Seoul Security BTS Concert

As anticipation builds for BTS’ full-group comeback performance, Gwanghwamun Square is under tight security, with more than 10,000 personnel mobilized to ensure safety and prevent any incidents.

The highly-anticipated BTS concert on Saturday is expected to attract an estimated 260,000 attendees, including 22,000 ticket holders. This marks the largest cultural event at Gwanghwamun Square since the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups.

The police force will deploy approximately 6,700 officers throughout the day of the concert, which commences at 8 p.m. This includes 72 mobile units and 35 detective teams strategically positioned throughout the venue.

This deployment more than doubles the roughly 3,000 officers typically assigned to the annual Yeouido Fireworks Festival in Seoul, which attracts around 1 million visitors each year in October.

In addition to the police presence, 3,400 safety personnel from the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Jung-gu District, and the Seoul Fire and Disaster Headquarters will be on-site. The event organizer, Hybe, will also contribute 4,800 staff members.

Furthermore, 102 fire trucks and 803 firefighters will be ready for immediate response, with 20 ambulances strategically located near the concert venue.

Given the concert’s global appeal, attracting fans from around the world, authorities have implemented comprehensive counterterrorism measures.

The government elevated the terror alert level in parts of Jongno-gu and Jung-gu districts from “attention” to “caution” from Thursday through Saturday. This is part of the country’s four-tier system that goes from attention, caution, alert to severe.

Metal detectors will be installed at the venue’s 31 entry gates from 7 a.m. on the day of the concert to prevent the entry of potentially dangerous items. Regular patrols will be conducted, and suspicious individuals will be subject to thorough screening.

Security has been significantly increased at nearby subway stations. Storage lockers at 17 stations across Seoul, including Jonggak, City Hall, Jongno 3 ga and Euljiro 1 ga, have been temporarily suspended from 5 a.m. and will remain closed until 1 a.m. Sunday as a preventative measure.

Traffic restrictions related to the BTS comeback show began this afternoon, prompting many commuters to avoid driving into the Gwanghwamun area.

“It’s usually quite crowded around here, and with the concert, it’s going to be much worse, so I decided to leave my car at home,” said Kim, a lawyer working at D-Tower near Gwanghwamun Square.

Approximately 1.2 kilometers of road, from the square’s northern end to City Hall, will be closed to vehicular traffic from 9 p.m. tonight through 6 a.m. Sunday.

Public transport will also be affected with station closures implemented around the square on the concert day.

Trains will not stop at Gwanghwamun, City Hall and Gyeongbokgung stations from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. All entrances to these stations will be temporarily blocked to prevent overcrowding.

To cater to the needs of concertgoers, convenience and medical facilities have been established.

The Seoul city government has installed 2,551 portable toilets around the square. Foreign language support and translation services will also be available on-site for international fans.

Temporary medical clinics will be set up to address any medical emergencies.

Located near the statues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, and at the Seoul Hall of Urbanism and Architecture, these facilities will operate from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m., providing on-site treatment for minor injuries and coordinating transfers to nearby hospitals for serious cases.

Hybe will also operate 11 medical booths at surrounding locations including the Kyobo Life Insurance building, Donghwa Duty Free, and the New Seoul Hotel.

cjh