Interior ministry sets 10-day Halloween crowd safety period

The interior ministry said Tuesday it has designated 10 days from Oct. 23 to Nov. 1 as a special period for managing Halloween crowds, issuing a "caution" crisis alert for 28 locations nationwide expected to draw large gatherings.

Inspection teams have been sent to 12 areas ahead of the holiday, including Itaewon, Hongdae, Seongsu-dong, Konkuk University, Gangnam Station, Apgujeong, Myeong-dong and Ikseon-dong in Seoul, as well as Cheomdan District in Gwangju and South Jeolla Province, Seomyeon in Busan, Dongseongno in Daegu and Dunsan-dong in Daejeon.

From Oct. 30 through Nov. 1, including Halloween day itself, the ministry will send director-level situation managers to the same 12 areas to work alongside local governments, police and firefighters until crowds have dispersed safely.

"The government will do everything it can, together with the relevant agencies, to manage crowd safety," Youn said. "I also ask members of the public enjoying Halloween festivities to familiarize themselves with the safety guidelines and to cooperate actively with instructions to maintain order at venues."

The ministry urged the public to avoid crowded places during peak hours, to check exits and escape routes in advance, to keep a safe distance in narrow alleys, on slopes and on stairs, and to follow one-way traffic on the right as directed by safety staff. It said anyone feeling pressure from a crowd should leave the area immediately and call 112 or 119.