The Seoul Metropolitan Government pledged on Wednesday to make the capital a “safe and pleasant” place for everyone, in anticipation of an expected increase in the number of tourists driven by the highly anticipated comeback of BTS next month.
The measures include a crackdown on overcharging practices in accommodations and traditional markets, as well as the organization of citywide special events for BTS fans. These events are currently being discussed during a meeting chaired by Seoul Mayor OH SE HOON, which began Wednesday at 10 a.m.
BTS is set to release its sixth studio album “ARIRANG” on March 20 and has announced a series of commemorative events, including a special performance at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul on March 21, as well as the launch of a world tour in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on April 9.
Safety is among the key agenda items of Wednesday’s meeting, with large crowds expected in major areas of the city, particularly Gwanghwamun Square and Seoul City Hall Square. The government said it will deploy a sufficient number of safety personnel, closely monitor crowd density, and activate immediate response systems, while also implementing transportation measures such as skipping certain subway stations and rerouting bus lines due to road closures. Seoul is also reviewing plans to broadcast multilingual safety messages on electronic screens in surrounding areas.
Regarding the eradication of unfair practices, the city plans to conduct joint inspections with district offices targeting accommodations and traditional markets. Seoul said it recently inspected 22 lodging establishments in the Jongno and Jung districts in central Seoul.
These establishments will be monitored for excessively high rates, failure to publicly display accommodation prices, and attempts to induce reservation cancellations.
“Mystery shoppers,” referring to inspectors posing as customers, will be deployed in traditional markets and tourist-heavy areas to examine overcharging practices, hygiene, and service quality.
Reports of unfair practices can be made by calling 02-120 or 1330 in Korea.
The government also plans numerous events for ARMY, the name of BTS fans, integrating tourism in Seoul. These include street performances at Dongdaemun Design Plaza in central Seoul, as well as in parks along the Han River throughout the city. An ARMY-themed event is also planned aboard Hangang Bus ferries.
“Organizing BTS’s comeback performance at Gwanghwamun Square, the heart of Seoul, is an ideal opportunity to showcase the charm of Seoul as a ‘global cultural capital’. We will adopt a comprehensive approach so that this event is remembered as a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors from around the world, and as a festival in harmony with the daily lives of our citizens,” said Mayor OH SE-HOON in a press release.
Journalist: Shawn
Translator: Shawn
Source: Seoul Metropolitan
