South Korea prepares for 2026 Ulchi Exercise

South Korean government agencies and local authorities are preparing for the 2026 Ulchi Exercise, a national emergency preparedness drill scheduled to take place from August 18 to 21.

In Seoul, Gangdong-gu will conduct the exercise with the participation of 15 agencies, including the local district office, police, and fire services. The drill will include emergency mobilization training, wartime transition procedures, and discussions on wartime issues. A specific training session at the Gangdong Central Library will simulate the operation of a relief center for displaced persons. The district also plans to hold exhibitions related to the Korean War to bolster security awareness among citizens and officials.

At the national level, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) is reviewing the readiness of 13 regional offices and affiliated institutions. The MSS aims to verify the effectiveness of wartime support systems for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), focusing on the supply of raw materials and business site support during emergencies. The ministry held a preparatory meeting to inspect mission 수행 systems and coordination between related organizations to ensure government functions remain stable during national emergencies or cyber-attacks.