ANYANG, SOUTH KOREA – In a significant move to elevate hygiene standards and service quality within the personal care sector, Anyang City has announced a comprehensive evaluation of public sanitation services across its 2,075 barber shops and beauty salons. The assessment, set to commence at the end of April and continue through June, underscores the city's commitment to ensuring a clean and safe environment for its residents.

This city-wide evaluation is a mandated biennial undertaking in accordance with South Korea's Public Health Control Act. Following successful evaluations of lodging facilities, bathhouses, and laundry services in the preceding year, Anyang City is now turning its attention to the personal grooming industry. The scope of this year's assessment includes 142 registered barber shops and 1,933 beauty salons, based on the registration data from the end of December 2024.

To guarantee impartiality and thoroughness, the evaluation process will be carried out by joint teams comprising both experienced public officials and dedicated civilian honorary public health inspectors. These teams will conduct on-site visits to each establishment, meticulously assessing their hygiene service levels against a detailed evaluation checklist tailored to the specific type of business.

The evaluation framework encompasses three critical areas: General Status, Legal Compliance, and Recommended Practices. Within these categories, businesses will be assessed on 22 to 25 specific criteria, ranging from general cleanliness and facility maintenance to adherence to health regulations and the implementation of best practices. Based on the cumulative scores, establishments will be assigned one of three distinct grades: Top-rated (Green Grade) for scores of 90 or higher, signifying exemplary hygiene standards; Excellent (Yellow Grade) for scores between 80 and 89, indicating a high level of cleanliness and service; and General (White Grade) for scores below 80.

In a move towards transparency and consumer empowerment, Anyang City will provide each evaluated establishment with a corresponding hygiene grade label for public display. Furthermore, the evaluation results will be made accessible on the city's official website. This public disclosure aims to incentivize business owners to continuously improve their service standards and provide consumers with clear information to make informed choices.

Mayor Choi Dae-ho emphasized the city's proactive stance, stating, "Our ongoing program of hygiene inspections and guidance, coupled with this comprehensive evaluation, demonstrates Anyang City's unwavering commitment to fostering a comfortable and safe environment within all public health establishments. By encouraging voluntary improvements and healthy competition among businesses, we strive to ensure that residents can confidently access these essential services."

This initiative reflects Anyang City's dedication to public health and its proactive measures to maintain high standards within the community's service sector. By providing clear benchmarks and promoting transparency, the city aims to create a more hygienic and consumer-friendly environment for all.