Seoul braces for BTS concert with massive security and crowd control plans
Seoul is preparing for a major BTS concert in Gwanghwamun this Saturday. With clear spring weather forecast, temperatures will range from 2 to 15 degrees Celsius throughout the day. Authorities have rolled out extensive safety and crowd control measures ahead of the event.
The city has taken significant steps to ensure security for the concert. Over 4,800 police officers and 3,400 city staff will manage crowds and anti-terror operations. Structural inspections have been completed, and 31 nearby buildings will face access restrictions, including roof closures. A national terror alert was also raised on March 18 in anticipation of the event.
Public services have been expanded to assist attendees. Multilingual guides and medical stations will be available, while 894 public toilets in nearby buildings have been secured. Road closures and transport diversions around Gwanghwamun will take effect on Saturday, though fine dust levels are expected to remain low until then. Weather conditions will be mild, with temperatures reaching 8 degrees Celsius by 8 p.m. However, ultrafine dust levels are forecast to rise again to 'high' from Sunday, following an improvement from Thursday to Saturday.
The concert will draw large crowds to central Seoul, with safety and logistical preparations in full force. After the event, air quality is set to worsen, marking a return to elevated dust levels across the region.
