expert who runs a venue said regular guests “share the work”, because many feel responsible for the space and for each other. Small venues do not have a welfare team, so managers or door staff take on the role. The expert said harm reduction also covers how staff treat someone who is drunk, who people can tell about harassment, and whether trans or queer people feel threatened.

When asked, 60% of survey respondents say safety or medical staff would be helpful during incidents. But the expert said no professional organisation does this work in Seoul, and that what is missing is professional training and resources, not willingness.