With the APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) Leaders' Meeting set to convene in Gyeongju, South Korea, in late October, authorities are preparing to enforce a "vacuum-state" level of security around key venues. The police and other security agencies have begun final checks on operational readiness to neutralize any potential threats in the weeks leading up to the summit's main events on October 31 and November 1.
The primary venues for the summit will be the Gyeongju Hwabaek Convention Center and the National Gyeongju Museum, which will host the leaders' gala dinner. A massive contingent of security personnel is being mobilized from across the country, with up to 18,500 officers to be deployed daily for security, traffic control, and protest prevention. Accommodations for these personnel have been secured in Gyeongju and surrounding cities, including Pohang, Yeongcheon, Gyeongsan, Ulsan, and Busan.
In addition to the large number of officers, a wide array of specialized equipment will be utilized to ensure airtight security. This includes signal jammers to neutralize unauthorized drones, police special forces' armored vehicles, and helicopters. A particularly noteworthy measure involves the Bomun Lake, which will be drained by approximately 70% before the summit to allow the coast guard to conduct thorough security inspections. The lake will then be refilled, and patrol boats will be deployed.
The security plan is built on lessons learned from the 2005 Busan APEC Summit, a massive event that saw over 20,000 attendees, including heads of state from 21 countries. At that time, heightened global tensions due to the Iraq War and widespread anti-APEC protests made security a paramount concern. The police established a comprehensive plan, collaborating with the military, fire services, and coast guard to divide responsibilities and conduct joint drills for contingencies.
For the upcoming summit, similar multi-layered security perimeters will be established. Venues will be designated as "special security zones" to preemptively manage and deter any surprise demonstrations. Entry to the meeting sites will be strictly controlled, with temporary ID cards issued to all personnel and participants. Metal detectors and barricades will be used to screen all individuals and vehicles entering the secure areas, ensuring no unauthorized access.
A police official stated, "We will maintain a seamless security posture during the APEC summit to ensure no safety issues arise for our foreign guests." This commitment underscores the meticulous preparation aimed at safeguarding the dignitaries and upholding the nation's reputation as a secure host for a major international event.
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