South Korea deploys massive security for Halloween crowd safety

South Korean authorities have launched comprehensive safety measures to manage large crowds during the Halloween period. The National Police Agency is deploying approximately 7,800 personnel across 28 key areas nationwide, including 14 locations in Seoul, to prevent accidents and manage pedestrian flow.

In Seoul, officials are implementing high-tech monitoring using AI-equipped surveillance cameras and real-time city data to track crowd density in districts such as Itaewon, Hongdae, Seongsu, and Gangnam. Specific measures include converting vehicle lanes into pedestrian spaces, managing bottleneck areas with one-way traffic guidance, and establishing joint on-site control rooms involving police, fire services, and local government officials.

Regional authorities are also taking action. Gyeonggi Province has issued special instructions to 31 municipalities to manage crowds in areas like Yongin and Pyeongtaek. In Incheon, officials expect up to 90,000 people in the Bupyeong area and have prepared emergency transport routes and CCTV monitoring. In Daegu, the Transit Corporation is deploying safety personnel and preparing temporary trains to handle increased subway usage near Dongseong-ro.