Seoul [South Korea], March 11: The return of BTS with their full lineup is expected to bring central Seoul (South Korea) to a near standstill. City authorities have announced the deployment of approximately 3,400 security personnel for the March 21st concert at Gwanghwamun Square, with an estimated 260,000 people expected to flock to the area to watch the group's first joint performance in nearly four years.
According to the Korea JoongAng Daily on March 9, a safety plan was finalized at a high-level meeting chaired by Seoul Mayor Oh Se Hoon. He instructed relevant agencies to prepare for an event of unprecedented scale.
Seoul deploys a large police force for BTS's concert.
Police forces will begin patrolling the square and surrounding streets one day before the event to prevent overnight camping and illegal trading that could disrupt traffic. Fire and disaster response forces, with 99 fire trucks and 765 personnel, will also be deployed in three major areas around the venue to quickly handle any emergencies.
Widespread traffic restrictions will also be implemented. Entrances to Gwanghwamun Station, City Hall Station, and Gyeongbokgung Station will be temporarily closed, while trains passing through the area will not stop for most of the afternoon and evening. Bus routes through the central area will also have their routes adjusted. In addition, 12 extra subway trains will operate later at night to help disperse the large crowds after the show ends.
With tens of thousands of international fans expected to attend, the city is also enhancing its multilingual support services. Emergency announcements and traffic updates will be broadcast in both Korean and English. Digital guides and real-time maps, supporting up to four languages, will help visitors find their way, locate restrooms, and find information centers.
Approximately 70 tour guides and 600 volunteers will be deployed at various locations in the area, while the city's multilingual support hotline will increase staffing on March 20 and 21.
Mayor Oh Se Hoon emphasized that "the government's responsibility only ends when the last citizen returns home safely." He also expressed hope that international tourists would leave Seoul with the impression that the city's safety standards are at a high level.
Source: Thanh Nein Newspaper
